PHIL 121: The Examined Life – PH
Introduces philosophy by
considering perennial topics and issues, such as what makes an action
right or wrong and whether belief in God is reasonable. Includes a
focus on developing skills in critical and systematic thinking. (4)
PHIL 125: Ethics and the Good Life – PH
Major moral theories of Western civilization, including contemporary
moral theories. Critical application to selected moral issues. (4)
PHIL 220: Women and Philosophy – A, PH
An examination and critique of historically important theories from
Western philosophy concerning women's nature and place in society,
followed by an examination and critique of the writings of women
philosophers, historic and contemporary. (4)
PHIL 223: Biomedical Ethics – PH
An examination of significant controversies in contemporary biomedical
ethics, of major moral philosophies, and of their interrelationships.
(4)
PHIL 224: Military Ethics - PH
An
examination of major ethical theories (Aristotle, Stoicism, Kant and
Mill) and their applications to current moral issues in warfare and the
military including: morality of war, laws of war, military culture and
the warrior ethos, the role of the military in international affairs
and terrorism. (4)
PHIL 225: Business Ethics – PH
Application of moral theories and perspectives of relevance to business
practices. Examination of underlying values and assumptions in specific
business cases involving, e.g., employer-employee relations,
advertising, workplace conflict, and environmental and social
responsibilities. Pass/fail options do not apply to business majors
either declared or intending to declare. (4)
PHIL
228: Social and Political Philosophy – PH
An examination of major social and political theories of Western
philosophy (including Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx).
Includes feminist and non-Western contributions and critiques. Can
count for a Political Science minor. (4)
PHIL 230: Philosophy, Animals, and the Environment – PH
Examines issues such as resource distribution and consumption,
obligations to future generations and the nonhuman life. Various moral
theories are examined and applied to ethical issues such as
preservation of endangered species, animal experimentation, factory
farming, resource consumption, pollution, and population growth. Concepts
such as wilderness, nature/natural, and consciousness are also
addressed. (4)
PHIL 233: Formal Logic
Principles of sound reasoning and argument. Development and practical
use of formal logical systems, with a focus on symbolic logic. Includes
an introduction to inductive and abductive reasoning. Not for
philosophy core requirement; counts toward Option III of the College of
Arts and Sciences requirement. (4)
PHIL 238: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life - PH
An introduction to the philosophical movement known as Existentialism. The course will explore themes central to human experience (such as alienation, guilt, suffering, joy and boredom), with a goal of asking how existentialism engages these ideas relative to the question of human meaning. As an introductory course we will survey specifically the major thinkers of this tradition and illustrate how existentialism connects to other areas such as religion, psychology and literature. (4)
PHIL 253: Creation and Evolution – PH
Examination of the controversy surrounding the origin of life. Includes
a historical introduction to the controversy; investigation into the
nature of science, faith, evidence, and facts; and critical evaluation
of three major origin theories: creationism, theistic evolution, and
non-theistic evolution. (4)
PHIL 291: Directed Studies (1–4)
PHIL 328: Philosophical Issues in the Law – PH
An examination of philosophical issues in law using actual cases as
well as philosophical
writings. Topics may include the nature of law, judicial reasoning,
rights, liberty, responsibility, and punishment. Prerequisite: One
previous philosophy course, or POLS 170, or permission of instructor.
(4)
PHIL 330: Studies in the History of Philosophy – PH
In-depth study of major figures, texts, and topics in a selected
historical period. These may include: ancient, sixteenth to eighteenth
century, Kant and the nineteenth century. May be repeated for credit.
(4)
PHIL 332: Themes in Contemporary Philosophy – PH
In-depth study of selected themes and issues in 20th- and 21st-century
philosophy. These may includes: Analytic, Pragmatism, and Continental.
May be repeated for credit. (4)
PHIL 350: God, Faith, and Reason – PH
Classical and contemporary views of traditional issues regarding the
nature and rationality of religious belief, with a focus on
monotheistic religions and a unit on religious pluralism. Prerequisite:
one course in philosophy or religion. (4)
PHIL 353: Topics in Philosophy – PH
Study of selected topics in philosophy, such as value theory,
science, metaphysics, epistemology, feminism, film or health care. May
be repeated for credit. (2-4)
PHIL 491: Independent Reading and Research
Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1–4)
PHIL 493: Honors Research Project
The writing of an honors thesis and final completion of the reading
program in primary sources required for the honors major. Presentation
of thesis to department majors and faculty. (4)
PHIL 499: Capstone: Advanced Seminar in Philosophy – SR
Exploration in a seminar format of an important philosophical issue,
thinker, or movement. Topic to be announced at the time course is
offered. Prerequisite: three philosophy courses or consent of
instructor. May be repeated once for credit. (4)
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