2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog

PHIL 115. Humanities Tutorial. (4).

The year-long Humanities Tutorial begins with an in-depth, one-semester study of the origins of Western culture in Greek literature and philosophy. The second semester continues with a study of contemporary themes and concerns both in Western and Non-Western thought. In addition to providing practice in the skills of analysis, argument, and critical and reflective interpretation, the course aims to familiarize students with the intellectual ideal of illuminating the new by understanding the old. (cross-listed with ENGL 115 and HNRS 115).

PHIL 200. Problems in Philosophy. (4).

Studies the meaning of philosophy as the "examined life," with an introduction to the concepts and major problems of philosophy.

PHIL 220. Logic. (4).

A study of the basic methods of clear thinking and argument, including both deductive and inductive reasoning. Special emphasis is placed on critical analysis of arguments.

PHIL 260. Topics in World Philosophy. (4).

A study of representative philosophical traditions of Greece and China, with a focus on the awareness of global diversity, interdependence and relevance. (cross-listed with ENGL 260).

PHIL 282. Selected Topics. (4).

PHIL 282C. ST: (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved fill core requirement.

PHIL 300. Ethics. (4).

The study of what makes for a well-lived life in terms of character, conduct and relationships with others. Special attention is given to the connection between ethics and leadership.

PHIL 310. Metaphysics. (4).

The general inquiry into the nature of the real. Topics include the role of language in thought, the nature of truth, necessity and possibility, being and essence.

PHIL 311/312. History of Philosophy. (4,4).

First semester through medieval times; second semester from Descartes through Nietzsche.

PHIL 315. Social Ethics. (4).

The analysis of contemporary social issues such as abortion, capital punishment, affirmative action, multiculturalism, the environment, euthanasia and world hunger from a moral and philosophical perspective.

PHIL 320. Philosophy of Religion. (4).

Studies the evidence for belief in God and includes an examination of religious experience, the relation of religion and science, and the alternatives to theism. This course functions as a capstone course for Philosophy majors and the Honors program.

PHIL 340. Philosophy of Science. (4).

A study of science from a philosophical perspective, covering the basic procedures of scientific research, the key features of scientific progress, and some ethical issues related to scientific research, in particular the uses of animals and humans as research subjects. Recommended for both natural science and social science majors interested in exploring the philosophical implications of the scientific enterprise.

PHIL 345. Bioethics. (4).

A study of moral issues raised by the recent development of biological and medical sciences, including those related to reproductive technologies, human genetics, euthanasia, organ donations, health-care policies, and human/animal experimentation. The course focuses on the complexities that often surround moral choices in biological and medical sciences.

PHIL 350. Technology and Value. (4).

A study of moral issues raised by the recent development of technology, including those related to computers, genetic engineering and the environment. The course examines how current technological achievements profoundly change our social, cultural and moral life and how they create moral dilemmas for our society at the same time.

PHIL 355. Chinese Philosophy and Culture. (4).

A study of the development of Chinese philosophy and culture from the ancient to the contemporary period. The major philosophical traditions in China - Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism - are covered. Key features of Chinese culture, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of both native Chinese and Chinese Americans, are examined.

PHIL 400. Contemporary Philosophy. (4).

Each year different philosophies and problems are studied, including analytic philosophy, existentialism, post-modernism, pragmatism and philosophy of mind and brain.

PHIL 414. Philosophy of Art. (4).

The study of the aesthetic experience and the work of art. Includes the various theories and their expression, function and criticism. (cross-listed with ART 414).

PHIL 445. Philosophy of Education. (3).

The analysis of educational principles and policies from the perspective of major philosophical schools and their associated ideologies. The course aims to clarify the connections between theory and practice as they relate to teaching and learning. Not available to freshmen.

PHIL 482. Selected Topics. (2-4).

PHIL 482C. ST: (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved fill core requirement.

PHIL 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

PHIL 492. Internship. (2-4).

PHIL 496. Directed Research. (1-3).

PHIL 497. Departmental Honors. (4).