Course Descriptions
PHIL 115 - Humanities Tutorial
4 credits
The 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 nonWestern 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.
PHIL 200 - Problems
4 credits
Studies the meaning of philosophy as the "examined life," with an introduction to the concepts and major problems of philosophy.
PHIL 220 - Logic
4 credits
The 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 282 - Selected Topics
1 credit
PHIL 300 - Ethics
4 credits
The study of the principles and values that underlie the relations of responsibility, respect and concern. Theories studied include virtue ethics, Kantian ethics, utilitarianism and the Christian perspective.
PHIL 310 - Metaphysics
4 credits
A study of major metaphysical problems: language and reality, the nature of the human, concepts of existence, the mind/ body problem, free will/determinism, reality as proposed by realism, nominalism and idealism.
PHIL 311 - History of Philosophy
4 credits
Through Medieval times.
PHIL 312 - History of Philosophy
4 credits
From Descartes through Nietzsche.
PHIL 315 - Social Ethics
4 credits
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 credits
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 321 - Ancient Political Thought
4 credits
Presents the scope and nature of political ideas, philosophy and discussion in the Western ancient political tradition and focuses on the major philosophers from Plato to St. Thomas Aquinas and the major streams of ideas and philosophy flowing from them.
PHIL 322 - Modern Politcal Thought
4 credits
A systematic analysis of the political ideas of great Western and nonWestern writers. Particular contributions to political theory are examined, with special emphasis on the concept of human nature and the state, the role of "law" in politics, the problem of political change and the relationship between authority and freedom. (spring)
PHIL 340 - Philosophy of Science
4 credits
The study of the history and philosophy of scientific method, scientific change and theory formation: the rationality of scientists' appraisals of evidence and theories as well as the connections between these appraisals and the social conditions in which they occur. Recommended for biology majors interested in exploring the philosophical implications of the scientific enterprise.
PHIL 350 - Technology and Value
4 credits
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 - Cinese Philosophy and Culture
4 credits
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 credits
Each year different philosophies and problems are studied, including analytic philosophy, existentialism, post-modernism, pragmatism and philosophy of mind and brain.
PHIL 401 - Contemporary Philosophy
4 credits
Each year different philosophies and problems are studied, including analytic philosophy, existentialism, post-modernism, pragmatism and philosophy of mind and brain.
PHIL 402 - Contemporary Philosophy
4 credits
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 credits
The study of the aesthetic experience and the work of art. Includes the various theories and their expression, function and criticism.
PHIL 421 - American Political Thought
4 credits
A survey of the development of American ideas concerning political authority from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the transformation of liberalism in the 20th century under the impact of industrialization and the shift from the concept of the "free" individual to the organization person.
PHIL 435 - Faith and Reason
4 credits
Team-taught by professors of philosophy and religion, the course is an integrated and interdisciplinary exploration of the perennial tensions and cross-fertilizations between faith and reason. Authors read include St. Augustine, St. Thomas, Meister Eckhart, Luther, Descartes, Hume, Kierkegaard, Newman and Rudolf Otto. The course meets the capstone requirement for philosophy and religion majors. Open to juniors and seniors from all disciplines. Sophomores must get permission of instructor. (spring)
PHIL 445 - Pilosophy of Education
3 credits
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
1 credit
PHIL 490 - Independent Study
1 credit
PHIL 492 - Internship
1 credit
( graded P / NC only )
