This sentence is false.
Is it? If so, then it is what it says it is (i.e., false), so what it says is true. So if it's false, it's true. If it's true, however, then it is not what it says it is, which is false. So it's false, if it is true. So it is true just in case it is false. But nothing can be true just in case it is false.
Something has gone wrong. We have reached an unacceptable conclusion via apparently acceptable reasoning. It seems our ordinary understanding of meaning and truth has lead to paradox . Through focused writing and revision, this course will follow thinkers from Aristotle and Zeno to present day philosophers in thinking about and discussing some of history's most stubborn paradoxes. We will examine and evaluate proposed solutions to paradoxes about space and time, truth and rational belief, and objects and persons. Students will formulate and defend their own views through several peer-reviewed short writing assignments and an 8-10 page research paper. By the course's conclusion, students should have tools to assist them to critically read, write, and revise clear and effective argumentative essays on any given subject matter.
To satisfy the College's writing requirement, students must complete this course with a grade of C or higher.
Instructor: Chris Tillman
CRN: 12262
Class Times: Monday and Wednesday, 12:30 – 1:45pm
Class Location: Lattimore 431 (Map)
Office Hours:
Office Location: College Writing Program, Rush Rhees Library, G-121
Telephone:
E-mail: ctmn@mail.rochester.edu
Department of Philosophy office location: Lattimore 534
Department of Philosophy phone number: 275-4387