Most People Are Apprehensive About This Course During The Fa

Most People Are Apprehensive About This Course During The First Week O

Most people are apprehensive about this course during the first week of the term because they do not know what Philosophy actually is or what to expect in a Philosophy course. You have had seven weeks to figure it out, and while you might still have some unanswered questions, you know a lot more than you did when you made your introductions. Would you have felt more comfortable when the course began if some student who had already taken PL201 sent you a letter in which he or she shared their experiences in the course? Most people would answer, “Yes.” Because, no matter how reassuring the instructor sounds during the first week, a first-hand account from a former student seems a lot more credible than do the platitudes from someone who spent many years in college studying this subject in detail.

Here is your chance to be that “former student” and to share your wisdom and what you have learned with someone who will be entering the course, possibly knowing even less than you did when you started PL201. Keep in mind that these “Letters to a new student” could, in fact, become valuable reading material for future students. So, you want to be honest, precise, and approachable.

Consider sharing the following insights: if you were apprehensive at the start and found that the class was better than you expected, begin by mentioning that to reassure new students. Reflect on the moment when you decided that the course had some usefulness—what was it, and why did it seem valuable? Think about the most important thing you learned about yourself during the course and why that discovery matters to you now. Share who your favorite philosopher was and why, or discuss multiple thinkers if you prefer. Mention any surprising lessons you learned or particular weeks you enjoyed most or least, with reasons. Consider also the skills you gained that may apply in future classes or real life and how you plan to use them.

Additionally, think about what you wish your Student Advisor had told you when you signed up, especially regarding the fundamental question: “What is Philosophy?” Try to explain in one or two sentences how you would define philosophy to help new students understand its essence. Lastly, share any other advice or insights you wish someone had given you during your first week in PL201.

Paper For Above instruction

Dear Future PL201 Student,

When I first enrolled in Philosophy 201, I was honestly quite apprehensive. I had little idea of what to expect from a philosophy course, and the abstract nature of the subject initially seemed intimidating. However, looking back now after completing seven weeks, I can confidently say that the experience turned out to be far more enriching and engaging than I initially thought. The course exceeded my expectations, and I am glad I persisted through the uncertainties.

The moment I realized the course would be useful was during the second week, when we discussed foundational questions about existence and knowledge. It was at that point I began to see how philosophy could sharpen my critical thinking skills and help me understand different perspectives. This realization made the learning process more meaningful and motivated me to stay committed.

One of the most significant lessons I learned about myself is my tendency to accept surface-level explanations. Engaging with philosophical ideas challenged me to think deeper and question assumptions. Discovering this about myself has helped me develop a more analytical mindset, which I find useful beyond academics—especially when making everyday decisions or debates.

My favorite philosopher was Socrates because of his commitment to questioning and dialogue as a way of seeking truth. His method encouraged me to be more curious and skeptical, traits that I now consider crucial for learning and personal growth. I also appreciated the insights of Descartes, especially his emphasis on the mind and doubt, which provided a fascinating perspective on self-awareness and knowledge.

One of the most surprising lessons learned was that philosophy is not just about memorizing theories but about engaging in meaningful inquiry. This discovery transformed my approach from viewing philosophy as abstract and disconnected to seeing it as a practical tool for understanding life.

Throughout the course, I enjoyed the weeks dedicated to ethics and moral philosophy because they directly relate to real-world issues and personal values. Conversely, I found the discussion on metaphysics more challenging but equally intriguing, as it pushed me to think beyond empirical evidence.

The most useful skill I acquired is critical thinking—an ability to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, and evaluate evidence meticulously. I plan to use this skill in future academic pursuits, workplace debates, and everyday decision-making, as it helps me approach problems more logically and objectively.

If there is one thing I wish my Student Advisor had mentioned, it would be to approach the course with an open mind and patience. Philosophy often challenges preconceived notions, and not every week will be easy, but persistence pays off. Additionally, I would tell new students that understanding philosophy is less about memorizing ideas and more about engaging in honest, reflective inquiry.

In explaining what philosophy is, I would say: Philosophy is the pursuit of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality through reasoned argument and critical reflection. It is about questioning assumptions and seeking understanding beyond surface appearances.

My advice to new students is to stay curious, ask questions, and be patient with themselves. The journey through philosophy is not always straightforward, but it is immensely rewarding and transformative. Don’t be discouraged by difficulty; instead, view it as an essential part of learning and personal growth.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References

• Descartes, R. (1641). Meditations on First Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Socrates. (Published posthumously). The Socratic Dialogues, translated by Hugh Tredennick. Harvard University Press.
• Nagel, T. (1971). The View From Nowhere. Oxford University Press.
• Russell, B. (1912). The Problems of Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
• Ayer, A. J. (1959). Language, Truth, and Logic. Dover Publications.
• Armstrong, D. M. (1968). A Materialist Theory of Mind. Routledge.
• Hume, D. (1748). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Clarendon Press.
• Kant, I. (1781). Critique of Pure Reason. Cambridge University Press.
• Camus, A. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Gallimard.
• Rachels, J. (2003). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.