Philosophy

Courses in philosophy (designated PHIL) may be applied as appropriate, for example, toward:

• the general education requirement in the arts and humanities;
• a major or minor in humanities; and
• a minor in philosophy; and
• electives.

PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
An introduction to the literature, problems, and methods of philosophy. The subject is approached either by studying some of the main figures in philosophic thought or by considering some central, recurring problems of philosophy. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 125 or PHIL 100.

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
An exploration of how philosophical analysis can be a foundation for thinking clearly about moral issues. Problems approached analytically include such widely debated issues as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, homosexuality, pornography, reverse discrimination, business ethics, sexual equality, and economic equity. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140.

PHIL 170 Introduction to Logic (3)
A general introduction to the discipline of logic. Traditional and modern deductive techniques are demonstrated and used; informal fallacies are clarified. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 170 or PHIL 170.

PHIL 236 Philosophy of Religion (3)
A philosophical study of some of the main problems of religious thought: the nature of religious experience, the justification of religious belief, the conflicting claims of religion and science, and the relation between religion and morality. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 236 or PHIL 236.

PHIL 245 Political and Social Philosophy (3)
A critical examination of classical political theories. Examples are drawn from the work of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, and Marx. Contemporary theories (such as those of Hayek, Rawls, and recent Marxist thinkers) are also covered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 245, PHIL 245, or PHIL 345.

Last updated: 15 August 2007