3.6
Quality3.1
Difficulty63%
Would Retake106
Reviews63%
Would Retake
106
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
33
4
37
3
19
2
13
1
4
What Students Say
“Let me make this clear: Portmore is an OUTSTANDING philosophy professor if you are truly interested in philosophy”
PHI101 - 5.0 rating“All you need is in his lecture outline”
PHI101 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
65%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.36 avg changeRatings by Course
PHL101
5.0
(1)PHI420
4.7
(3)PHI306
4.5
(2)PHI305
4.4
(14)PGS101
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHL101
5.0
PHILOSOPHY101
5.0
HST305
5.0
PGS101
4.0
PHI300
4.0
Reviews (106)
No Comments
Gross...he is definitely not hot and he is funny, but I don't think he is a very good teacher, I don't think that I am learning as much as I could in his class and I pay attention...
No Comments
Doug seems to be more interested in the starry heavens above him than he is in the moral law within him. 'Sup wid dat?
tough as f***, but the guy's pretty funny
The class sucks, but he makes it fun. Pretty funny, and the HW is a breeze, but the tests suck, they are essays and you need to explain and define everything or you'll get a D.
The class is interesting and we have good conversations. Tests are pretty hard but if you go to office hours he is really helpful. I learn alot but you definately need to attend lectures in order to do well in this class.
Very funny teacher, makes you want to go to class! Homework is very easy, but you need to read it. Also really need to go to class becuase he takes attendence, but his tests are pretty tough. Really need to pay attention in class and study, and even doing that I still am getting a B.
Great teacher if you love philosophy. Dont waste your time if you dont like it. He is funny and very clear as to what he expects on the test. And the TA sections are helpful because you get one on one attention if you need it. The tests are essay,he gives you ALL the possible questions and then chooses like 4 of them.. Loved it..he knows his stuff!
While the class is interesting (for me at least), you must know nearly exact definitions and arguments to do well on exams. The discussion sections help but merely attending them is no guarantee of success.
This guy is hilarious. Lectures often involved hypotheticals that ended in "what if I shot you in the face?" Tests are straight from lectures; lectures are straight from the book. No nonsense guy, he wants tenure and it shows. Very available for outside help, and if you put in the work you will get what you want. I'm no PHI major but I got an A.
Class is easy, all you need to do is attend the friday discussion sections with the TA's, they give you test answers. Make sure you take good notes being that they will decide how well you can study for the test.
His lecture style was reasonable he had lecture notes that pretty much covered all the lectures however his style was dry and did not keep me interested, his grading is extremely unfair, he grades based on what he feels your work is worth even if the answer is right, and docks points for no reason.
This was an interesting class and I learned alot. He is a good teacher. "IF" you do finally catch him outside of class he is very helpful. However, I have never studied as hard for a class as I did for this one. I spent at least 8 hours on just one reading, he requires 5. Write a paper in agreement with his views or else your grade may suffer.
great lectures, really engaging, makes you want to show up to class. but a *very* tough grader, midterm and final are essay q's.
Do not take this class. There is way too much information and if you are just trying to fulfill your PHI credit there are so much easier classes. If you do happen to take it, DO NOT BUY THE BOOK. I never opened mine and payed $80 for it. No material from the book is on the tests. I worked so unbelievably hard to get an A.
Great overall, entertaining and funny. PHI 101 only three exams, all essay, but he GIVES you like 12 possible questions in advance, then 3 will be on the test, never any surprises, all you have to do is memorize essay questions for an easy A, obvious.FYI- he talks about disproving god, free will etc, some people cud be offended, be open minded!
Funniest professor; never stopped laughing. Tests based on lecture notes, all written out. DIFFICULT, but gives possible questions beforehand. If you're willing to study, this is a great class. Grade based off of only 3 exams. No cumulative final.
He's a decent teacher, tends to ramble for 45 mins on random stuff. Everything is based on the lectures and attendance is MANDATORY, and you have to study for the exams otherwise you won't do well, but he gives you all the questions before hand. Don' take this class if you are easily offended, but do take it if you like to think and debate.
One of the best professors that I have ever had. He encourages you think critically and question everything that you take for truth. Class isn't mandatory, since the class is very large but if you go to the class, pay attention and study a little bit you will do fine. I have scored a B on all of the exams but he curves, so I have an A plus. Reccome
Doug is a fabulous teacher. He has been the best ASU professor I have had yet. His tests can be hard, but you just have to study. He gives you all the possible exam questions prior to taking the test. I didnt't like Philosophy prior to this class, and now I want to take classes that he teaches.I would recommend this class!!
Ok teacher but a useless class. He will make you feel stupid if you ask for some help. He doesn't like it if you disagree with him, kind of childish. I wouldn't waste your time with this class. The TA's were NOT helpful infact they cancelled thier office hours most of the time. I used to have interest in this subject and i now dislike it! good luck
do not take this class
pointless material talks so long and makes it seem like his opinion is the only right one if you ask questions or question his opinion he will make you feel dumb and wish you hadnt asked the question. lectures are long too. make sure you study b/c his TA are hard graders.
Thought it was going to be interesting, and it was, but the teacher is horrible. He always has to be right and ignores any good point that someone brings up. His tests are extremely difficult and he wants you to have exact wording for everything. I found even with studying, and being an A student that I would do well, but I was wrong. Do not take!
Very intelligent professor that opened my eyes. He is funny, knows his stuff, and keeps you interested. Three exams only and they are a piece of cake. Didn't study much. Very recommended!
Professor Portmore is one of the best professors I have ever had. If you want to learn Ethics, take his class. He is funny, helpful, clear, and talented. It is clear that he really enjoys teaching. If you are looking for an easy A, do not bother--it takes some serious studying. An A is definitely possible though; I almost got an A+.
He is an extremely intelligent man. The examples used to explain concepts could be worded better, but he gets his point across. The tests aren't hard if you GO TO CLASS and use the lecture notes on the study guide. The curves are very generous. It isn't that he always has to be right; he is just more logical than any undergrad could hope to be :P
Prof is brilliant, best i've had at ASU, almost seems like he belongs in a better PHI arena. Class is not easy as it is demanding, but if you do read the book, the lectures make sense to a logical, rational, intelligent mind. The Ethical Theory class is not meant for non PHI people...
Even when talking about the driest of issues, Doug manages to be both entertaining and clear. You can tell he really knows his stuff. He can be a strict grader (especially when it comes to papers), but he's definitely not unfair. I'd recommend him to any student who is genuinely interested in philosophy.
He tries to relate every moral theory to teen sex or drugs. Like to talk about inappropriate subjects, and then attempts to tie them in to the lecture. It was really distracting. Other than that, he did a good job presenting the material.
Great professor. Class is pretty straight forward, he gives you the lecture outline and exam questions. Only take 3 exams all semester. Very fair grader and very knowledgeable on the subject. Only complaint would be that he can act immature at times when students ask questions.
Portmore makes the subject matter amusing and explains key concepts clearly. At times, there seems to be too much explanation of simple concepts and the class pace slows. There are three short-answer tests. The possible questions are provided ahead of time and the correct answers are given in lecture. There is no excuse for doing poorly.
Great teacher. Tough class but that might just be cause I'm a freshmen. Eitherway, he's funny and refreshing, has good office hours and I recommend going to class because he goes over fine details on the subject in class.
Great prof, he knows his stuff. Class is definatelysuggested if you want to know what the blanks are in the notes. If you are a good memorizer or can support your opinion then you willget an A. Keeps lecture entertaining and thought provoking.
Awesome professor. He is very entertaining and it is easy to pay attention. GO TO CLASS! He has his power points available to download but they are missing key parts that he reveals during class. Tests are very hard, but overall great class.
This class is super easy if you study the study guides. His guides are fill in the blank from the lecture notes, and contain answers to questions on the tests. No HW/Papers/Etc. Just three easy tests. He's funny too!
This class is a joke. Honest to GOD he is the least engaging teacher I have ever had. He acts like a child trying to prove his own point and embarrassing students for having their own opinions and viewpoints. TAKE ANOTHER CLASS you will never want to go to class.
This class is so boring. I suggest keeping your comments to yourself unless you want to be embarrassed by the professor in front of the whole class. You have to study for the tests a lot if you expect to get a good grade.
Doug is a very personable teacher. He uses personal examples in class to illustrate difficult concepts, and he is always down-to-earth. Occasionally, he is a bit harsh in his responses to students. But I thoroughly enjoyed his class, and I would gladly take him again.
The class is interesting, if you like or are intrigued by the subject. The tests are pretty tough, you need to go to lectures to get the notes and its a lot to study before each test. My suggestion: Don't cram! if you go over your notes every week or so, you should be okay to go over ur notes once before each test. Only 3 100 pt. tests for grade!!
Dr. Portmore really knows his stuff. He's not an easy teacher by any means, but he provides all the resources to be successful in class, including ALL possible exam questions beforehand. He has a tendency to humiliate students when they make comments in class. You must attend class, take notes, and STUDY. I recommend him if you like a challenge.
Doug is an extremely nice guy and goes above and beyond what is expected of him as a Professor. He frequently makes extra time for students, which is more than I can say for some professors. Be cautious though, if you are lazy and looking for an easy A, this is not the class for you. It's a rather demand class, but well worth the effort.
Portmore is a great Professor! Made lectures as easy as to understand as possible, gave exam questions ahead of time, and tried to lighten the subject up with humor. Class attendance is a must! Tests are difficult; lots of info! Must keep up studying in order to do well. TA's are nitpicky graders too. Also, he kinda looks like Jerry Seinfeld...
Portmore is one of the best professors I have ever had. It's a somewhat tough class for 100 level, but very interesting. As a PHI major, this is a great intro class because it introduces you to a lot of new stuff without being overwhelming or incredibly dry. Students who hate PHI fail, but I never understood why they take it in the first place...
Portmore is awesome. Funny guy, very engaging lectures. I definitely loved going to his classes, every time. Very straight forward layout to the class, if you attend class and fill out the powerpoints (so easy) then you truly have EVERYTHING you need to Ace the exams. A is attainable if you study and go to class.
Portmore is the man. This class is a bit harder, with the usual Portmore essay exams based 100% off of his very clear and organized lectures. Just come to class to fill out the missing portions of his Powerpoints that he provides, enjoy the engaging lectures and discussions, and seek help if you need it. You should definitely get an A that way.
I just dropped this class. You would think that a class that is called 'intro to philosophy' might introduce you to philosophy.Nope! Within 3 classes, I realized that I would only be introduced to obtuse arguing. No Plato, no Aristotle, no Aquinas. Just the teacher spouting off and calling those who disagree, idiots. I can get that on the internet.
Doug is an excellent professor! As long as you GO to class, it's impossible to fail. Don't forget office hours either. Lecture can be pointless at times, but an easy A or B if you put an hour of your own time in per week.
Dr. Portmore is funny and helpful. He's willing to explain something for as long as necessary until people get it, which is good for a philosophy class with confusing concepts. You have pop in-class quizzes, 2 tests, and a term paper. Of course, there will be those people in class who just have to keep arguing, but overall, it's enjoyable.
Very easy class, memorize the answers to the test(WHICH HE GIVES) and it is an easy A. Who ever fails this, needs serious help. Even the content is easy to understand:)TAKE IT IF YOU WANT EASINESS+INTERESTING!
PHI 101 was extremely easy to pass. His notes are online (but redacted). The BlackBoard tests and exams are extremely easy, especially since he gives you the questions word for word and the answers are in the notes. The class does not really talk about typical philosophy topics, mainly about the existence of God and mortality.
Portmore is a great teacher. He is engaging in class and is a very funny guy. I would suggest this class to any lover of philosophy. Just make sure you memorize the notes and go to class and you should get an A.
2 exams. 1 (10 pg) paper . 5 quizzes. The guy knows his stuff but he is arrogant. Dont expect to discuss topics, for clarification, unless your understanding is on his level. Youll pass if you show up and do the work. He does make adjustments. Ex)half the class failed the mid-term and he offered a make-up. And changed the final from closed to open.
Interesting and funny lectures; exams aren't terribly difficult; grades term papers with relatively high standards. He's a stickler for precise language, so make sure to be attentive to how you phrase things.
This class is incredibly easy if you go to class. He gives you the answers to every test and exam as long as you're there or stay after. There is no excuse to get less than an A.
If you are good at memorizing you will get an easy A (I did and I learned nothing). Do not take this class if you want to be entertained in all honesty the best thing to do is download a game on your computer to play in between filling in the blanks on the notes that he provides.
he is a good teacher and i thought the class was interesting, at least the topics he would lecture about. The book he said was mandatory really isn't, he goes over it in detail in class. MAKE SURE TO FILL IN THE REDACTED. also go to the review sessions, he gives all the answers.
EASY A CLASS. get this class (with your friends) and by saying that because one of you just have to show up on class to fill the redacted parts then answer the Possible Exam Quistions and he literally copy and paste those questions on tests! 3 in-class tests and top 5 of 6 BB tests.
Portmore's class is an "OK" class. He isn't all that interesting as a person. His class is not hard if you pay attention to all the REDACTED parts and understand the examples as he uses them on the 4 exams (& 6 Blackboard quizzes). Definitely an interesting class...although he is somewhat arrogant. GO TO OFFICE HOURS -- will help you get an A!
Portmore is a very good teacher, I learnt a lot!
Really easy class to pass. He puts the lectures online with certain portions redacted. There are 6 BlackBoard quizzes which he gives you the questions to ahead of time and you get multiple attempts. The exam questions are also posted online, which are taken directly from the notes, so it's almost impossible not to do well.
Like everyone else said, just go to class and fill in the REDACTED stuff. Didn't really learn anything - he just makes a bunch of arguments against the stuff he disagrees with. All you need to do for quizzes, tests, and papers is to reword what he says in the notes. Full of himself, pompous, and talks about being an atheist in every single class.
This class sucked. The most boring lecture class I have ever taken. The material was confusing and I was completely uninterested. No one actually pays attention in class. Only passed because he allows you to take a page of notes into the test.
Great professor, great class
Im going to be honest. This class sucks, the lectures are hard to stay awake in the teacher can NEVER be wrong. The tests are ridiculous, short answer questions. I advise to not take this class.
Okay, this class was both good and bad. It was good because he let you have a cheat sheet and it was bad because it is extremely boring and you have to be in class to get the notes for your cheat sheet.
All you need is in his lecture outline. Don't buy the textbooks. He lets you have 1 notebook paper front/back each test. He gives you the answers to the questions at the end of every lecture. I took notes, did the lecture quizzes, & just made my sheet & passed easy. It was hard listening to him talk so brash about God but my faith wasn't shaken.
Coming from a senior.. His class was basically designed to argue for his point of view, and be scared if you disagree with him (strange for a philosophy course). He picked favorites, would not explain anything except simply restate the slides, and was disrespectful to my friend during office hours. I will never take a class with him again.
Let me make this clear: Portmore is an OUTSTANDING philosophy professor if you are truly interested in philosophy. Many people dislike him because this class's purpose is to argue against things that people are very defensive about, such as God and free will, but THAT IS PHILOSOPHY. He clearly explains the arguments. He made me into a PHI major.
The course itself seems relatively easy (its a 101, aka beginner), however the ideas in Philosophy are much more complex than it is made out to be. Especially the first chapter (cogency, soundness, validity, etc); I dreaded going to class because Doug was of no help and made it even more confusing, and tried to cover it up by failing at being funny
Four exams, 20% each. 6 Blackboard tests (infinite tries)12%, and Top Hat points for 8%. The exams are easy, since the questions are taken straight from the Blackboard tests and essay questions are given out beforehand. He's an entertaining-enough lecturer, and Philosophy's an interesting subject. Never really offensive, despite what others say.
The hardest class I've ever taken. Not because of Portmore, but the subject in general is extremely confusing and complex. It's one of those classes where you understand the material in class, but once you leave- it's gone. Portmore was a good professor though, not much homework and lectures were funny.
Two things: Finishing blackboard test, going to his office in office hour. You should be fine.
Blackboard tests and exams are straightforward, you know exactly what will be on them. Content is confusing but you know exactly what to study. I didn't take much away from this class but it was an easy A.
Very kind and friendly. I found the class a little hard, but not impossible. Show up and pay attention and you should be fine.
Content was very confusing, and I don't think that he taught the material well. Students are able to ask questions, but normally, the answer is short and quick. Blackboard test are fine and they help you on the exam. If you miss a class, you don't get the answers to the power points which make them pointless.
Something I noticed that a lot of students didn't take advantage of was the fact that in the lecture before the test, HE GIVES YOU THE ANSWERS TO THE FREE RESPONSE TEST QUESTIONS. Don't zone out during this lecture, write the answers down and practice writing them out before the exams. Do this and the blackboard quizzes you'll probably get an A.
At first, I really hated this class because it was hard for me to understand what he was talking about, but then I realized that you just have to memorize all the free response question answers (which he gives you the class prior to the exam.) I also took the blackboard tests a lot to make sure I memorized all the answers. LOTS OF MEMORIZING!!!
Has readings but not really necessary. Subject is tedious depending on if you like it or not, but he makes it interesting and easy to understand. Blackboard tests have the same questions are the exam (chooses from a bank for test) and if you pay attention he basically answers the short answer questions in lecture. Really repetitive.
Really great professor and tells you exactly how to succeed in the class. Basically you just take 5 online BB quizzes (unlimited attempts) and then 3 exams. He also tells you exactly what will be on the exams, and while the material is not the easiest, it's interesting, and really gets you to think. Not the easiest A ever, but its a cool class.
Attendance is optional. Only half of the class showed up, except for exams. The only reason to go to class is to get the notes that aren't on the powerpoint and participate in class discussion, both of which are helpful. He's pretty chill and the class is fairly easy. He sometimes isn't very clear, but if you just ask him to clarify you'll be fine.
Don't make the mistake of skipping class on his review days before a test, since he straight up tells you the questions he will ask and the answers he will want. The course material was sometimes difficult to understand, but do the quizzes on Blackboard and take notes in reviews and you'll do fine.
Although attendance is not mandatory - you should definitely go as he gives you the answers to the study guides that will be on the exam. If you do the study guides and the blackboard tests (unlimited attempts), the exam should be a piece of cake.
This professor is amazing. The tests are verbatim the study guide, and even if you don't show up for class, he is absolutely willing to help you through the study guide. It helps to show up for class though, Portmore explains concepts in class. Readings are quite helpful but not mandatory.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. This classs structure is nuts. He only has 4 exams making up the whole grade book, so each is worth 25% of your grade. No extra credit either. He does give you study guides but theyre not what you think. The material is very hard to follow. Be prepared to memorize A LOT of information. Only class I dont have an A in.
just show up to the review days and go to his office hours & he'll give you the answers to the study guides. his lectures are confusing and it's a hard class but easy to get a C in and Cs get degrees.
The entire grade is based on 4 tests. No other assignments. Just 4 tests. A study giude is provided.
Exam questions are copy and pasted from the study guide. He bases his curriculum on the study guide answers, and gives the answers during class. It is hard to keep up sometimes because he goes on a lot of tangents. TAs help fix your study guide answers/give you the right answers in office hours. Get your answers checked and study and you'll be fine
This class was my least favorite freshman year but I got an A through hard work and then a miracle at the end. Show up to class if you wanna pass because there are only 4 tests and that's it. The tests are basically the study guide questions so pay very close attention and go to office hours to get them checked to make sure they are right.
This class's grading system is very exam heavy. Make sure you go to the TA office hours to complete the study guides WITH them to make sure you know what wording to use on the exam because when I took this class, the TA's were very particular. The professor is really nice and funny though. The study guides are also EXACTLY like the test.
No complaints. Exams are pretty straightforward, answer the questions clearly and carefully. Be sure to participate. He is more than willing to spend time going over confusing topics if you ask.
Portmore, for better or worse, is very good at inciting discourse. Topics are difficult in this class. Prof. will step on your beliefs, without being too offensive. He is abrasive, so might rub you the wrong way, but very intelligent. 3 written take home exams (55%), 5 homework assignments (33%), attendance/participation (12%). Grades fairly.
The class is very boring, but Portmore is definitely smart. My only issue with this class was his lack of direction prior to the first exam. If you did mediocre or even got a high B+ on the first exam and As on the next two it is impossible to get an A in the class which is a bit ridiculous
Professor Portmore is a great professor and I loved his classes. His lectures are always engaging and incredibly informative. What's great about Portmore is that he is incredibly well read on the class topics. Take advantage of his office hours and the feedback he gives you and you'll get a good grade.
DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASSES!!! I have never felt the need to write a review on here until I took his class. All he does is boring horrible lectures and he makes way too many uncomfortable references. I have never had a professor care so little about his students or his job before. He never once responded to my emails or showed any sign that he cared
Never posted a single rubric, just examples. I have followed the material to a T for all the exams and haven't managed to crack a B. The lectures are borderline uncomfortable sometimes. To me it just seems like he's trying too hard to be as edgy as can be. It's literally an ethics class why was he talking about orgasms at one point.
I liked him a lot, you don't have individual grades but rather an overall grade and he allowed for many revisions on your assignments. He's intimidating at first but really nice one-on-one. Portmore is clear on expectations and explains without judgment. Totally recommend. Your grade nine assignments, attendance, participation, and effort.
Portmore is a lovely man. I enjoyed just being in his presence. Class isn't structured as debate but as analyzing philosophers' arguments. Assignments were thoroughly critiqued but graded on the higher end. @ home exams with questions from lectures, he often gave answers in class. Lectures could drag but Portmore adds fun commentary + is very sweet
Dr. Portmore was fantastic when I took his class in Spring 2022. I even did an honors contract with him which was a simple, short essay on the trolley problem. His lectures were always funny and engaging. His passion for philosophy was clear, and he really cared about getting us to understand the material.
Doug seems like a great guy, but I think he just likes to listen to himself speak. Be prepared for lots of confusion and lack of motivation, especially if you're just taking this class for a humanities credit. If you actually try, you'll get a good grade. I will never use what I learned in this class ever again.
This is the 2nd class I've taken with Portmore and I'm glad I did. He's very helpful one on one and is direct both in person + grading. I could've done without a lot of his personal stories in lecture but I know he was trying to make the 3hrs bearable. 3 major essays for UG w/ allowed rewrites and early outline submission + 70 attendance points.
Attend the lectures frequently, he gives all the answers to the exams, and even gives a curve to those who attend his lectures. This course is mainly exam-heavy; there's no homework or assignments. His lectures are fun and he keeps it entertaining.
I was fighting demons not to get a C and I didn't get a C. The biggest thing is that Professor Portmore's PHI 105 Class is made up of 4 exams. I actually didn't do great on the first one, but he gave extra credit for all the exams. Attendence is probably most important, even though not mandatory, I struggled with some topics having skipped.
Terrible attitude from the prof. Lecture not mandatory, but necessary since examples are used in exams VERBATIM. 4 exams as ur grade. Doesn't grade exams himself- TA's are harsh graders & reject the prof's own examples. Going to office hours feels like a waste. Lectures consist of slides with huge paragraphs. Prof contradicts himself constantly.
My mind hurt every time I went to class, maybe philosophy isn't for me, but some of the topics were just confusing and weird. Whole grade depends on the exams.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
65%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.36 avg changeRatings by Course
PHL101
5.0
(1)PHI420
4.7
(3)PHI306
4.5
(2)PHI305
4.4
(14)PGS101
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHL101
5.0
PHILOSOPHY101
5.0
HST305
5.0
PGS101
4.0
PHI300
4.0