I came into the class with no knowledge about philosophy and now I notice that I’m able to use what I’ve learned in life, and am able to discuss topics learned in class with other people.
[I found] learning about different views from different philosophers [to be most educationally valuable about this course.] This class taught me lessons that I will use in the real world, not just in this class.
Seeing and learning how to formulate a philosophical argument was extremely valuable. This gives me insight on not only how to argue philosophically, but can also be applied to other areas of study.
It made me think in ways my mind has not been trained to think.
The course presented different ways to think and address controversial topics.
I liked that this course challenged my viewpoints on a regular basis and made me think.
It taught me a new way to look at certain controversial issues, it really changed my thought process.
[I found] different viewpoints on moral issues [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
I learned to think outside the box and I also became better at analyzing arguments.
I thought this course was really interesting. I learned a new and different way to look at things. I never realized the flaws and objections that existed when it came to certain issues. This class was really intriguing and I would recommend it to others.
[I found] trying to think objectively and considering other viewpoints [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
[The instructor] helped me question beliefs I didn’t know I had [and] made it relatively easy to understand two sides of many different arguments.
[I found] a better and new understanding of philosophy [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]; I do believe it’s a difficult topic . . . but it was a new experience that I’ve enjoyed. [It has] definitely helped my critical thinking skills.
I found it valuable to listen to theories on topics and consider them before making an assumption.
[I found] the ability to effectively and critically make/analyze philosophical arguments [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
This course helped me with the ability to form arguments in good fashion and I am able to distinguish between credible/non-credible premises.
[I found] crafting an argument and responding critically to proposed ideas [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
[I found] the ability to look at conclusions from a different perspective and not just accept an answer for what it is [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
I am now able to dissect and pick apart arguments.
[I found] the fact that we had open discussions and were challenged to think critically about hard and conflicting topics [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
[I found] realizing different points of views and different ways to look at things [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
It’s a completely different way of thinking! I think that in itself is valuable. It’s unlike a lot of other classes, and really does expand your mind.
I found the course material to be incredibly enjoyable and informational; I am definitely leaving with broader and deeper thinking and knowledge that I started with. I am now even considering a philosophy minor after taking this course.
This has been my favorite class of college so far. I’m exploratory and will definitely be majoring or at least minoring in philosophy. This class was very valuable because we read the real writing of Plato and Descartes, which was both educational and fascinating. The class teaches you to step back from what you know and examine theories of reality, the existence of god (sic), and other quintessential issues.
I learned a lot about philosophies that I never knew about which had a major impact on the way our society was shaped.
[I found] looking at different points of view and analyzing arguments [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
[I found] learning about how to logically analyze things which I would never even question normally [to be most educationally valuable about this course.]
I love how the course made you think about things you do in everyday life.
[I found] morals . . . taught, which helped shape my real world experiences [to be most educationally valuable about this course]; they also helped with other classes I am taking, like Anthropology.
