Course Descriptions
Philosophy Courses
ILC 213 - The Elusive Self
4.00 CrThe Elusive Self: On Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. An Integrative Learning course where students receive CORE credit in both Psychology and Philosophy. No concept is more central to our lives than the notion of "I." We could not navigate the world if we lacked a fundamental sense of self-hood. Yet, for philosophers and psychologists alike, this commonplace idea has been the starting point for much speculation, research, and wonder. This course explores various dimensions of what we call the self from both psychological and philosophical perspectives. We begin with questions on the nature of consciousness, with special emphasis on the relationship between the mind and the brain. We then explore issues related to personal identity, self-awareness, and memory. We next consider the prospects for consciousness and self-hood in non-human animals and machines. Finally, we reckon with the self's ultimate limitation, death.
ILC 389G - Atrocity, Suffering & God
4.00 CrAn Integrative Learning course where students receive CORE credit in both History and Philosophy. This course will seek to weave together the problem and question of God with historical case studies illuminating humanity's capacity for cruelty, atrocity, and genocide. By exploring some of the leading philosophical and theological arguments regarding the problem of evil, for example, alongside real historical examples, we will force the class to confront the reality that neither discipline has all the answers to the difficult questions posed by the human potential for evil.
PHIL 101 - Perspectives in Philosophy
3.00 CrAn introduction to philosophical thinking and writing with a focus on important philosophers and classical philosophical questions. Course readings are humanities-oriented literature from various historical periods. Though PHIL 101 is open to all students, the content is directed to those who have little or no acquaintance with philosophy.
PHIL 113 - Formal Logic
3.00 CrThe analysis of arguments and the rules which determine valid from fallacious reasoning. Mathematical notation is introduced as a part of course content. Subject matter is particularly useful to students majoring in computer science and political science (pre-law interests).
PHIL 114 - Critical Thinking
3.00 CrA study of the informal logic of the use of language in everyday contexts. The course emphasizes factors such as ambiguity, generalization, and analogy operating in common argument situations.
PHIL 121 - Philosophy of Human Being
3.00 CrAn introduction to philosophy through a consideration of what constitutes humanity. The course examines such features as the existence of a soul, the nature of human knowing, and the possibility of human freedom. Subject matter is particularly useful to students in biology, psychology and the social sciences.
PHIL 131 - Philosophy & Film
3.00 CrAn introduction to philosophy through feature films. Philosophical issues such as the nature of personal identity, question of fate, the nature of right and wrong, are introduced and films analyzed that illustrate, develop, or even pose philosophical objections to, these issues. Course includes viewing of the films chosen. Course content is directed to those who have little or no acquaintance with philosophy and is a good choice for CORE.
Course will be offered every two years, in the fall semester.
PHIL 150 - Philosophy in Love
3.00 CrAn exploration of the experience of love in its many facets through classic philosophical texts from ancient to contemporary time. Students will engage fundamental questions about the relationship between love and reason, the notion of the self, the relevance of a virtuous character, the relationship between self-love and sacrifice, the different kinds of love and the role of forgiveness.
PHIL 189 - Special Topic
1.00 CrSpecial Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
PHIL 200 - Ancient Philosophy
3.00 CrAn examination of the origins of philosophical speculation in Western culture. Special emphasis is given to the writings of Plato and Aristotle, the cultural setting for these writings, and their continued effect on Western civilization. PHIL 200 is the initial course in the History of Philosophy sequence.
PHIL 202 - Medieval Philosophy
3.00 CrAn examination of philosophical thought from early Christian times through the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Special emphasis is given to the period's neo-Platonic and neo-Aristotelian synthesis. Some acquaintance with Plato and Aristotle's work is advised. PHIL 202 is the second course in the History of Philosophy sequence.
PHIL 203 - Islam: Philosophy/CultureCDGD
3.00 CrA survey of the Islamic faith and its expression in a variety of cultures around the world. Because Islam is reality-defining for its adherents, the religion is examined by reviewing its philosophy, theology, history, and social dimension.
PHIL 205 - Ethics
3.00 CrThis course was formerly offered as PHIL-107; credit will not be allowed for both courses. An introduction to moral theories and an analysis of the moral concepts of goodness, right, and obligation, and the ways in which they operate in society, religion, and law. These concepts will be further enhanced in classroom discussions of contemporary moral issues.
PHIL 206 - Environmental Ethics
3.00 CrAn ethical examination of human responsibilities and obligations to the environment and other species. The course includes a consideration of different environmental perspectives as well as applications to local issues like land use, wilderness protection, and food
PHIL 207 - Business Ethics
3.00 CrThe ethical investigation of business, business life, and their relationship to the good life. Course content includes an analysis of economic justice, corporate and personal responsibility, employee and consumer rights, and the meaning of work. Case studies give students practice in making rationally defensible moral judgments in accord with sound moral principles.
PHIL 208 - Bioethics
3.00 CrAn examination of moral issues that arise in medicine and related fields. Course topics include the right to life, forgoing medical treatment, informed consent, confidentiality, medical experimentation, and reproductive control. Case studies give students practice in making rationally defensible moral judgments in accord with sound moral principles.
PHIL 216 - Philosophy of God & Religion
3.00 CrAn exploration of the philosophical reflection on God and other topics key to religious thinking and practice. Course material includes arguments for and against the existence of God, the relation between theology and philosophy, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious experience. This course would be of special interest to students in theology.
PHIL 223 - Asian Philosophy (CD)(GD)
3.00 CrAn historical overview of the principal philosophies of Eastern cultures, which may include Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and/or Taoism. Class lectures include an analysis of the philosophical status of Eastern thought.
PHIL 252 - Philosophy&History of Science
3.00 CrAn exploration of the philosophical aspects of science and its methods. Central to this study is the influence of modern scientific inquiry on other disciplines, society, and religion.
PHIL 255 - Philosophy of Art & Beauty
3.00 CrAn analysis of concepts used in discussions of art and beauty and the application of this analysis to a variety of art forms. Class discussions develop the student's skills in art criticism and aesthetic recognition.
PHIL 256 - Soc/Political Philosophy (WI)
3.00 CrA critical review of theories of political, social, and economic organizationthat have shaped Western social and political thinking in the 19th and 20th centuries. The philosophical underpinnings of "political theory" will be explored through a close examination of historical events and the relationship between theory and practice.
PHIL 261 - Philosophy & Gender
3.00 CrAn investigation of main concepts and key issues at the heart of gender feminist studies. Particular attention is devoted to the examination of major theories, their specific contribution, their critique, and the broad spectrum of perspectives at stake.
PHIL 289 - Special Topic
1.00 CrSpecial Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
PHIL 304 - Contemporary Philosophy
3.00 CrAn investigation of recent traditions and problems within philosophy. Class discussion explores the expression of these traditions and problems in contemporary philosophical literature that deals with culture and society. PHIL 304 is the fourth course in the History of Philosophy sequence.
PHIL 310 - Metaphysics
3.00 CrA 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.
PHIL 313 - Epistemology
3.00 CrDiscussion of standard questions in the theory of knowledge. Course content explores such topics as the distinction of knowledge from belief, the sources of knowledge, the justification of knowledge claims, and the nature of evidence and truth.
PHIL 324 - Ethical Theory (WI)
3.00 CrAn 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.
PHIL 389 - Special Topic
1.00 CrSpecial Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
PHIL 495 - Philosophy Seminar
3.00 CrIn a seminar setting, a discussion of pre-selected philosophical issues or important texts (seminar topics change from year to year). Required of all philosophy majors and minors, but open to any student who had a previous philosophy course and who has obtained the permission of the Philosophy Department.
PHIL 497 - Senior Paper
1.00 CrThe senior paper is an original work a student prepares under the guidance of a professor in the Philosophy Department. It must provide evidence of scholarship in any of the major philosophical areas and is approved by the Department Chair.
PHIL 499 - Senior Thesis
1.00 CrThe senior thesis is designed to encourage creative thinking and to stimulate individual research. A student may undertake a thesis in an area in which s/he has the necessary background. Ordinarily a thesis topic is chosen in the student's major or minor. It is also possible to choose an interdisciplinary topic. Interested students should decide upon a thesis topic as early as possible in the junior year so that adequate attention may be given to the project. In order to be eligible to apply to write a thesis, a student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 based upon all courses attempted at Carroll College. The thesis committee consists of a director and two readers. The thesis director is a full-time Carroll College faculty member from the student's major discipline or approved by the department chair of the student's major. At least one reader must be from outside the student's major. The thesis director and the appropriate department chair must approve all readers. The thesis committee should assist and mentor the student during the entire project. For any projects involving human participants, each student and his or her director must follow the guidelines published by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students must submit a copy of their IRB approval letter with their thesis application. As part of the IRB approval process, each student and his or her director must also complete training by the National Cancer Institute Protection of Human Participants. The thesis is typically to be completed for three (3) credits in the discipline that best matches the content of the thesis. Departments with a designated thesis research/writing course may award credits differently with approval of the Curriculum Committee. If the thesis credits exceed the full-time tuition credit limit for students, the charge for additional credits will be waived. Applications and further information are available in the Registrar's Office.