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
Allan Hazlett, Anne Margaret Baxley, Christopher Colacchia, Claude Evans, Dennis Des Chene, Eric Brown, Fay Edwards, John Heil, Lori Watson, Nicholas Koziolek, Paula Watson
Reviews
Great and funny teacher! Pretty easy class, but the material can be hard to understand, so pay attention to lectures if you don't understand. Class is pretty much just a lecture, but then you have discussion at the end, which I think adds a lot to the class.
4/21/2026
Very sweet guy who's kind and caring. Nice grader and very easy to get an A. Lectures were a bit boring and one-sided but he gives time for group discussion at the end. Not life-changing but definitely a good class. Don't go on computer and not participate during lecture, he won't say anything but will tank your participation grade at the end.
3/28/2026
Took this class Spring 2025, and it was great! Colacchia is super caring and gives interesting lectures. Meet with him for OH and he will help you do well on papers. Take your time and put effort into reading responses so you get a few 3/2's and it will go a very long way later in the semester!
12/1/2025
Professor Colacchia's great at running a discussion-based class and goes over assigned readings and presents philosophical concepts very succinctly. Many readings are very long and confusing because of their archaic language but Colacchia breaks them down really nicely. Very helpful feedback on essays which is great for revision.
5/10/2025
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
I loved taking Professor Watson's class. The discussions were engaging and I enjoyed hearing her perspective, especially on her own research. She was also flexible on deadlines and listened to class feedback.
5/7/2025
Nic is a great prof, and introduction to philosophy. I took Business Ethics (234) with him, and had a great semester. He has 100% attendance requirements but any email ahead of time can get excused. He really cares about the topic, and is willing to talk about it. He clearly loves philosophy and is excited to get people talking. Great readings too
5/4/2025
Nic is a goat. Philosophy isn't my main area of study, so taking a class offers a new perspective and environment compared to my other courses. He has a good sense of humor and is a genuine person who is both smart and caring. I would highly recommend taking at least one class with him during your time at WashU and getting to know him.
4/16/2025
Colacchia was an amazing professor who cared about his students and was incredibly passionate about his work. I've never had a professor who was genuinely passionate about the material they taught as Colacchia. He also has a ton of extra credit opportunities encouraging you to go above and beyond. He gave very good explanations of the readings.
2/11/2025
Dr. K is so understanding and patient. Even though attendance was mandatory and I didn't show up a lot of the time he never held it against me and was super kind about it. As long as you put effort into the class you will get a good grade.
12/18/2024
For Problems in Philsophy, he definitely cared a lot about the material and made it engaging. Reading reflections before every class (~300 words) and half of the class divided into seminar style conversation which kept it interesting. Essays were pretty easy and he offers great feedback and advice if you follow it.
12/17/2024
Very articulate; he knows the concepts well. Helpful in planning for final essays, fair grader, gives a lot of extra credit opportunities, good slideshow presentations.
12/14/2024
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
Great prof for intro philosophy. A good survey of topics, with reasonable but sometimes cumbersome readings. He changed the overall course requirements by giving us more options for the essays after having to grade the first (of an intended 3) but this is because he gave very thorough feedback. Recommend.
6/5/2024
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
Learnt a lot about philosophy which is honestly a chill change of pace (as a stem major) and the class structure sets you up for an A as long as you put in the work for the essays (ask him for feedback and act on it). Bit of a tweak sometimes but overall good dude and professor.
5/12/2024
Nic is a fun lecturer that makes class pretty engaging. The class (business ethics) was very chill, but attendance is required.
5/10/2024
I took Dr. Watson for Philosophy of Law and she is my favorite professor I've had at WashU. She genuinely cares to get to know each of her students, and is so understanding/flexible. Her explanations of material are very clear and help explain confusing/difficult content. Also, her humor adds the perfect touch to her classes. 100% recommend.
5/8/2024