I just finished taking Philosophy 22W with Hieronymi, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. After reading the reviews I expected to be committing GPA suicide, but I ended up getting an A in the class. Look, the class was hard, but if you studied, went to lectures, and office hours to talk to your TA before turning in papers, it was quite reasonable. Although I ended up with an A, there were only three people in the class, other than myself, who did so, and there were 80 people in the class. If you are interested in the subject, then by all means take the class, you will get alot out of it. She does a good job of preparing you for her tests, some of the questions were almost word for word from lectures. I would recommend her, but only if you are ready to work for an A, and are not expecting one to be given to you.

I really enjoyed this class. If you're willing to spend some time to read over a chunk of text a couple of times to really understand it, the essays won't be an issue in either difficulty or time commitment. Hieronymi was extremely approachable for Zoom office hours and was willing to answer as many questions as needed to clear understanding. I agree that the writing style for the essays is something to get used to, but I found it freeing in being able to use footnotes and write in first-person.

PSA: The easiness/enjoyability of this class is almost completely dependent on your TA. I was fortunate enough to have Ally Peabody-Smith, who was great. The lectures are really easy to follow and the ethical examples are pretty fun. Also, professor Hieronymi is super understanding of her students.

Most of the class is based on 3 papers, which are graded by your TA. You discuss the papers a lot in discussion, too. The papers are not easy, since we have to write in a completely different style than most essays, but it is completely possible to succeed as long as you space out your writing , do peer reviews, and visit office hours.

The other reviews made me scared to take this class, but I actually liked this class. I thought this class was interesting. As a life science major, I didn’t know what to expect to learn, but we ended up learning about different approaches to philosophy and we did some modern philosophy at the end of the quarter.

I cannot express how grateful I am that there were no quizzes or tests or reading comprehension checks. I am not sure if there are quizzes when the class is in-person, so I am glad I took the class online.

The readings can be confusing, which is why we go over them during lecture and discussion. It is easy to get distracted during lecture, but try not to because if you actually pay attention, what we learn is very interesting. Professor Hieronymi is very nice. She explains things well and likes to hear student opinions. You spend most of your time with your TA though. I really liked my TA, Ally.

There are reading questions that you turn in for completion and timely extras that are paragraphs you write connecting what we learn about philosophy with current life. Reading questions are 10% of your grade, timely extras are 5%, participation is 5%.

The essays make up most of your grade. First essay is 20%, second essay is 30%, and third essay is 30%. Philosophy papers are different from English papers. I actually enjoyed writing these papers. You are expected to be very direct and clear when explaining stuff and creative when objecting to philosophers. Make sure to ask your TA for help and ask them to review your essay ideas. Go to TA office hours or make a one-on-one appointment and take their advice. Overall, interesting class, good work load, but a bit of pressure to do well on the essays.

Selling Ethics textbook (11th Edition) by Oliver Johnson and Andrews Reath for $70
(on amazon all copies are over $100)
You will definitely need to read this book and understand it in order to write your essays AND to pass the final (there's no midterm!)
Contact me at 408-612-5196 if interested!

I am selling the textbook. 11th Edition. $50 (the used price on chegg and amazon is $100+)
EMAIL ME: NYTIERAHR@GMAIL.COM

The class requires 3 essays, peer review, reading response assignments, and a final. it sounds like a lot of work but the essays will take up most of your time. The class is not difficult but philosopher papers are different from english papers which makes it harder to write. Papers are graded concisely meaning they take their time, therefore they grade harshly. reading and understanding the different philosophers arguments will get you through the class.

Might take this class just because I have to do a writing II and I also have to do a philosphy GE. To be clear, lecture isn't necessary right? Can I get perhaps a B just by doing the readings?

I took this course for pre-psychology, got a B+ though I did minimal work. Do your essays well. TA's are more than willing to help you with your essays personally.

I am also SELLING this course's Text Books ! Text 213-271-7903

Happy to answer any questions.

Hieronymi is so smart. I admire her greatly. This was my first philosophy class and it was amazing. Every week you have a reading (about 15 pages?) and have to submit answers to questions, but you are graded on completion so there's no need to fret. Some of the readings are quite difficult, but much time is spent in discussion and lecture explaining the readings. Fascinating topics are explored. There are 3 papers (3-6 pages of I remember correctly). You get much help from the teacher and TA on your papers so they are not daunting. HIGHLY recommend this class if you like o think about interesting, view changing ideas.

I believe the essay portion of this class is being made unnecessarily harsh. What especially bothered me was the fact that in the event the TA and the professor have different interpretations of the text, we'd still have to listen to the TA.
I really disliked my TA. I won't say her name, but I think she knows who she is.