2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

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 230. Political Philosophy: Ancient to Modern. (4).

This course surveys some important historical and theoretical issues in Western political philosophy, and considers some applications of the theories discussed to moral, political, and legal controversies. Issues discussed include: justice, social construction, the "ideal" society, social contract theory, rights, liberty, restrictions on government, responses to injustice, etc.

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.

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 312. History of Philosophy. (4).

This course is a general introduction to some of the main problems and debates in the history of philosophy. Students will acquire a basic familiarity with the major themes of ancient Greek and Medieval metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, and moral theory. We will also investigate the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries and the serious conceptual crises it caused in modern thought and the 19th Century thinkers who were responding to these modern figures. Students will acquire experience in the analysis of original texts and the arguments they contain through close reading, class discussions and group activities. The aim of the course is to introduce you to some of the central problems of ancient, medieval, modern, and nineteenth century philosophy; to teach you how to reconstruct arguments and evaluate them, and how to write philosophy papers.

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.

PHIL 330. Contemporary Political Philosophy. (4).

This course surveys some important theoretical issues in Western political philosophy, and considers some applications of the theories discussed to moral, political, and legal controversies. Issues discussed include: the obligation to obey the law, the justification of secession, the nature of rights, the limits of state power (especially with respect to offensive expression), just distribution of property, and reparations for past injustice.

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 360. Philosophy of Law. (4).

In this course we will explore several issues central to the philsophy of law, including the following: (i) the nature of law and the connection, if any, between law and morality, (ii) the nature of a judge's role in the legal system, (iii) the nature of legal, and, especially, constitutional interpretation, (iv) the justification of the legal punishment, including the death penalty, and, (v) the requirements for legal responsibility, with a particular emphasis on the justification of some legal defenses and the appropriate role of the consequences of an agent's action in determining her responsibility.

PHIL 370. Business Ethics. (4).

The course will undertake an investigation of ethical issues in contemporary business life, linking ethical concepts and theories to concrete cases of corporate and individual choice in the business world.

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 450. Philosophy Capstone. (2-4).

All philosophy majors are required to complete a capstone course, meeting regularly with a faculty member and writing a capstone thesis covering important readings in Philosophy. The course is taken in the Fall semester of your Senior year. The course may be taken for 2-4 credits. The topic of the course will be chosen after discussion with your faculty mentor.

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 496. Directed Research. (1-3).

PHIL 497. Departmental Honors. (4).