Phil 101 Introduction to Philosophy

An introduction to approaches and issues in fundamental areas of philosophy such as ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and metaphysics. As part of the course, students explore how philosophy can help to shape and to justify personal values. Not a prerequisite for other philosophy courses. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 104 Introduction to Ethics

Students examine some of the most urgent contemporary moral problems based on the insights of major thinkers in the history of philosophical thinking about morality. Practical topics may include abortion, the death penalty, world hunger, and the environment. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 120 Global Ethics and Religion CH II

(Same as Rel 120.) (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 125 Philosophy of Religion CH II

(Same as Rel 125.) An introduction to philosophical issues in the world religions. Comparisons and contrasts between Western and Asian philosophy of religion are emphasized: What is the meaning of life? How do resurrection and reincarnation differ? Does God exist? How could a good God allow evil? Could only one religion be right? (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 203 Logic

An introduction which teaches the skills necessary for distinguishing between correct and incorrect reasoning. Methods will be taught which can help one to reason more persuasively and to write more clearly. A focus on interpreting arguments in everyday English plus a study of conclusive methods for testing the correctness of reasoning. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 301/302 History of Political Philosophy I and II CH I

(Same as Posc 301 and 302.) 3/3 credits.

Phil 304 Multicultural Ethics CH II

An inquiry into the promises and perils of a multicultural society. Main topics include ethical theory from international perspectives, the nature of prejudice, and the culture wars. 3 credits.

Phil 308 God, the Good Life, and Sex CH II

(Same as Rel 308.) An interdisciplinary course focusing on the relation between Ultimate Reality and the Good. Questions in cross-cultural metaphysics, æsthetics, and ethics (especially sexual ethics) are addressed. 3 credits.

Phil 310 From Socrates to Aquinas CH I

(Same as Rel 310.) An interdisciplinary study of philosophical and religious thinkers from the earliest Greek philosophers through the Middle Ages. The ideas of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas are examined to see how they change over time, and how they are relevant to our contemporary search for moral and religious values. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 311 Descartes to Kierkegaard CH I

(Same as Rel 311.) An interdisciplinary study of the great philosophical and religious thinkers from the Reformation to the 20th century whose ideas form the basis for modern thought. Prominent works of Martin Luther, John Calvin, René Descartes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and Søren Kierkegaard are critically examined. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 314 Medical Ethics

A systematic examination of ethical principles as applied to moral dilemmas in health care. Topics include: euthanasia, abortion, truth-telling, informed consent, the professional-patient relationship, experimentation on human and animal subjects, allocating scarce medical resources. Of special interest to those seeking careers in medicine, nursing, social work, and related fields. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 315 Voluntary Service

An exploration of volunteering and philanthropy (voluntary giving for public purposes). This interdisciplinary course serves as an introduction to ethics at the upper-division level. Topics include the moral aspects of caring and helping, and of responsibilities concerning world hunger, and case studies of people like Albert Schweitzer. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 316 Business and Professional Ethics

A study of the pressing moral problems generated today in business and all professions. Topics include: the special responsibilities of professionals; the obligations of corporations concerning the environment and product safety; the rights of employees; honesty in advertising. Open to and relevant to all students with career interests. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 318 Political and Legal Philosophy

An examination of pressing issues in politics, society, and law, illuminated by contemporary and historical writers. Topics include: punishment; defending a guilty client; distributing jobs and tax revenues fairly (distributive justice); whether law should prohibit prostitution, drugs, or pornography. Of particular value for those in pre-law, government, and criminal justice. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 319 Philosophy of Women/Women of Color CH II

A study of philosophical issues concerning sex roles and gender, focusing on women of color ­ especially on African American, Mexican American, and Asian American women. Topics may include: stereotypes; beauty; women as 'Other;' the colonized self; affirmative action; and moral values such as autonomy, empowerment, equality, and justice. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 320 Belief, Truth, and Knowledge

An examination of fundamental issues about the origin, nature, and validity of knowledge. Topics include: the nature of truth, the problems which arise concerning the reliability and objects of perception, how our beliefs can be justified, whether skepticism can be avoided, and whether there can be certain knowledge. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 322 Philosophical Theology

(Same as Rel 322.) (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 323 Philosophy in Literature

A study of intriguing philosophical ideas and themes as dealt with novelists, poets, and dramatists. The unifying theme of the course varies. The most recent ones were: love; self-deception and achieving an authentic self; individual freedom and the authority of the state; and the concept of the self. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Phil 325 Albert Schweitzer: His Life and Thought

(Same as Rel 325/Pcst 325.) This course explores Schweitzer's contributions to philosophy, theology, medicine, music, peace, philanthropy, and voluntary service. The primary focus will be on Schweitzer's central moral ideal of reverence for life and its contemporary relevance. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Phil 340 Philosophy of Mind

A study of classical and contemporary philosophical issues concerning the mind and mental phenomena-- e.g., the concept of a person, mental images, dreams, minds and machines, philosophical presuppositions in psychology. 3 credits.

Phil 296/396 Seminar

In-depth study in a specific area. 3 credits.

Phil 499 Individual Study

Prerequisites, upper-division standing and at least six credits in philosophy taken previously; individual study must be arranged with the chair of the department. Directed reading designed to meet the needs of superior upper-division philosophy students and to fulfill the senior project of philosophy majors. 3 credits.

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