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Teaching Philosophy: A Guide
Some students find philosophy engrossing; others are merely bewildered.
How can professors meet the challenge of teaching introductory-level philosophy so that their students, regardless of initial incentive or skill, come to understand and even enjoy the subject?
For nearly a decade, renowned philosopher and teacher Steven M. Cahn offered doctoral students a fourteen-week, credit-bearing course to prepare them to teach undergraduates. At schools where these instructors were appointed, department chairs reported a dramatic increase in student interest. In this book, Cahn captures the essence of that course.
Yet many of the topics he discusses concern all faculty, regardless of subject: a teacher's responsibilities, the keys to effective instruction, the proper approach to term papers, examinations, and grades; and suggestions for how administrators should demonstrate that they take teaching seriously. Such matters are covered in the first seven chapters and in the final, fourteenth chapter. The intermediate six chapters focus on teaching introductory philosophy and, in particular, on critical thinking, free will, philosophy of religion, ethics, and political philosophy.
Cahn's writing is lucid and lively, using vivid examples and avoiding educational jargon. In sum, this book is not only a guide on how to inspire students but also an inspiration for teachers themselves.
How can professors meet the challenge of teaching introductory-level philosophy so that their students, regardless of initial incentive or skill, come to understand and even enjoy the subject?
For nearly a decade, renowned philosopher and teacher Steven M. Cahn offered doctoral students a fourteen-week, credit-bearing course to prepare them to teach undergraduates. At schools where these instructors were appointed, department chairs reported a dramatic increase in student interest. In this book, Cahn captures the essence of that course.
Yet many of the topics he discusses concern all faculty, regardless of subject: a teacher's responsibilities, the keys to effective instruction, the proper approach to term papers, examinations, and grades; and suggestions for how administrators should demonstrate that they take teaching seriously. Such matters are covered in the first seven chapters and in the final, fourteenth chapter. The intermediate six chapters focus on teaching introductory philosophy and, in particular, on critical thinking, free will, philosophy of religion, ethics, and political philosophy.
Cahn's writing is lucid and lively, using vivid examples and avoiding educational jargon. In sum, this book is not only a guide on how to inspire students but also an inspiration for teachers themselves.
- GenresPhilosophy
100 pages, ebook
Published March 9, 2018
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Steven M. Cahn
94 books24 followersSteven M. Cahn, Ph.D. (Philosophy, Columbia University, 1966; A.B., Columbia College, 1963), teaches academic ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of education at the Graduate Center and has published widely in the field of philosophy and education.
Cahn joined the Graduate Center as professor of philosophy and dean of graduate studies in 1983. He was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1984, remaining in that position until 1992. He previously taught at Dartmouth College, Vassar College, the University of Rochester, New York University, and the University of Vermont, where from 1973 to 1980 he headed the department of philosophy. He held executive positions with the Exxon Education Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and he is longtime president of the John Dewey Foundation.
Cahn joined the Graduate Center as professor of philosophy and dean of graduate studies in 1983. He was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1984, remaining in that position until 1992. He previously taught at Dartmouth College, Vassar College, the University of Rochester, New York University, and the University of Vermont, where from 1973 to 1980 he headed the department of philosophy. He held executive positions with the Exxon Education Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and he is longtime president of the John Dewey Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 2, 2019
Although this book mainly deals with the teaching of philosophy, a great deal of what is written could be said of the teaching of any discipline. Correct and successful teaching is laborious and time-consuming but it is at the heart of the academy. "You should already know this!" doesn't say much of the student's ignorance as much as it says of the teacher's incompetence and hubris. Teachers must never assume that students are all the same merely because they share a classroom, some may not need much teaching at all (the few) but most require proper and consistent instruction. Teachers are not omniscient kung-fu masters to whom students must prove themselves worthy before receiving their teaching. Students paid their tuition and it is their right to be properly taught.
The book gives a brilliant guide on how to teach the various branches of Philosophy to complete beginners, this book has the incredible erudition and experience of Steven M. Cahn's years in education. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book gives a brilliant guide on how to teach the various branches of Philosophy to complete beginners, this book has the incredible erudition and experience of Steven M. Cahn's years in education. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 8, 2026
I read it more for the chapters on the vocation of teaching and general tips for teaching, but the book also includes helpful chapters on teaching specific branches of philosophy (ethics, philosophy of religion, logic, etc.)
Cahn's strength is his ability to be cosmopolitan and agreeable–humorous, focused on the basics, trying to rope in potentially disinterested students, and the like. However, I also feel this is a bit of his weakness: in a sense, he's teaching you how to be agreeable and not get fired for Wrongthink or Spicymind.
Nonetheless, I strongly recommend this, esp. for grad students planning to teach philosophy and/or those who will likely teach intro courses to disinterested dunguses taking philosophy courses just to complete a core requirement.
(My key disagreement: all philosophy should be taught in a sensory deprivation chamber, with no stimulation sans lossless audio of Heidegger lectures and children screaming. Do NOT permit consumption of spiced meats and/or hummus when reading Aristotle on Thursdays. He discusses none of this...)
Cahn's strength is his ability to be cosmopolitan and agreeable–humorous, focused on the basics, trying to rope in potentially disinterested students, and the like. However, I also feel this is a bit of his weakness: in a sense, he's teaching you how to be agreeable and not get fired for Wrongthink or Spicymind.
Nonetheless, I strongly recommend this, esp. for grad students planning to teach philosophy and/or those who will likely teach intro courses to disinterested dunguses taking philosophy courses just to complete a core requirement.
(My key disagreement: all philosophy should be taught in a sensory deprivation chamber, with no stimulation sans lossless audio of Heidegger lectures and children screaming. Do NOT permit consumption of spiced meats and/or hummus when reading Aristotle on Thursdays. He discusses none of this...)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews