All 100 and 200 level philosophy courses may be taken in any order, and any one of them will satisfy CORE requirements. 100 level courses are usually more general introductory courses, while 200 level courses focus on some specific area or topic of philosophy. All philosophy courses numbered 300 or above have a prerequisite of one previous philosophy course or consent of the instructor.
PHIL 101 Perspectives in Philosophy 3 Cr
This course acquaints students with philosophical thinking and writing,
as well as some of the literature and ideas from various historical
periods which constitute the humanities. As time permits, audiovisual
and experimental approaches will be used in lectures. Each semester.
PHIL 107 Ethics 3 Cr
An analysis of the basic moral concepts of goodness, right, and obligation
and an overview of the ways in which these concepts operate in
such contexts as society, religion, and the law. Applications of these
discussions to contemporary moral issues. Each semester.
PHIL 113 Formal Logic 3 Cr
The analysis and construction of arguments using strict rules which
determine valid from fallacious reasoning. Notation and procedure
related to mathematics may be used for parts of the course. Not recommended
as a second core course after PHIL 114 Critical Thinking.
Fall semester.
PHIL 114 Critical Thinking 3 Cr
The informal logic of the use of language in everyday contexts. Emphasis
on variable factors within ordinary argument situations, such
as disagreements, ambiguity, generalization, and analogy. Analysis of
extended arguments in different areas of general interest. Not recommended
as a second core course after PHIL 113 Formal Logic. Spring
semester.
PHIL 121 Philosophy of Human Being 3 Cr
An introduction to philosophy through a consideration of the human
orientation to knowledge, meaning, and values, as well as the human
possession of body, spirit, and freedom. A critique of the concepts of
human being found in traditional and contemporary sources. Subject
matter is particularly useful to students in biology, psychology and the
social sciences. Each Fall; Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 151 Ancient Philosophy 3 Cr
An examination of philosophical speculation through its origins in the
Greek and Roman worlds. Special emphasis on the idealism of Plato
and the realism of Aristotle as the systematic foundations of Western
thought. Each semester.
PHIL 202 Medieval Philosophy 3 Cr
Latin thought from early Christian times through the late Middle
Ages and Renaissance. Emphasis on the great neo-Platonic and neo-
Aristotelian syntheses. Some acquaintance with Plato and Aristotle
would be helpful. Spring semester.
PHIL 203 Islam: Philosophy and Culture 3 Cr
This course of study is designed to introduce students to the Islamic
faith and its expression in a variety of cultures around the world. Because
Islam is reality-defining for its adherents, the Islamic faith will be
examined by reviewing its philosophy, theology, and social dimensions.
No prerequisites. Taught annually (at least one semester each year).
Fulfills Global Diversity requirement.
PHIL 206 Environmental Ethics 3 Cr
Environmental Ethics studies how human beings conceptualize their
concern for the environment, their place in nature, and the kind of
world in which people might flourish. The class questions what the
extent and basis of that concern might be, by studying proposed philosophical
approaches to environmental and ecological issues. Spring
semester, even-numbered years.
PHIL 207 Business Ethics 3 Cr
The philosophical examination of business and business life and their
relationship to the good life. Includes an analysis of economic justice,
corporate and personal responsibility, moral conflicts, human rights,
and the meaning of work. Case studies to assist students to make
rationally defensible moral judgments. Fall semester.
PHIL 208 Bioethics 3 Cr
A critical examination of moral issues that arise in medicine and related
fields, including the right to life, informed consent, confidentiality,
medical experimentation, reproductive control, and allocation of
scarce resources. Case studies to assist students to make rationally
defensible moral judgments in accord with sound moral principles.
Spring semester.
PHIL 216 Philosophy of God and Religion 3 Cr
Rational reflection on the existence of God, what can be said about
God, and the relationship between human beings and God. This course
would be of special interest to students in theology. Spring semester,
even-numbered years.
PHIL 223 Oriental Philosophy 3 Cr
An historical overview of the principal philosophies of Eastern nations,
including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. An assessment
of the philosophical status of Oriental thought. Fall semester,
even-numbered years. May fulfill Global Diversity requirement.
PHIL 252 Philosophy and History of Science 3 Cr
An exploration of the philosophical aspects of science and its methods.
The influence of modern scientific inquiry on other disciplines, society,
and religion. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 255 Philosophy of Art and Beauty 3 Cr
An analysis of concepts used in discussions of art and beauty and an
attempt to understand various art forms (such as the visual arts, music,
and literature). The nature of art criticism and the purpose of art. Fall
semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 256 Social and Political Philosophy 3 Cr
A critical review of theories of political, social, and economic organization.
Analysis of the philosophical foundations of these accounts and
their consequences. Spring semester. May fulfill Writing Intensive
requirement.
PHIL 261 Philosophy and Gender 3 Cr
An investigation of main concepts and key issues at the heart of genderfeminist
studies. Particular attention is devoted to the examination
of major theories, their specific contribution, their critique, and the
broad spectrum of perspectives at stake. Students who have not had a
previous philosophy course should consult with the course instructor
prior to registering. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 303 Modern Philosophy 3 Cr
The leading participants in the philosophical dialogue of the 17th
though 19th centuries, including British empiricism, Continental
rationalism, and German idealism. Prerequisite: Previous philosophy
course or consent of instructor. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 304 Contemporary Philosophy 3 Cr
An investigation of recent traditions and problems within philosophy
and a discussion of philosophical issues raised in contemporary literature,
focusing on developments in 20th century culture and society.
Prerequisite: Previous philosophy course or consent of instructor.
Spring semester, even-numbered years.
PHIL 310 Metaphysics 3 Cr
A critical consideration of metaphysical thinking and an attempt to
speak about the nature of reality, of “being as being,” and about the
various categories of being. Prerequisite: Previous philosophy course
or consent of instructor. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 313 Epistemology 3 Cr
Discussion of standard questions in the theory of knowledge, including
the meaning of “to know,” the distinction of knowledge from belief,
the various sources of knowledge, the justification of knowledge claims,
and the nature of evidence and truth. Prerequisite: Previous philosophy
course or consent of instructor. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
PHIL 315 Continental Philosophy 3 Cr
An investigation of the most salient movements in philosophy that
have developed in 20th century Europe. These include: Existentialism,
Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism and
Critical theory. Prerequisite: previous philosophy course or consent of
instructor. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
PHIL 324 Ethical Theory 3 Cr
An intensive exploration of enduring theoretical issues in ethics such as
relative and absolute moral laws, subjective and objective components
of moral knowledge, the relation of facts in nature to human values, and
the place of reason in ethical decisions. Prerequisite: Previous philosophy
course or consent of instructor. Spring semester, even-numbered
years. Fulfills Writing Intensive requirement.
PHIL 495 Philosophy Seminar 3 Cr
A discussion of selected philosophical issues or important texts with
contributions by students and faculty. Required of all philosophy
majors and minors, but also open to interested students from other
departments who have obtained the permission of the Philosophy
Department. Prerequisite: Previous philosophy course or consent of
instructor. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 496 Ethical Issues in Contemporary Media 3 Cr
The media’s presentation of contemporary ethical issues has brought
many of these into popular discourse. This seminar will review specific
media presentations of these issues, clarify their philosophical implications,
and discuss various resolutions based on recognized ethical
theories. Fall semester, even-numbered years.