PHIL 2660

Fun, interesting class that will teach you a lot about philosophy and how it works; no prior philosophical experience is needed.

This class was awesome. It is really interesting and it is not too hard. Only 3 tests and that's it. You don't have any other assignments. And Paul (the TA) is great at explaining things.

Merricks is an amazing professor and the ideas we cover are fascinating. He generally does a good job of presenting both viewpoints of arguments, though sometimes I sense his own biases kick in.
The three (equally weighted) tests are quite difficult; they're essays which require you to be really prepared because you are pretty short on time. Overall, it's still one of my favorite classes.

Merricks is enthusiastic, and really funny. I recommend this course just because Merricks' lectures are really interesting and enjoyable. The tests are graded toughly but fairly, and if you use his study guide you definitely can get a good grade. The course is really interesting by itself, although some of the readings are a bit dense. If you're interested in religion or philosophy, take the course.

Prof Merricks is an awesome professor. His lectures are enjoyable, interesting and easy to follow most of the times. The readings are not too bad. To be honest, I did only 3-4 of the 10 assigned readings. The mid-terms and exams test the material which Merricks teaches in the class.

And Matt is a great TA. He is very helpful and held review sessions before exams which helped me a lot!

best class ever merricks is awesome, knowledgeable and downright hysterical. Super interesting material and actually not too much work if you go to class. You just have 3 tests which arent cumulative and all you have to do is really prepare from teh study guide for like two days before each test and youll get a good grade

Such a good class! Merricks is a fantastic lecturer, so funny! Reading isn't necessary at all, especially because they are so long!! But attending lecture is NECESSARY- Merricks really explains everything you need to know for the tests.
No essays, only 3 tests and that's your grade.

This is a wonderful course! Professor Merricks lectures on all the material in class, and John does a great job reviewing it once a week in discussion. Professor Merricks is clear about his expectations and it is very possible to succeed in the course if you go to class and put in the effort before the exams. Also it's super fun and interesting! I've been inspired to be a philosophy major.

Merricks is a great professor. Very excited and happy to teach, and generally quite clear. Definitely a philosophy course, with examples and topics regarding religion and some philosophical issues that have lasted for years. Doesn't cover much about religions in detail, but mostly arguments for and against the existence of a Christian God.

Your grade is just made up of three noncumulative tests, and everything on the tests come from the study questions he gives out, which come straight from his lectures. Doing well is pretty doable, if you study enough for the tests. Took it just for fun with no prior philosophy experience, and got an A. You must attend every class and take notes to do well, because the readings are really supplementary (you don't really have to do them). Topics can be a little confusing at times, and so can the TA. Answer the study questions and go to office hours the week before the tests to check your answers or for help.

This class is incredible; definitely one of the best classes I have taken at UVA thus far. Professor Merricks is extremely knowledgable and engaging; its one of those classes that flies by and you don't want it to end. The material is fascinating and makes you think deeply about all sorts of issues. That being said, it's not an easy course and requires a lot of studying and preparing for tests. Go to section, it really helps clarify confusing material (Adam is a fantastic TA). Take this class!!! You have to put in work, but it's extremely rewarding and well worth all the effort.