Philosophy (PHIL)
Introduction to the central issues, questions, and theories of Western Philosophy. Topics covered include logic and critical thinking; religion; knowledge and skepticism; philosophy of mind; freedom and determinism; and ethics. Students are expected to engage in philosophical discussion based on primary and secondary texts.
An examination of the central questions of moral philosophy through the reading and discussion of representative texts of major philosophers and the application of moral reasoning to contemporary ethical issues and problems in fields such as communications, medicine, business and the environment. Topics addressed include the meaning of "good and "bad," right conduct, happiness and well-being, moral character and justice.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 or ENGL 102 or ENGL 112
An introduction to the philosophical questions "what do you mean?" and "How do you know?" in the realm of aesthetics, most particularly in the arts. Through readings and discussions of representative philosophical texts and with close attention to aesthetic objects themselves, questions such as the following will be examined. What is artistic expression? What do works of art mean? Is there a general definition of art? What makes a work of art good? Critical thinking and communication skills are emphasized.
The course studies philosophical literature of the eighth century B.C.E. throughout the third century C.E., including Pre-Socratic thought, Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism, with special emphasis on Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This course is equivalent to the previously offered PHIL 3200.
The course studies philosophical literature of the third through fourteenth centuries B.C.E., including Porphyry, Boethius, Augustine, Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, Thomas Aquinas, Henry of Ghent, John Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, and John Buridan. This course is equivalent to the previously offered PHIL 3400.
The course studies philosophical literature of the 16th through the 18th centuries, through careful examination of, and critical engagement with, such figures as Hobbes, Descartes, Pascal, Locke, Leibniz, Spinoza, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. This course is equivalent to the previously offered PHIL 3600.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
An examination of works of major thinkers of the 20th century. Philosophers to be studied include Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simon De Beauvoir, from Germany and France, and C. S. Peirce and John Dewey, from the U.S. This course is equivalent to the previously offered PHIL 3800.
This course studies world literature on the philosophy of religion. Topics include proofs of God's existence, science and religion, the problem of evil, reason and religion experience, religious pluralism, free will, and life after death.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1102 or ENGL 102 or ENGL 112)
An examination of selected topics or philosophical movements, such as Women and Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Eastern Philosophy, and Existentialism.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
An examination of selected topics or philosophical movements, such as Women and Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Eastern Philosophy, and Existentialism.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
An examination of selected topics or philosophical movements, such as Women and Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Eastern Philosophy, and Existentialism.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
An examination of selected topics or philosophical movements, such as Women and Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Eastern Philosophy, and Existentialism.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
An examination of selected topics or philosophical movements, such as Women and Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Eastern Philosophy, and Existentialism.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
The student, with the advice and permission of the directing professor, selects the topic and submits a prospectus for department approval before the semester in which the course is to be taken.