PHIL 1040
Great Philosophers
In this course we focus on some of the most important texts in the history of Western philosophy in order to discuss a wide range of central philosophical problems. We typically consider, for example, the existence of God, the justification of claims to knowledge, and the requirements of a good human life, including the demands of morality. Among the philosophers most likely to be studied are Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. Our goal is not just to appreciate the genius of some great philosophers but also to grapple with the current philosophical problems they have bequeathed to us.
Instructors
Brown, Christopher Colacchia, Colacchia, Eric Brown, Koziolek, Nicholas Koziolek, Paula Watson
Reviews
2-4 hrs/week
Mostly pretty chill, readings can be really confusing and hard to follow because of their archaic language, but Colacchia breaks them down really nicely, and he can very effectively lead a discussion-based class. Can be a little boring sometimes but there definitely have been some thought-provoking questions from time to time. Colacchia also allows revisions for the midterm essays and gives really good feedback on them; I pulled my 82.5 up to a 97.5 post revision.
5/9/2025
Dude is just a 10/10 chiller. Don't get me wrong, great philosophers is not a class I enjoy, but Dr. K makes up for it. I had some really important meetings I needed to attend during class hours, and he was super understanding - something I can't say for others. I love this guy even if his class isn't my thing.
9/18/2024
2 or less hrs/week
intro level phil courses are unfortunately homing beacons for people who are loudly insecure in their intelligence, great philosophers really attracts the worst of the worst though. since the class is formatted in a mostly learn by discussing structure if the people in your class suck the class is gonna suck. i kid you not someone loudly and proudly posed “do you think hitler was a virtuous person” and “dont you think slavery had some merits though” as completely unironic ungermane attempt to sound smart and contrarian. overall, colacchia didnt really seem like someone who knew how to lead a productive learning environment. he appears to know his stuff though
6/13/2024
Business Ethics was by far my favorite class that i've taken. All the readings were super interesting and the workload was very easy. A quiz before every class but graded on completion, 2 short essay exams(notes/readings allowed), and 1 short paper. It's a fascinating topic and he makes discussion flow very smoothly.
6/4/2024
2 or less hrs/week
oh my goodness was this class a waste of time. The readings are very metaphysical if you like that stuff (I don\'t). Classes get sidetracked by stupid kids who ask ridiculous questions. Koziolek did nothing to point the classes in any meaningful direction. I really got nothing out of this class, just of bunch of stem kids filling a humanities requirement, and a few "future philosophers" who will ask upsettingly stupid questions
5/19/2024
Nic is a fun lecturer that makes class pretty engaging. The class (business ethics) was very chill, but attendance is required.
5/10/2024
As my first philosophy course, I wasn't ready for the density of the material, but his explanations made the class possible for me. Without him walking us through each reading from before the class, I would not have gotten an A. The amount of reading tended to fluctuate, but it got harder as the semester went on.
1/12/2024
Gives huge mansplainer vibes and definitely loves the sound of his own voice. But, at the same time, very thoughtful and intelligent. Also very kind and understanding.
12/5/2023
I cannot say enough good things about Professor Koziolek. He is absolutely brilliant, but what truly sets him apart is the way he runs his class; he encourages us to openly embrace our mistakes, and is very humble in encouraging us to question and doubt the things he says. Highly recommend taking a class of his during your time at WashU.
10/24/2022
Prof. Koziolek was a really great teacher and an interesting lecturer. The class grade depended heavily on essays, with a little bit for participation. There were quizzes on each reading, but they were graded on completion. I highly recommend going to him about the essays since they are such a big part of the grade.
6/20/2022
Best prof I've ever had. He cares about each individual student, is exceptionally kind and understanding, and facilitates learning in a non-stressful way. He's wonderfully human in the way that he understands and relates to students, creating a safe space. Not to mention absolutely brilliant. I love the guy and you'd be lucky to learn from him:)
12/20/2021
Amazing professor. Absolutely loved his teaching style but he does not grade the papers, his TA does, and she is actually the worst. Unfair grader, comments don't make sense, hard to contact, etc. Would be my favorite class if she was not a part of it.
12/10/2015
Incredible professor. I enjoyed his class the most, by far, my first semester. Reading the works and listening to his explanations and often-hilarious examples in class were eye-opening and actually life-changing. I would take another class again with him in a heartbeat. Also not that much work involved - 3 short essays and 5 easy quizzes.
2/6/2007
basically, i am in love with this man. amazingly clear and knowledgable, and I wind up in hysterics just about every class. very down to earth and excited about teaching. i wish he was teaching a more advanced course next semester!!
11/16/2006
Awesome professor. Best I've ever had. Engaging discussions, helpful assignments and a phenomenal understanding of the subject and ability to teach it
1/20/2005