Department of Philosophy
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| PHIL 101 | Perspectives in Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 107 | Ethics | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 113 | Formal Logic | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 114 | Critical Thinking | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 121 | Philosophy of Human Being | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 151 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. Fall semester. |
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| PHIL 202 | Medieval Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 206 | Environmental Ethics | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 207 | Business Ethics | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 208 | Bioethics | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 216 | Philosophy of God and Religion | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 223 | Oriental Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 252 | Philosophy and History of Science | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 255 | Philosophy of Art and Beauty | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 256 | Social and Political Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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A critical review of theories of political, social, and economic organization. Analysis of the philosophical foundations of these accounts and their consequences. Spring semester. |
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| PHIL 303 | Modern Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 304 | Contemporary Philosophy | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 310 | Metaphysics | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 313 | Epistemology | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 324 | Ethical Theory | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 495 | Philosophy Seminar | 3 Cr. |
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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. |
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| PHIL 496 | Ethical Issues in Contemporary Media | 3 Cr. |
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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. The seminar is taught fall semester every even-numbered year. |
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