Class Descriptions
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 102 - Ethics
PHIL 103 - Science Technology, and Human Values
PHIL 104 - Introduction to Asian Philosophy
PHIL 120 - Introduction to Formal Logic
PHIL 211 - Great Thinkers of the Ancient World
PHIL 212 - Medieval and Early Modern Thinkers
PHIL 213 - Modern and Contemporary Thought
PHIL 220 - Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy 5
credits
An introduction to problems which have perplexed scholars since Socrates.
Includes the nature of human knowledge, free will and determinism, morality,
the individual and the state, and the existence of God. Prerequisite:
None.
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PHIL 102 Ethics 5 credits
Systematic study of historical and recent views on such issues as the
nature of good and evil, right and wrong, justice, rights, the rational
grounds for moral responsibility and oral decision making, and the objectivity
of moral values. Addresses both traditional and contemporary moral problems.
Prerequisite: None.
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PHIL 103 Science Technology and Human Values
5 credits
The nature of scientific thinking and technology, and an assessment of
their impact on human life and values. Specific topics include the role
of theory and explanation in science and the effect of specific technologies
on our understanding of the person, society, nature, and value. Prerequisite:
None.
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PHIL 104 Introduction to Asian Philosophy
5 credits
An assessment of the major philosophical problems investigated over the
past 2600 years by scholars in Asia. From Nargarjuna to Gandhi, Lao Tzu
to Mao, study shared and divergent aspects of philosophy and religion
and themes concerning nature, non-being and being, theory and practice,
morality and happiness. Prerequisite: None.
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PHIL 120 Introduction to Formal Logic 5
credits
An examination of the principles of deductive inference, including Aristotelian,
prepositional, and predicate logic. Prerequisite: MATH
099 or equivalent.
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PHIL 211 Great Thinkers of the Ancient World
5 credits
A study of the origins and character of philosophical thinking in ancient
Greece and a critical examination of assumptions and concepts that were
central to ancient Greek world views. The emphasis will be on works of
the Presocratic philosophers, Plato and Aristotle. Prerequisite: Any 100
level PHIL course, or HUM 111,
112, 113,
114, or WRIT
102, or instructor's permission.
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PHIL 212 Medieval and Early Modern Thinkers
5 credits
A critical examination of selected medieval and early modern philosophical
systems (4th to 18th centuries). Themes include the nature of the person
and the universe, God, the limits of human knowledge, and the foundations
of ethical and political values. Authors include Augustine, Aquinas, Hobbes,
Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. Prerequisites: Any 100
level PHIL course or HUM 111,
112, 113,
114, or WRIT
102, or instructor's permission.
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PHIL 213 Modern and Contemporary Thought
5 credits
A critical examination of 19th and 20th century thought, beginning with
Kant's revolutionary work and ending with leading movements of the 20th
century. Authors and movements will include Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein,
positivism, utilitarianism, existentialism, and analytic philosophy. Prerequisites:
Any 100 level PHIL, or HUM 111,
112, 113,
114, WRIT
102, or instructor's permission.
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PHIL 220 Philosophy of Religion 5 credits
Introduces students to philosophical inquiry into the major elements of
religious thought and experience. Issues include arguments for God’s
existence, atheism, the problem of evil, the relationship of faith to
reason, religious experiences, religious ethics, and immortality.
Prerequisite: Any Philosophy course or HUM
111, 112, 113,
114, or WRIT
102, or instructor's permission.
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