Overview
Philosophy (from the Greek philein “to love” and sophia for wisdom, literally, the love of wisdom) as an academic discipline began in ancient Greece during the sixth century B.C. when certain individuals rejected the traditional myths and sought to answer fundamental questions about life and about the universe using unassisted reasoning and observation alone, independent of unquestioned myth, sacred scripture, custom, or absolute priestly authority. This self-sustaining conversation, in which one philosopher after another puts forward a theory or claim backed by  reasoned arguments which are to be examined and criticized on the basis of their logical merits alone, and in which theories are rejected, revised, or retained on the basis of independent, reasoned argument alone, continues at Shoreline Community College, where philosophy students are encouraged to think for themselves as they grapple with the historically significant ideas of philosophy. The philosophy sequence at Shoreline begins with the theories and methods of the earliest philosophers on record and then examines the arguments and counterarguments of other historically significant thinkers in the philosophical tradition, on fundamental issues, down to the modern period. Philosophy courses at Shoreline are designed to be the academic equivalent of the corresponding courses at the University of Washington. Philosophy students at Shoreline learn rigorous logical and critical thinking skills as they evaluate alternative philosophical theories. Whether or not you plan to transfer to a four year school, the study of philosophy can help you acquire general logical and analytical skills needed in higher level college classes.

Which General Education Outcomes are Addressed by Shoreline Philosophy Classes

• Quantitative Reasoning. Students will demonstrate college-level skills and knowledge in applying the principles of mathematics and logic.
• Communication. Students will read, write, speak in, and listen to college-level English. Effective communication incorporates awareness of the social nature of communication and the effects of ethnicity, age, culture, gender, sexual orientation and ability on sending and receiving oral, non-verbal, and written messages.
• Information Literacy. Students will access, use and evaluate information in a variety of formats, keeping in mind social, legal and ethical issues surrounding information access in today's society.
• General Intellectual Abilities. Students will think critically within a discipline, identify connections and relationships among disciplines, and use an integrated approach to analyze new situations.
• Global Awareness. Students will demonstrate understanding and awareness of issues related to, and consequences of, the growing global interdependence of diverse societies by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines. Students will describe how social, cultural, political, and economic values and norms interact.

Do Shoreline Philosophy Courses Meet AA Degree Distribution Requirements?

Yes, at Shoreline, philosophy is a social science and all philosophy courses fulfill the social science distribution requirement.  Two philosophy courses also meet the quantitative/ symbolic reasoning requirement, and may also meet mathematics requirements: Philosophy 120 (Logic) and Philosophy 115 (Critical Thinking).

Do Shoreline Philosophy Courses Transfer to Four-Year Schools?

Yes, all Shoreline philosophy courses transfer to four-year institutions.

Transfer Degree: Associate of Arts Degree General Transfer A
Program Requirement Sheet | Homepage | Course Descriptions | Classes offered this quarter
Designed to provide students with a broad liberal arts background of study during their first and second years of college with an emphasis on philosophy. The state’s two-year and four-year schools developed transfer agreements that allow students from a community college to transfer at least 90 credits (60 semester credits) to a four-year college or university. The degrees satisfy some – or all – general requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Faculty

Paul Herrick (Philosophy) Ph.D, Philosophy, University of Washington | Faculty Web Page
Office 5312, (206) 546-4685, pherrick@shoreline.edu

Linda Warren (Philosophy) Ph.D, Philosophy, State University of New York, Binghamton | Faculty Web Page
Office  5368, (206) 546-6987, lwarren@shoreline.edu

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