The class is pretty easy to understand if you pay attention and skim through the chapters. But if you try to ask the guy for help and you catch him on a bad day, he's pretty mean.

I would recommend Dr. Williamson for this class. I liked the way he incorporated the book, Fast Food Nation, into the class. The homeworks are straightforward once you know what he's looking for. The exams are not difficult if you understand the hw.

I learned a lot in his class. He grades papers hard but his tests are easy as long as you understand the material. It's not at all hard to pull a B in his class as long as you do the work. He's one of the best professors I took in this school.

I would recommend him for Phil 186. He grades h/w and the paper pretty hard but his exams are really easy. They focus around the main ideas. His exams won't ask you for little details. Just study the main ideas he stresses in class. Remember to give

Very cool guy *if* he likes you. Just do your work/reading and you shouldn't have a problem. Very interesting class. His tests were as long as you want them to be just as long as you explain your reason clearly. Challenging, fun, and interesting class.

only a small group presentation, explains the kep concepts for the tests, goes over the hw answers. The tests are identical to the the hw he gives every week. Bad thing was that the hw was weekly and can be long essays.

Is clear in what he expects from you. Homework and exams are same routine everytime, just a lot of writing. He's an interesting teacher that will keep you up in class with laughs.

he's an outstanding teacher! as long as you do the homework and study what he asks for, then you will surely get an A/B in his class. Be a good student, then you will be on his good side. He may seem harsh at first, but stick in his class; it's worth it.

He did his discertation on Foucault and brings him into Phil of person. Focuses on Plato, Descartes, and Foucault. Fairly shallow when it comes to the other 10 or so philosophers. Great course for Soci majors who need the GE, or business folks.

He was definitley an awesome teacher. He would make comments that make his students wonder if he is allowed to say things like that or not, but it's all in humor. He is VERY sarcastic, but very helpful. Just do the homework. His tests are based onthe hw

Instructor is a little strange--likes to quote his favorite movies, especially Silence of the Lambs. Overall, he's a great teacher and his lectures really stick w/ you. Focus on the H/W because the exams are based off of them. Essays are not too bad.

This class and teacher was overall very useless. I never really gained anything meaningful. The way he teaches though is pretty lax. The tests and papers were easy to do as well as long as you're a decent writer. I'd try another teacher.

Just get to know him and participate in class and you should be set. Focus on the homework since exams are based mainly from it. Overall you will learn alot of stuff in this class and elaborate and keep asking him questions to kill class time ;).

good teacher. homework is basically the test. do the hw you'll be fine, not that much hw. get to know him and particpate and he'll like you. picks on people when he knows they didn't come to class. come to class compared cause he asks questions. other than that overall good teacher and not that hard

He is definitely a great and awesome teacher. I loved his class. It is fun, energetic, and very informative. Just do your reading and hw and you will be just fine. He can be very grumpy, but his is very funny and sensitive to important issues.

2 WORDS: EASY, BUT BORING

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He is a reasonably good teacher. He knows his subject, but does not clearly explain some of the older versions of writing in the text. Definatel do the reading and the homework. His grading is easy to moderate if you write well.

coolest guy ever. he might rub you the wrong way at first, but he is there to see his students succeed. he's really chill and laidback..a very odd yet interesting character.

He easily gets side tracked on related topics. However, if you challange him with a stong opinion and you're willing to argue your point then he will really get into a detailed arguement. Good grasp of the material and uses the book to it's fullest. Make sure to have the reading done.

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Be prepared to do a bit of reading and homework. There were two 5-6 page papers, some homework, and the 2 midterms and final were all essays. Do the homework and the tests will be OK. Professor Williamson is fair about grading.

Dr. Williamson is an awesome teacher. He opens your eyes to new outlooks on life.

Definitely a good teacher, and worth taking. Really considerate of his students and adds a good amount of humor and debate to his lectures. Make sure you go to class, study and understand the homeworks and u'll be fine.

Take this over phil 10. way easier than that class and fulfills same requirement. Well you actually have to study and do your work. there's quite a bit of reading. Interesting and intellectual teacher.

AWESOME teacher. Just do the homework and study that.....you will be fine. What is on the homework is exactly what is on the test. Great lecturer!! Not interested in philosophy at all but LOVED his class. EASY EASY EASY

Very good prof. I was not looking forward to this class buthe has made it a pleasure. Alot of reading and even more writing, but worth it. The home work quesitons are the same questions you'll see on midterms, so make sure you understand the homework and you'll do good on the exams. Fun, and interesting lectures. Read Fast Food Nation. good book

Very good professor, very intense, dry sense of humor, warm, and friendly, looks good in black leather.

Good teacher, likes to talk to get you started but stays pretty well focused. Dry humor, very.

Though the work was difficult, he's actually inspired me to into a new career path. I definitely recommend him. His jokes are a little old, but funny nonetheless--this guy's got a sense of humor! He's awesome.

Took this in the summer. He has very dry humor. Good teacher, easy to understand. His tests are the exact same questions as the homework. Just read and come to class you will be fine.

Dr. Williamson is a great teacher if you take the time to learn what he is teaching. Lot of reading and homework, but more interesting than most classes. Great sense of humor and really encourages class discussion - don't be shy. He actually appreciates other opinions. Great guy too.

Hez a really nice guy, got a good sense of humor and teaches well too- his exams are very easy- just the same as hw- so do the hw properly and you will do just fine -absolutey easy A- if you work a little hard- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Jokes are a little off, but depends on your sense of humor. 6 homework assignments (you need the text book for it), 2 midterms(essay style), 2 essays, final. Sounds like a lot but it's pretty easy. Good guy and he's really helpful if you need it.

Williamson treats students like adults even though many arent ready for it. If you want to express thoughts, even argue with him, you'll be treated to a learning opportunity. Grades & format are easy but you wont benefit if you dont make an effort. Business will crush you if you dont understand ethics. Learn it or take a seat with Jeffrey Skilling!

This professor is not very easy, but you do learn a lot from him. I took his class during the summer and he never lets you out early and it is a lot of material.

I cannot will an action of a maxim to become universal law that a professor of ethics teaches unethically. Dr. Williamson challenges students to approach issues in an ethical, logical manner. He interjects his own opinions, but always identifies them as such. In doing so, he teaches ethcially. To find out what this is all about, take his class.

I took him over summer. I must admit, I was freaking out at first. BUT, I pulled a B+ which means if I can do it, so can you! You just have to do ALL your HMW and I promise you WILL do great on your exams. Its not a hard class. And Dr. Willamson does not hate companies like some claim. :-)

I liked the class. He can be grumpy, but overall makes the material and assignments interesting. I recommend taking this class.

He usually looks grumpy, but very approachable for help. 1 group project, several HW assignments, and 2 research paper. Tests are based on the HW, and he gives really good feedback on the HW and paper. He explains the concepts very clearly, especially when reviewing the HW. Overall, pretty easy class.

I was scared to take this teacher after reading this website, but he was actually pretty cool. He is witty, tells funny jokes, and doesn't grade too hard. He sometimes extends due dates too. Lots of writing assignments though. This is my favorite class this semester. I would take him again if he taught another class I needed.

He is very helpful. Dry sense of hummer. You just have to know how to approach him otherwise he might seem a bit cranky. Just study the quizzes and you will do fine. There is a lot of reading but over all I enjoyed the class. Anyone that says he was not good was lazy and did not do the reading.

I LOVED THIS PROFESSOR!!! He really makes you think, as any philosophy class often does. It is extremely important that you read the material so you understand his frame of reference. Look at the reviews, they speak for themselves. Its no joke, he made me laugh everyday, him and his coffee lol. Williamson is extremely educated. Take this class. A+

I really enjoyed this professor. I understand where people are coming from when people say he is rude and blah blah blah. Underneath that big scary pipe smoking man is a cute little teddybear. you just need to find out how to stoke him the right way. basically he tells you the answers and he wants you to regurgitate with different examples.

He is a good teacher. Tests are straight from the homework which is really helpful. Best way to understand the material is to be there for lecture. He has a stong personality but can be funny and friendly if you actually talk in class. I would definitely recommend him. He knows his stuff!!!

Professor Williamson can definitely seem intimidating at first, but he really just wants to hear peoples opinions. No need to read the book, but you must have access to one. Show up each class take notes, and DO THE HOMEWORK! It will save your life. Tests are based directly off the homework in essay format. 1 group presentation & 2 papers.

This class was really fun. I learned a lot. The bookstore sells a digital version of the book, get that one, it makes the class sooo much easier. Pay attention and speak up often and he will never call on you randomly. Tests are kinda difficult, but you will only do poorly if you don't review the material. Take this class.

At first, he may seem stern and serious, but he is really cool. He totally understands that we all have other classes, so he's flexible with due dates. If you do not agree with a grade, he wants you to talk to him and he will change it. He cares about his class. DO THE HOMEWORK. Use it to study for test. WRITE NOTES IN TEXTBOOK. He lets you use the

The reading for this class isn't difficult but there is a lot of it. Do the hw because exam questions are some what, if not, the same questions! Make sure to hit the categories when writing and just provide him with what he wants. Other than that a passing grade in this class isn't hard to get. An A on the other hand...

Lectures are more of a conversation with students. Lacks constant structure. Writes on whiteboard and some times his writing is tough to decipher. Liked attending his lectures and hearing him get in to it, with other students. Study HW for midterms and Final. Fair grading.

I really enjoyed this class because it involves a lot of debate and discussion where you learn about the multiple perspectives on moral issues. To be successful, be sure to understand *his* definitions of key terms. He is very sarcastic which I found humorous, just don't take him too seriously. Good luck!

At 1st he seems intimidating but hes actually a cool guy! Always cracking jokes and tells some amusing stories. The material itself is quite boring and dry, but overall its an easy course. As long as you come to class, especially the reviews for tests u'll do fine. He goes over everything & basically tells u what will be on the exams.

If you're disillusioned with America...this class can either make or break you. Simply put, I loved this dude..straight-forward, opinionated, and best of all...sarcasm with humor. Many mentioned his intimidating stature, but he's actually a softie.

This class is hard if you have no interest in philosophy. He is rude and moody, but sometimes has a fun sense of humor. Definitely go to class and take notes on whatever he is saying. He doesn't always make it clear when you should be writing things down, so write everything he says.

I thought this class was funny. He makes such dry sarcastic jokes. If you love Silence of the Lambs, take him. He seems mean and tough, but he's actually pretty chill. Id suggest taking someone else if you're easily intimidated.

Seems stern at first, but he cares. Take good notes and follows his format and you will be fine, it's pretty simple. Exam is exactly like the hw. Material is boring. My friend calculated his grade and even if he got a 100% on the final, he couldn't receive an A in the class, grades came out and he had an A, MAJOR curve. Have a thick skin.

He is a good instructor without a doubt but he thinks that all the students have to be graded on the same scale among the students majoring in philosophy. Even if you tell him you are of different major and trying to get through the class, he follows strict grading scale and doesn't curve and pulls down your GPA

He has a sense of humor that some people don't understand. I don't think he is that bad, I liked him. He is really into the philosophy side of things but if you go to class and pay attention you will get a good grade just like in regular class. I really like him a lot.

He's cranky most days, gives rude responses to students, & is unapproachable. However, he is very clear in his expectations and provides great feedback on assignments and tests. This class requires a lot of reading & writing, but if you go to lecture you'll do fine on the homework which is practically identical to the tests, so they're easy to ace.

The class is laid back and easy, however he does come to class grouchy. As long as you read the assigned material and come to class at least once a week, you will be fine. He is a very easy grader!

He might seem rude or grouchy but he is not. He has a great sarcastic sense of humor that you may have to be on his level to get. He is passionate about philosophy and helping his students pass.

Dr. Williamson is a good teacher,if you are easily intimidated do not take him. He is grouchy sometimes, but overall he is a very nice guy that makes you think about the unfairness of some employers. Easy class.

His lectures are boring and he'll say maybe 1 or 2 important things a day. He tells a lot of jokes but it's hard to tell when he's being funny. If you read the book and write down what he puts on the board, his tests aren't too bad. There's 2 papers and he'll help you. He loves discussions and examples. Material isn't too difficult.

The class wasn't too bad, however, follow exactly the format on the papers the Professor explains to you. The lectures are boring and at times he will pick on you if you don't talk. Group presentation was pretty easy if you DO follow the format. Professor is rude but I guess it is his style since he does care for you.3 papers, 2 midterms, 1 final.

Dr. Williamson was one of my favorite professors I ever had at SJSU. He has a very unique sense of humor that a lot of his students do not understand and often times mistake for rudeness. Do the readings, come to class most of the time, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

His lectures at times could be tedious, but as he lectures on interesting topics people are most likely going to pay attention. He has a dry sense of humor. He is really good at faking accents. Midterms are based on class lectures and assigned readings. Study guide tends to be useless, until the final. If you take the time to see him, he is nice

While he might not be the nicest professor in SJSU, but I really think he's smart and straight to the point. It's hard to argue a point with him but I learned a lot from his perspectives. There's 3 tests total, one group project and 3 papers. Which is not too bad at all. Take his class and learn something new!

Although he may be intimidating and blunt, he is really knowledgable and brings in great outside examples. Interesting movie references, funny accents, and different sense of humor. There is 1 group project/presentation, 1 homework assignment, 2 papers, and 3 tests. His lectures occasionally have information not included in the textbook.

I think people misunderstand him. He has a unique sense of humor and a lot of knowledge. He's not afraid to be blunt and straightforward and personally i respect that but some people are intimidated by him. He has his bad days but overall I liked him. If you get his jokes he can be hilarious.

This was the easiest class I've ever taken. All you gotta do is ask him what's on the test and he'll let you know. Also if you only memorize the definitions in the textbook I guarantee you'll get 100% on his quizzes. sometimes he gives little pop quizzes in class if he feels attendance is too low btw.

Enjoyed his class. He cares and brings a good personality. The subject is dry but with his style of teaching he makes it fun. Laughed a lot and he I understanding to situations, he works with you, no issues.

Rest in Peace Dr. Williamson. You were tough professor but a good man once I got to know you. You really pushed me to examine the texts deeper and have a better understanding of the information. You made me a better writer and a better philosophy student. Rest in Peace

Dr. Dan Williamson passed away this morning. He was 74 years old. After working in the steamship industry for several years he went back to school and pursued his one true passion, philosophy. He earned his PhD at UC Riverside in 1996. He taught at SJSU for over 25 years. He loved guitars, smoking pipes, and whiskey. He will be missed.