PHIL 101 Problems in Philosophy Introduces a number of fundamental philosophical problems
which are traditional to philosophy. Primary emphasis on problems
of knowledge, introduced through analyses of the works of several
major philosophers.
PHIL 102 Ethics An introduction to moral philosophy. Considers the problems of values, ideals, and standards of human action, both individual and social. Selected readings in a wide range of traditional and modern ethical approaches.
PHIL 105 Philosophy of Religion
An introduction to the basic problems of religion, such as the nature of religion, the existence of God, knowledge of God, the language of religion, immortality, and eschatology.
PHIL 106 Social and Political Philosophy A study of the traditional and contemporary philosophical issues of man in society, especially those problems concerning justice which exist as a result of human government.
PHIL 110 Critical Thinking
Focuses on creating in students an understanding of the many facets and pitfalls of good and bad reasoning. Emphasis is divided between the theoretical, logical issues and the practical application of good reasoning in a wide variety of contexts, both personal and public. This course does not meet the philosophy general education requirement.
PHIL 201 Ancient Philosophy The development of philosophy from Thales to Plotinus, covering the Greek and Roman periods. Major emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.
PHIL 202 Medieval Philosophy
A study of the development of philosophy from Augustine in the fourth
century A.D. to William of Ockham in the fourteenth century. Special
emphasis is placed upon Augustine and Aquinas.
PHIL 203 Renaissance Philosophy
A study of the development of philosophy from about the mid-fourteenth
century to the end of the sixteenth century. Special emphasis is placed
on the Italian Renaissance.
PHIL 204 Modern Philosophy An historical study of the major figures and movements in philosophy from the 17th to the 19th century. The accent is upon the problems and methods of philosophy.
PHIL 205 Contemporary Philosophy
The major movements in the philosophy of the 20th century. Considers idealism, Neo-Thomism, Marxism, Phenomenology and Existentialism, Logical Positivism, Linguistic Analysis, and Naturalism.
PHIL 206 American Philosophy A study of the major schools of Indian and Chinese philosophy which developed out of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The emphasis will be on the metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical insights of the various systems
PHIL 207 Asian Philosophy A study of the major schools of Indian and Chinese philosophy which developed out of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The emphasis will be on the metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical insights of the various systems.
PHIL 210 Nineteenth Century Philosophy A survey of the major European and American philosophers of the 1800's, including Hegel, Marx, Mill, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, and James. Emphasis will be placed on the influence of these thinkers on contemporary thought.
PHIL 215 Canadian Philosophy Introduces Canadian Philosophy and sets forth Canadian Philosophy as a distinct system of inquiry. In particular, close attention will be paid to the relationship between Canadian philosophy and Canadian intellectual history. Particular focus will be placed on the philosophical notion of community and its impact on Canadian society
PHIL 301 Philosophy of Science
An investigation of the nature and techniques of scientific explanation. Study of such questions as the nature of scientific method, the logic of scientific explanation, theory construction, causality, and the nature of the laws of science. Primary emphasis on the philosophical questions involved in the work of science and the link between science and philosophy.
PHIL 304 Existentialism A study of how 20th century existentialism, both in its religious and its atheistic forms, grows out of the work of its three 19th century precursors: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Dostoevsky.
PHIL 305 Metaphysics A study of the most general questions concerning the nature of reality including such problems as the reality of an external world, the significance of human existence, the nature of time, space, substance, cause, and the status of natural laws.
PHIL 306 Theory of Knowledge Examines the basic problems of epistemology, such as nature,
the reliability, and the proper objects of knowledge. Considers questions
pertaining to the nature of truth, theories of perception, the problems
of universals, concepts, and categories.
PHIL 307 Philosophy of Art An analysis of various concepts of aesthetics. Investigation into some of the fundamental questions involved in the philosophy of art. Aestheticians, both historical and contemporary. The application of aesthetic theory to art forms both past and present. Aesthetics approached from a worldwide outlook. Probes deeply into the arts for broader aesthetic understanding.
PHIL 308 Logic Standard logical notions and techniques. Chief emphasis on forms of argument, modes of valid inference, traditional and modern approaches to deductive argument, and inductive theory. Syllogistic and mathematical logic.
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Law Explores such broad questions as What is law?, How are law and morality related?, and How should we best conceptualize legal reasoning? Specific topics might include legal theories, equality, rights and freedoms (speech, religion, etc), civil disobedience and violence, and gender and race in the American legal and social context.
PHIL 328 Humanities Seminar Philosophy
This seminar is intended to familiarize students with the questions that philosophers and individuals have always asked and to help them realize that, although the answers change, the questions remain the same. Different aspects and questions may be dealt with in several philosophy seminars.
PHIL 328 Humanities Seminar Philosophy of Feminism
Examines some of the metaphysical, epistemological and ethical issues in feminist philosophy. Specific topics to be addressed include nature, human nature, the consequences of patriarchy, sexual divisions of labor, and feminist agendas for social, political and economic changes.
PHIL 328 Humanities Seminar Idealogy in Film
A philosophical analysis of the three most influential ideologies in twentieth- century Western culture, Democracy, Marxism and Freudian Psychoanalysis, and how they find expression in both mainstream and counter-culture approaches to cinema. Original writings of Locke, Jefferson and Rand, Marx and Engels, and Freud and his interpreters will be read, in conjunction with the viewing of films, which directly relate to each of these ideological positions
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: BRAINS, MINDS, AND MACHINES
This seminar investigates the chief problems of mind and body and personhood from several points of view. The metaphysical issues involved in dualism as challenged by materialism have taken on new significance in the age of the cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence. The bent of the seminar is both philosophical and scientific, considering primarily the questions concerning our basic humanity. What, for example, distinguishes us from computers?
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: PHILOSOPHICAL IDEAS IN LITERATURE
The seminar will examine pairings of works of philosophy and literature dealing with the same themes, to study both the historical influence of philosophy on literature and the conceptual content of literary works in light of philosophical theories. The fundamental goal of the course will be to promote in students the attitude that philosophy and literature are complimentary modes of inquiry into the human condition; that philosophical concepts can enrich one's appreciation of literary works, and that images and situations in literature can help concretize abstract philosophical theories. To paraphrase Kant: philosophical concepts without literary intuitions can be empty; literary images and situations without philosophical categories can be blind. When united, the two together can yield true understanding.
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: PHILOSOPHY OF DEATH
A consideration of the generally neglected, but obviously significant, topic of death. Primary emphasis will be on the metaphysics of death (i.e., just how does it fit in with an overall understanding of reality?) Consideration will also be given to the psychological aspects of death, especially as it relates to the individual as an inevitable fate.
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: PHILOSOPHY OF MIND An in-depth study of the phenomenon of consciousness from classical and contemporary points of view with an attempt to integrate various theories of the mind into a consistent and coherent philosophy of humans.
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: PHILOSOPHY OF SPACE AND TIME
A philosophical consideration of the problems of space and time. Through a study of a variety of historical and contemporary theories we will examine such questions as whether space and time are real or apparent, absolute or relative, physical or mental, bounded or unbounded, finite or infinite -- an interesting experience in metaphysical mental gymnastics.
PHIL328 HUMANITIES SEMINAR: PLATO
In this seminar, we will examine the early, middle, and late Dialogues of Plato, as well as his last works, the Letters and the Laws. His theory of education, vision of the ideal society and theory of love will be explored in some detail, and his works will be related to the decline and fall of Athens from its Golden Age.
PHIL400 ETHICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT Explores philosophical questions related to the human relationship with, and use of, the environment. Topics may include preservation vs. conversation, holistic ethics, anthropocentrism, wilderness, feminist approaches to environmental ethics, Deep Ecology, radical environmental activism, and environmental justice. Emphasis is given to Western ethical traditions, though other perspectives may be included. Restrictions Upon Registration: Completion of 30 sh or permission of instructor.
PHIL 415 Ethical Issues in the Health Care Professions The purpose of this course is to examine some of the major
ethical issues in the various health care professions. Particular
analysis will include but not be limited to the following: the allocation
of medical resources; consent and truth telling in medicine; confidentiality;
genetic engineering; reproductive technologies; and advanced directives.
Professionals from the various health care fields will be invited
to speak on selected topics.
PHIL 425 Ethics in Business and Industry An in-depth survey of the relevance of ethical theory to
the making of professional decisions in business and industry. An
extensive introduction to ethical theory and logic will be followed
by a discussion of difficult ethical dilemmas which professionals
must confront every day. Particular emphasis will be placed on hiring
and firing practices, advertising and marketing, environmental issues,
and the impact of industry on the society at large.
PHI 499 Independent Study Individual readings and conferences on a special topic determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, the department chairperson, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
