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Philosophy
Courses
PHIL 201. INTRODUCTION
TO LOGIC.
A study of valid and fallacious reasoning, deductive and inductive.
Formal logical structures such as the syllogism will be examined, as well
as the logic of ordinary discourse and the avoidance of "informal" fallacies.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 213. FUNDAMENTAL
ISSUES IN PHILOSOPHY.
A course designed to introduce students to philosophical methods and
the range of philosophical inquiry. The course focuses on the philosophical
understanding of ethical, social, and religious values, and deals with
topics such as the nature and reality and the basis of knowledge primarily
as these contribute to the analysis and understanding of values.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 219. SOCIAL
AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY.
A philosophical investigation into basic questions of politics and
society, and the moral foundations of human social existence. Topics may
include human rights, equality, distributive justice, authority, punishment
and coercion, and the nature of the "good" or just society.
(Same as CJ 219)
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 220. CONTEMPORARY
MORAL ISSUES.
A philosophical examination of a number of significant and controversial
contemporary moral problems. Topics will vary but may include abortion,
capital punishment, sexual morality, animal rights, environmental ethics,
freedom of speech, discrimination, and affirmative action. The treatment
of these topics will develop in the context of the tradition of philosophical
ethics.
Offered in the Spring semester.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 224. THEORIES
OF HUMAN NATURE.
An examination of several major theories of human nature
with special emphasis on the ethical implications of these
theories. A consideration of such questions as whether humans
are by nature either good or evil, individual or social,
free or determined in their actions and whether they have
some natural purpose or end. Offered in the Fall semester.
One semester; three credits
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PHIL 234. HONORS
THEORIES OF HUMAN NATURE.
An intensive study of classical, modern, and postmodern theories of human nature through
the reading of original texts. There will be an emphasis on the philosophical
concepts and the ethical implications of the theories.
Prerequisite: Membership in Honors Program. Offered in the Spring
semester.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 317. ANCIENT
PHILOSOPHY.
An in-depth treatment of selected philosophers from the ancient and
medieval periods including Plato and Aristotle. Prerequisites: HUM 150
or one previous Philosophy course.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 318. MODERN
PHILOSOPHY.
An in-depth treatment of selected philosophers from the 17th to the
19th centuries, beginning with Descartes. Does not presuppose PHIL 317.
Prerequisites: HUM 150 or one previous Philosophy course.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 320. CONTEMPORARY
PHILOSOPHY.
An introduction to the major currents of 20th Century philosophical
thought in America and Europe. The focus will be on the question of the
meaning of subjective existence. Answers to this question will be examined
from the perspectives of analytic philosophy, pragmatism, existentialism,
and contemporary continental thought. Prerequisites: HUM 150 or one previous
Philosophy course.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 321. SCIENCE
AND HUMAN VALUES.
A study of ethical and value issues relating to science.
The course will consider both the historical significance
of the development of science for the values of Western
culture, and the ethical and social implications of contemporary
scientific developments and practices. Prerequisite: Junior
standing.
One semester; three credits
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PHIL 322. MEDICAL
ETHICS. (Formerly PHIL 422.)
A review and evaluation of various theories of moral philosophy and
an investigation into some of the current moral issues in the fields of
biology and medicine.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 323. BUSINESS
ETHICS.
An analysis of business ethics, the responsibilities of business firms
to employees, owners, consumers, and society. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Offered in the Fall and Spring.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 324. TECHNOLOGY
AND HUMAN VALUES.
A philosophical examination of social and ethical issues relating to
technology. Topics include the ethical responsibilities of engineers; ethical
and social issues associated with risk assessment, environment and resources,
and technology in a global context; and the impact of modern technology on human values.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 325. ENVIRONMENTAL
ETHICS.
A study of ethical and social issues concerning the relation of humans
to the natural environment. Topics include the history of environmental ethics,
the application of various ethical theories and concepts to environmental
concerns, and the relevance of the scientific, technological, economic, legal,
and socio-political considerations in the analysis of current issues in
environmental ethics.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 335. PHILOSOPHY
OF RELIGION.
An examination of philosophical issues relating to religion;
the concept of God, arguments for and against God's existence,
the nature of religious experience, knowledge, faith, the
problem of evil, and free will. (Same as RS 335.)
One semester; three credits
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PHIL 340. ETHICAL
THEORY.
An examination of various philosophical theories, including those of
Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, concerning moral values. Questions discussed
include the following: whether morality is best defined in terms of rights,
duties, consequences, authenticity of commitment, or models of virtue;
and whether morality can be judged by some absolute standard or is always
relative (and if so, to what?). Prerequisites: HUM 150 or one previous
Philosophy course. Offered in the Fall semester.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 350. PHILOSOPHY
OF THE ARTS.
A study of the various philosophical responses concerning the art.
Topics include the nature of art, the relation between different arts,
the nature of artistic creation and the problem of evaluating various works
of art. Examples from literature, music and the visual arts.
One semester; three credits |
PHIL 491-496.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY.
Selected philosophical topics; content variable with instructor.
One semester each; one to three credits each |
PHIL 499. SENIOR
SEMINAR.
The seminar, for Religion and Philosophy majors in their Senior
year, includes an independent study project on a topic related
to their previous years of study toward the major.
One semester; three credits
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