Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Philosophy

  
  • PHIL 100 - Introduction to Philosophy (3)


    An introduction to fundamental philosophical concepts and methods, through the consideration of issues such as the existence and nature of God, the relationship between mind and body, personal identity, the relationship between free will and determinism, moral responsibility, the nature and possibility of knowledge, causality and the nature of reality. The course emphasizes the formulation and evaluation of philosophical arguments and may draw upon historical as well as contemporary readings.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56006
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 100H , PHIL 100Y  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 100H - Introduction to Philosophy - Honors (3)


    An introduction to fundamental philosophical concepts and methods, through the consideration of issues such as the existence and nature of God, the relationship between mind and body, personal identity, the relationship between free will and determinism, moral responsibility, the nature and possibility of knowledge, causality and the nature of reality. The course emphasizes the formulation and evaluation of philosophical arguments and may draw upon historical as well as contemporary readings.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56007
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 100 , PHIL 100Y  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must be admitted to the Honors College.
  
  • PHIL 100Y - Introduction to Philosophy (4)


    An introduction to fundamental philosophical concepts and methods, through the consideration of issues such as existence and nature of God, the relationship between mind and body, personal identity, the relationship between free will and determinism, moral responsibility, the nature and possibility of knowledge, causality and the nature of reality. The course emphasizes the formulation and evaluation pf philosophical arguments and may draw upon historical as well as contemporary readings.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56008
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 100 , PHIL 100H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 146 - Critical Thinking (3)


    An introduction to the basic concepts and principles of reasoning. Topics include the analysis and evaluation of the logical structure of arguments, the meaning and functions of words in arguments, and the detection of fallacious or deceptive patterns of thinking. The course is intended to develop skill in responding critically to incorrect reasoning in everyday discourse.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56010
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 150 - Contemporary Moral Issues (3)


    An introduction to the problems and concepts of moral philosophy that focuses on current moral issues. This course introduces students to moral theories and their implications, the nature of moral reasoning and argument, and the meaning and justification of moral concepts such as obligation and rights. Topics may include free speech, abortion and euthanasia, environmental ethics, the rights of animals, and distributive and compensatory justice.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56012
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 150Y  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 150Y - Contemporary Moral Issues (4)


    An introduction to the problems and concepts of moral philosophy that focuses on current moral issues. This course introduces students to moral theories and their implications, the nature of moral reasoning and argument, and the meaning and justification of moral concepts such as obligation and rights. Topics may include free speech, abortion and euthanasia, environmental ethics, the rights of animals and distributive and compensatory justice.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56014
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 150  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 152 - Introduction to Ethics (3)


    An introduction to fundamental issues in ethics, looking at classic and more recent responses to questions such as: Are there objectively right or wrong actions and better or worse ways of living? What makes them right/wrong or better/worse? How, more generally, can we justify ethical beliefs? Various responses to these questions, emphasizing personal motivations, personal character, consequences of actions, social contracts, or inviolable rules, will be explored. Criticisms and skeptical responses to traditional moral theory will also be considered.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56015
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 152H , PHIL 152Y  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 152H - Introduction to Ethics (3)


    An introduction to fundamental issues in ethics, looking at classic and more recent responses to questions such as: Are there objectively right or wrong actions and better or worse ways of living? What makes them right/wrong or better/worse? How, more generally, can we justify ethical beliefs? Various responses to these questions, emphasizing personal motivations, personal character, consequences of actions, social contracts, or inviolable rules, will be explored. Criticisms and skeptical responses to traditional moral theory will also be considered.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 100126
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 152 , PHIL 152Y  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must be admitted to the Honors College.
  
  • PHIL 152Y - Introduction to Ethics (4)


    An introduction to fundamental issues in ethics, looking at classic and more recent responses to questions such as: Are there objectively right or wrong actions and better or worse ways of living? What makes them right/wrong or better/worse? How, more generally, can we justify ethical beliefs? Various responses to these questions, emphasizing personal motivations, personal character, consequences of actions, social contracts, or inviolable rules, will be explored. Criticisms and skeptical responses to traditional moral theory will also be considered. 

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56016
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 152 , PHIL 152H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 210 - Philosophy of Religion (3)


    A critical examination of the nature and justification of religious belief. Topics to be discussed include the existence of God, the nature of religious belief, the problem of evil, the possibility of life after death, and the relation between religion and morality.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 50222
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 248 - Introduction to Scientific Reasoning (3)


    The study of scientific reasoning. Among the central issues are: deductive reasoning; inductive reasoning; the justification of inductive inferences; examples of inductive reasoning, such as statistical inferences with respect to both correlation and causal hypotheses; the nature of science and its evolution; analysis of the roles that models, predictions and evidence play in justifying scientific theories.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56019
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 251 - Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering (3)


    This course focuses on the ethical responsibilities of engineers and information technologists. Students will analyze case studies and the content of professional codes of ethics using the tools of moral philosophy, with the goal of helping them to better understand and address morally significant problems that will arise in their careers, including: resolving tensions between competing values, taking responsibility for failure, communicating risk, and fulfilling duties to various stakeholders concerning safety and environmental impact. Note: Philosophy students may not count PHIL 251 and PHIL 252  towards the major. Credit will not be given for both PHIL 251 and ENES 251 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56021
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 252 - Ethical Responsibility in Computer and Information Science (3)


    The primary focus of this course will be an inquiry into the ethical responsibilities of information technologists in today’s high-tech, information-oriented society. Students will be introduced to historical and contemporary issues involving ethical and professional responsibility through extensive discussion and analysis of case studies in computer science and information systems. The key outcome of the course involves learning how to conduct an ethical analysis and then apply this analysis to a real case. Note: Credit will not be given to both PHIL 252 and either CMSC 304  or IS 304 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56023
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Discussion, Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GFR)
  
  • PHIL 253 - Business Ethics (3)


    This course looks closely at ethical issues that arise in the context of business practice and design. Topics to be considered include appropriate workplace conduct, pay equity, just employment practices, models of business management, and sustainable development. Analysis of cases exemplifying such issues will be conducted through the use of ethical theories built around different key aspects in our ordinary moral thinking and assessments, such as happiness, utility, duty, and virtuous character.
     

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102619
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
  
  • PHIL 258 - Introduction to Feminist Philosophy (3)


    Drawing on historical and contemporary sources, this course critically examines the ways in which women and women’s experiences have been ignored and explicitly and implicitly devalued in Western philosophy. It also seeks to uncover what, if anything, about the methods and central concepts of Western philosophy account for such exclusion and (apparent) contempt. More positively, we will evaluate new feminist approaches to old philosophical questions, such as: What is knowledge? What is justice?

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 50133
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Same as Offered: GWST 258 
  
  • PHIL 320 - Topics in the History of Philosophy (3)


    A study of a major movement, theme, or figure in the history of philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 6 credits.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56030
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Indian Philosophy, Topics In Hist Of Phil, Existentialism, Medieval Philosophy, Hist Of Ethical Theo, Medieval Philosophy, British Empiricism, Jewish Philosophy
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: One course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 321 - History of Philosophy: Ancient (3)


    The history of major philosophical views from the pre-Socratics through Hellenistic philosophy, with special emphasis on the early and middle dialogues of Plato and the physical, ethical and metaphysical works of Aristotle.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56032
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 321H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: One course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 321H - History of Philosophy: Ancient (3)


    The history of major philosophical views from the pre-Socratics through Hellenistic philosophy, with special emphasis on the early and middle dialogues of Plato and the physical, ethical and metaphysical works of Aristotle.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 100018
    Consent: Department Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 321  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better before taking any 300-level PHIL course. You must also be admitted to the Honors College .
  
  • PHIL 322 - History of Philosophy: Modern (3)


    An examination of major philosophical positions in the 17th and 18th centuries. Philosophers studied typically include Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56033
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 322H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: One course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 322H - History of Philosophy: Modern (Honors) (3)


    An examination of major philosophical positions in the 17th and 18th centuries. Philosophers studied typically include Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56034
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 322  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better before taking any 300-level PHIL course. You must also be admitted to the Honors College.
  
  • PHIL 327 - American Pragmatism (3)


    An examination of the origin and development of the American pragmatist movements, from their beginnings with Pierce, James and Dewey, to contemporary pragmatists such as Quine. The course compares the merits of the pragmatic method with those of rationalist and empiricist methodologies.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56035
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 328 - History of Analytic Philosophy (3)


    A study of central texts and themes in the history of analytic philosophy. Readings will be drawn from figures such as Green, McTaggert, Bradley, Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Austin, Ayer, Carnap, Dewey, Quine, Davidson and Rorty.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56036
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 332 - Philosophy of the Asian Martial Arts (3)


    A critical survey of the classical philosophical literature of the Asian martial arts. The original writings of some pre-eminent Asian philosophers, sages and martial artists will be examined and discussed. Topics include the nature of philosophy in Asian culture; the conceptual relations between Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism and the philosophy of the Asian martial arts; the values and ethics of warriorship and the role the philosophy of the martial arts has played in shaping some Asian cultures.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56037
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 334 - Asian Philosophy (3)


    This course will consist of a critical survey of the major philosophical and spiritual traditions of India, China and Japan. The key concepts and principles of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Shintoism will be examined and discussed. Topics will include the difference in emphasis and approach between the philosophical thought of East and West, the conceptual relations between the various Asian traditions and the importance of the concept of enlightenment in Asian thought. Special attention will be given to the role that Asian philosophy has played in shaping Asian culture.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56038
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 345 - Philosophy of Language (3)


    A survey of philosophical issues concerning the nature of meaning, understanding, communication and language. Topics to be discussed may include the relations between meaning, intention and belief; the relationship between mental content and linguistic meaning; interpretation; the possibility of thought without language; the factual status of meaning and understanding; the nature of naming and referring; the relation between individual understanding and the physical and social environment.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56067
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 346 - Deductive Logic (3)


    An introduction to symbolized deductive logic, including the construction of formalized systems for traditional logic, the sentential calculus and first-order predicate calculus. These systems will be constructed semantically (as formalizations of deductive reasoning in natural languages) and syntactically (as uninterpreted systems).

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56040
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 350 - Ethical Theory (3)


    A critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, chosen from among virtue theories, divine command theories, utilitarian theories, contractualist theories, existentialism and Kantianism. Readings may be drawn from both historical and contemporary texts.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56042
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 350H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 350H - Ethical Theory (3)


    A critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, chosen from among virtue theories, divine command theories, utilitarian theories, contractualist theories, existentialism and Kantianism. Readings may be drawn from both historical and contemporary texts.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 100353
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 350  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 353 - Morality and Psychology (3)


    An examination of some of the central issues connecting psychological research to ethical inquiry. Topics to be covered may include: psychological egoism; the nature of moral judgment and moral motivation and their relations; the role of reasoning vs. emotional processes in moral judgments; the social and evolutionary functions of moral sentiments and concepts; how psychological research might shape our understanding of and responses to the questions about whether morality is objective and whether we can be morally responsible for our actions. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150  or PHIL 152  or PHIL 350  or PSYC 100 .

    Grading: Graded
    Course ID: 102398
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Same as Offered: PSYC 353  
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 354 - Ethics, Animals, and the Environment (3)


    A survey of central issues concerning the moral status of non-human animals and the natural world, focusing on questions concerning the obligations, if any, that humans owe to them. Topics to be discussed include: the existence and nature of animal rights; ethical issues concerning animal experimentation, zoos, and owning pets; vegetarianism; whether the environment has intrinsic or derived value; obligations concerning development of sustainable resources; climate change and obligations to future generations. Readings will be drawn from classical and contemporary sources.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56069
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 355 - Political Philosophy (3)


    A critical examination of selected philosophical theories aimed at addressing such questions as: What is the extent of political authority, and what (if any) legitimate forms can it take? Can coercion by the state be justified? What are the obligations of citizens? What is the nature of law, and can the rule of law extend to states? What understanding of human nature and human needs underlies the various particular answers to such questions? Readings may be drawn from historical as well as contemporary sources. 

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56043
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 356 - Philosophy of Law (3)


    What is the rule of law, and why is it a good thing? This course addresses these foundational questions and attempts to connect them with practical issues that confront contemporary society. Students will have the opportunity to study various accounts of Constitutional interpretation and judicial review through the examination of landmark and recent Supreme Court decisions. The course will occasionally focus on a special topic such as: race and American law, feminist jurisprudence and International criminal tribunals.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56044
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 357 - Philosophy and Human Rights (3)


    A philosophical survey of foundational issues about the existence, nature, and origin of human rights, looking at both classic historical as well as contemporary discussions. Topics to be addressed include: competing accounts of the source of human rights; the connection between human rights and the state; the identification and proliferation of specific human rights; the relationship between human rights and social justice; and the role of human rights claims in discussions of pressing global problems such as poverty, economic development, climate change, humanitarian intervention, and obligations to future generations. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150   or PHIL 152   or PHIL 355   or PHIL 356   

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102624
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 358 - Bioethics (3)


    A survey of the ethical constraints on the practice of medicine, biomedical research using human and nonhuman animals, and the delivery of health care. Specific topics will include doctor-patient confidentiality; autonomy, competence, and medical decision-making; ethical issues at the beginning and end of human life; and controversial biomedical technologies such as cloning and stem cell research. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150  , PHIL 152  ,HAPP 350  

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 50142
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 358H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Same as Offered: HAPP 358  
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one course in PHIL with a grade of ‘C’ or better
  
  • PHIL 358H - Bioethics (3)


    A survey of the ethical constraints on the practice of medicine, on biomedical research using human and nonhuman animals, and on the delivery of health care. Specific topics will include doctor-patient confidentiality; autonomy, competence and medical decision-making; ethical issues at the beginning and end of human life; and controversial biomedical technologies such as cloning and stem cell research Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150  , PHIL 152  , HAPP 350  

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 100017
    Consent: Department Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 358  
    Same as Offered: HAPP 358  
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one course in PHIL with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 359 - Ethics, Integrity and Scientific Research (3)


    This course is a survey of topics concerning the ethical responsibilities of scientists in a variety of contexts, emphasizing issues arising in the context of designing and engaging in scientific research. Students will investigate the key features of different fundamental ethical theories, and then use this background to engage with topics such as: data acquisition and management, conflict of interests and scientific objectivity, misconduct in research and publication, the use of human and other animal subjects in research, the social responsibility of scientists. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150  and PHIL 152 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102724
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
  
  • PHIL 368 - Aesthetics (3)


    An exploration of central philosophical issues concerning art and art criticism. Topics to be discussed may include the nature of beauty, aesthetic evaluations, the identity of works of art, the relation of art to morality, the relation between art and nature, the status of aesthetic experience and perception. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56046
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 369 - Philosophy of Humor (3)


    A survey of issues related to the question of whether and how humor can be defined and understood. A variety of psychological and philosophical theories of humor and the causes of laughter will be examined. Examples from different media, including stand-up comedy, podcasts, television, and film, will be used to test competing theories. Special attention will be paid to the ethical implications of offensive humor. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 100  or PHIL 150  or PHIL 152  

    Grading: Graded
    Course ID: 102566
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 370 - Philosophy and Parapsychology (3)


    A survey of experimental and anecdotal evidence for paranormal phenomena and the philosophical issues that arise from their consideration. Topics include ESP, psycho-kinesis, poltergeists, apparitions, survival of death, mind-body identity theories, the nature of scientific explanation and the nature of causality.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56047
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 371 - Epistemology (3)


    A survey of central issues concerning knowledge, belief and justification. Topics to be covered may include: a priori knowledge, perception, skepticism, the problem of other minds, self-knowledge, coherence and correspondence theories of knowledge and truth, internalist and externalist accounts of justification, foundationalism, naturalism and transcendental arguments. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56048
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 372 - Philosophy of Science (3)


    What is the exact nature of science? This course considers answers given by different philosophical schools. We examine how these schools explicate central scientific terms such as laws, explanations, theories, models, confirmation, justification, scientific progress and scientific revolutions.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56049
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 372H  
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 372H - Philosophy of Science - Honors (3)


    What is the exact nature of science? This course considers answers given by different philosophical schools. We examine how these schools explicate central scientific terms such as laws, explanations, theories, models, confirmation, justification, scientific progress and scientific revolutions, and how they account for the nature of the history of science.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 100227
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Course Equivalents: PHIL 372  
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better before taking any 300-level PHIL course. You must also be admitted to the Honors College.
  
  • PHIL 373 - Metaphysics (3)


    A survey of central metaphysical concepts and themes in the Western philosophical tradition. Topics to be covered may include: identity, personal identity, causation, free will, the mind-body problem, properties, laws of nature, necessity, essentialism, realism and antirealism, and the existence of God. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56050
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 380 - Philosophy of Mind (3)


    A survey of central issues about the nature of mind and its relation to the physical world. Topics to be discussed may include: the nature of belief, intention, desire, action, emotion, pain; special problems raised by consciousness; competing accounts of personal identity; competing conceptions of the relation between mental and physical states and events, the possibility of psychological laws, and how mental phenomena can play a casual/explanatory role in the physical world.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56073
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Attributes: Arts and Humanities (GEP)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 390 - Philosophy of Sport (3)


    An examination of the nature and significance of sport to determine the relation sport bears to the basic concerns of humankind. Topics include the relationship between human embodiment, the self and sport; the existential aspects of sport and play; the morality of hunting and ethical issues in sport.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56054
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 391 - The Philosophy of Sex (3)


    An examination of the philosophical aspects of human sexuality. Topics include theories of sexual desire and sexual activity; the concept of sexual perversion; the moral evaluation of sex acts; feminist analysis of the sexual relations between men and women; and the moral status of homosexuality, adultery, pornography and abortion.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 50122
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Same as Offered: GWST 391 
  
  • PHIL 394 - Philosophy of Biology (3)


    An examination of biology from a philosophical point of view. Some of the philosophical problems considered are the tautological character of the principle of natural selection, genic vs. group selection, the definition of fitness, the nature of biological species, the statistical character of evolutionary theory, and the reduction of biological laws to laws in physics and chemistry.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56056
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 395 - Philosophy of Physics (3)


    This course is a survey of central issues in the philosophical foundations of physics. We consider some of the major theories in the history of physics, such as Newtonian mechanics, relativity theory, and quantum mechanics. A special emphasis will be given to the consideration of central concepts in these theories, such as time, space, cause, matter, motion, force, field, geometry and probability, as well as scientific paradoxes arising concerning some of these concepts. No familiarity with physics is required. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 372 , PHIL 373 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56057
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
  
  • PHIL 399 - Topics in Philosophy (3)


    An examination of a central topic, movement or figure in either the history of philosophy or contemporary philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 12 credits or 4 attempts.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56062
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Top:Crit.Thkg Vs New Age, Topics:Godel,Escher,Bach, Top:Crit Thkg Vs New Age, The Problem Of Evil, Philosophy And Film, Aesthetics In Film, Evolution Vs. Int. Des., Top:Minds/Machines/Logic, Top:Interpretation, Deception: Self & Others, Philosophy And Biography, Top:Contractarian Ethics, Top:Critical Metaphysics, Topics In Philosophy, Topic: Risk & Society, What IS A Person, Feminism, Ethics And Technology, Top: Phil Of Sex, Top: Phil Of Biology, Top:Phil In Sci Fi, Top: Phil & Biography, Top:Contractarian Ethic, Philosophy Of Humor, Top: Phil Of Sport, Top:Phil In Sci Fiction, Phil In Science Fiction, Philosophy & Biography, Topic: Critical Thinking, Using Info Effectively, Top: Phil Of Literature, Top:Crit Thnkng/New Age, Animal Lang & Intell, Minds, Machines & Logic, Citizenship, Evol Vs Intelligent Des, Philosophy Of Film, Topics: Miracles, Issues Of Life And Death, Critical Thinking, Crit Vs New Age Thinking, Top: Ethics/Volunteering, Top:The Problem Of Evil, Top:Philosophy Of Music, Crit Thinking Vs New Age, Philosophy & Animals, Critical Tnkg Vs New Age, Business Ethics, Philosophy and Literature, Nietzsche, Critical Thinking about Extraordinary Claims, The Foundation of Ethics: The Nature of Value, Metaethics, Philosophy of Buddhism, Chinese Philosophy, Environmental Ethics
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 399B - Topics in Philosophy (3)


    An examination of a central topic, movement or figure in either the history of philosophy or contemporary philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 12 credits or 4 attempts.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56062
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Top:Crit.Thkg Vs New Age, Top:Crit Thkg Vs New Age, The Problem Of Evil, Ethics/Integrity Sci Res, Philosophy And Film, Aesthetics In Film, Evolution Vs. Int. Des., Top:Minds/Machines/Logic, Top:Philosphicl Theology, Topics In Philosophy, Topic: Risk & Society, Feminism, Topics, Top: Phil Of Biology, Top: Skepticism, Top:Contractarian Ethic, Top:Kierkgrd & Nietzsche, Philosophy Of Law, Philosophy Of Humor, Top: Phil Of Sport, Top:Construct Phil Argmt, Topic: Critical Thinking, Personal Relationships, Using Info Effectively, Top:Crit Thnkng/New Age, Minds, Machines & Logic, Evol Vs Intelligent Des, Philosophy Of Film, Topics: Miracles, Issues Of Life And Death, Crit Vs New Age Thinking, Top: Ethics/Volunteering, Crit Thinking Vs New Age, Philosophy & Animals, Free Will And Moral Resp, Critical Tnkg Vs New Age, Business Ethics
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 400 - Independent Study in Philosophy (1-3)


    Independent study on an approved topic in philosophy. Limited to and required of departmental honors candidates. This course is repeatable for credit. Students may complete a maximum of 3 credits.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56063
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Independent Study
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete (2) PHIL courses (at least one 300 level), with a grade of “C” or better to take this class.
  
  • PHIL 405 - Honors Independent Study in Philosophy (3)


    Independent study on an approved topic in philosophy. Note: Limited to and required of departmental honors candidates. (Fall)

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56064
    Consent: Department Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must earn admission into the departmental honors program to take this course.
  
  • PHIL 406 - Honors Independent Studies in Philosophy (3)


    See PHIL 405  for course description and prerequisite. Note: Admission into the department Honors Program required.

    Grading: Graded
    Course ID: 100098
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Independent Study
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete (2) PHIL courses (at least one 300 level), with a grade of C or better to take this class.
  
  • PHIL 420 - Advanced Topics in 19th and 20th Century European Philosophy (3)


    A study of a major movement, theme, or figure in the development of European philosophy since Kant. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 6 credits. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 322 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56065
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 430 - Decision Theory (3)


    This course is a philosophical examination of decision theory, which attempts to give an account of how we should make decisions whose outcomes depend upon facts about which we are uncertain. Part of the course focuses on puzzle cases where competing approaches to decision making yield different results. Other topics to be considered include whether our best approaches to decision making are psychologically feasible, and whether and how decision theory should accommodate our different attitudes towards risk.  Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 346 , PHIL 371 , PHIL 372 , or PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102682
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one course in PHIL with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 432 - Philosophy of Logic (3)


    This course looks at the philosophical questions that arise when we think about logic as an object of study rather than as a system of symbols that we use. We will consider questions like: What is the logical truth? How do we know the truths of logic? Is there more than one correct logic? What is the relation between logic and reasoning?  We will also explore extensions and alternatives to classical logic and use formal techniques to prove certain things about these logical systems.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102862
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete PHIL 346  or equivalent, with a grade of C or better
  
  • PHIL 450 - Metaethics (3)


    A close study of the nature of ethical discourse and its relations to the mind and the world. Topics to be considered include: whether there are ethical facts; naturalism vs. non-naturalism about ethical facts; the relationship between ethical judgments and personal attitudes; whether ethical judgments are inherently motivating; whether ethical judgments can be true or false; moral relativism; moral skepticism. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 350  , PHIL 353  , PHIL 380  

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102570
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 451 - Consequentialism and its Critics (3)


    According to Consequentialism, the rightness or wrongness of an action, law, or institution is determined by the value of its consequences.  While typically taken for granted in public policy debates, it is often rejected as an adequate moral theory, because it is too demanding in what it requires of moral agents and deviates too far from commonsense morality.  This course starts with its classical formulation - Utilitarianism - and then looks at contemporary variants developed in response to these and other criticisms.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102690
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one Philosophy course with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 452 - Advanced Topics in Ethics (3)


    An advanced examination of a topic, figure or movement in the history of ethics or contemporary ethics. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 6 credits. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 350 , PHIL 355 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56068
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Adv. Topics In Ethics, Care Ethics, Top: Business Ethics, Adv Topics In Ethics, Kant’s Moral Philosophy, Morality,Animals,Environ, Moral Rationalism, Top: Cnsqntlsm/Cntrctlsm, Top: Care Ethic, Moral Psychology, Global Ethics, Ethics and Evolution, Aristotle’s Ethics, Nietzsche
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 453 - The Ethics of Aggregation (3)


    This course looks closely at ethical decisions involving trade-offs, where each decision has a cost, as in the case of a runaway trolley that is going to kill people no matter what you do, but you can decide how many. In such cases should we always do the thing that saves the most lives, or is it unfair to think that the numbers alone determine the ethical issue? Are all lives worth the same, and does this force us to think that only the numbers count? Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150 , PHIL 152 , PHIL 350 , or PHIL 355 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102868
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one course in PHIL with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 455 - Applied Ethics (3)


    An examination of applied and professional ethics, including their relationship to ethical theory, the attempt to codify ethical rules for different professions, the use of case studies as a method of moral reasoning and the dilemmas faced by moral agents who also are acting in a professional role.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56070
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete (2) PHIL courses (at least one 300 level), with a grade of C or better to take this class.
  
  • PHIL 458 - Advanced Topics in Feminist Philosophy (3)


    A detailed examination of some single field of feminist philosophy. Topics will vary from year to year but are likely to include the following: feminist ethics, feminist epistemology and feminist aesthetics. In each case, the class will focus on the theoretical and practical impact of feminist thinking on these traditional areas of philosophy. We will critically discuss the relevance of women’s lived experience for philosophical theorizing. Recommended Preparation: Two of the following PHIL 258 , PHIL 350 , PHIL 368 , PHIL 371 , PHIL 373 , PHIL 372 , GWST 480   or permission of the instructor

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 50120
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Same as Offered: GWST 458  
  
  • PHIL 471 - Freedom, Determinism, and Responsibility (3)


    A survey of different conceptions of human freedom, moral responsibility, and how they relate to deterministic and indeterministic pictures of the natural world. Topics to be considered may include: the compatibility of freedom and moral responsibility with determinism, the relation between choice and personal identity, the conceivability of life without freedom or responsibility, and competing conceptions of punishment. Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources.  Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 380 , PHIL 350 , PHIL 371 , or PHIL 373 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 056074
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 472 - Advanced Topics in the Philosophy of Science (3)


    An advanced examination of a topic in the philosophy of science, biology, physics, or probability. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 6 credits. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 372 , PHIL 394 , PHIL 395 , or a background in some particular science.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56075
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Reconstructing The Past, Scientific Realism, Philosophy Of Biology, Adv Top: Phil Of Science, Human Genome Project, Advanced Topics, Causes/Laws/Poss Worlds, Sci Realism & Empiricism, Phil Quantum Mechanics, Causation, Phil Of Quantum Mech, Causation, Laws, & Nat. Necess, Evolution
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 473 - Self-Knowledge (3)


    We seem to know the contents of our own minds – our sensations, thoughts, beliefs, meanings, intentions, emotions – in a way quite different from, and far more secure than, our knowledge of the external world. Some philosophers have concluded that self-knowledge does not depend on either knowledge or the existence of the external world. This course looks at attempts to account for this peculiar feature of the mind as well as its relation to the external world.  Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy, especially PHIL 371 , PHIL 373 , or PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102509
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 474 - Possible Worlds (3)


    There are numerous ways the world might have been different. Possible worlds provide a way of making sense of this. For every way the world might be there is purported to be a possible world that is that way. Possible worlds have been introduced primarily to deal with modal notions, such as necessity and possibility, but they have also proved fruitful in dealing with a number of other philosophical issues, such as the nature of properties, propositions, causation, laws, and counterfactuals. This course will look at various accounts of what possible worlds are and how they can be used to address various philosophical issues. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 346 , PHIL 371 , PHIL 372 , PHIL 373 , or PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102512
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 475 - Irrationality (3)


    This course looks at problems in understanding irrational mental phenomena - instances where one acts or believes contrary to one’s own best judgment or intention concerning what one should do or think. Topics to be covered include the nature of rationality and irrationality, the possibility and structure of weakness of will, wishful thinking, and self-deception. The bearing of irrational phenomena on questions concerning responsibility and freedom will also be addressed.  Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 353 , PHIL 371 , PHIL 373 , PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102513
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 477 - Minds, Machines, and Logic (3)


    This course looks closely at the computational theory of mind, which holds that the human mind is a mechanical device that translates experience into representations and then operates on these representations according to their mechanical properties in order to produce thought and behavior. Topics to be considered in evaluating this theory include: the nature of intentionality and representation, the nature and limits of models, the coherence of self-reference, the ambiguity of rules, and the social dimension of concepts. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy, especially PHIL 371 , PHIL 373 , or PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102591
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 478 - Philosophy and Evolution (3)


    An examination of central philosophical debates about the theory of evolution, including foundational issues and broader implications of the theory. Topics may include: What is natural selection and ‘survival of the fittest’? In what sense are organisms adapted to their environments? Can we make sense of the idea of ‘human nature’? What does evolutionary theory imply about groupings of individuals? Can evolutionary theory be used to explain social, ethical, or psychological phenomena? Prior knowledge of evolutionary theory is not required. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy, especially PHIL 372  ,PHIL 394  .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102571
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 479 - Paradoxes (3)


    The course will examine some of the central paradoxes that have and continue to puzzle philosophers. A classic example of a paradox is the liar’s paradox: ‘This sentence is false.’ If it is true, then it is false; if it’s false, then it’s true. Paradoxes have not only led to puzzlement, but also to revolutions in thought about various philosophical issues, such as the nature of truth, meaning, metaphysics, knowledge, and space and time. Amongst the paradoxes the course will consider are logical paradoxes (such as the liar’s paradox), paradoxes of space and time, paradoxes of meaning, and paradoxes of knowledge. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 346 , PHIL 371 , PHIL 372 , PHIL 373 , or PHIL 380 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102514
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 481 - Advanced Topics in Ancient Philosophy (3)


    An advanced examination of one or more figures, movements, or issues in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 6 credits. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 321 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56076
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Ancient Epistemology, Hellenistic Philosophy, Plato’s ‘Republic’
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 482 - Aristotle’s Ethics (3)


    Aristotle’s ethical theory has exerted a profound influence on the history of Western Philosophy, increasingly so in the last half century. In this course we will aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of his ethics, focusing on his presentation of it in the Nicomachean Ethics. Central notions we will examine include happiness, virtue, friendship, and pleasure. We will also delve into some of the scholarly interpretative debates, as well as the recent literature that takes inspiration from Aristotle.  Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy, especially PHIL 321 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102510
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 483 - Plato’s Republic (3)


    The aim of this course is to develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of Plato’s Republic, from the first page to the last. The book will serve as a springboard to discuss fundamental philosophical questions such as: What is the best life for human beings to live? What is the best political organization? What is the nature of the human soul? What is the fundamental structure of reality?  What can be known and how can it be known?   Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy, especially PHIL 321 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102511
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 484 - Kant’s Theoretical Philosophy (3)


    A close reading of central parts of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, focusing on Kant’s revolutionary views about human knowledge and the possibility of engaging in metaphysics.Specific topics include: Kant’s novel theory of space and time; his account of a priori concepts and their necessary role in human knowledge; his criticisms of traditional philosophical theories of God, freedom, and the soul; and Kant’s responses to his predecessors, including Descartes and Hume. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 322 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56077
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 485 - Nietzsche (3)


    A close study of Nietzsche’s central ideas, especially with a view toward their relevance for contemporary philosophy and culture. Topics may include: naturalism; nihilism; the will to truth and the will to power; drive psychology; perspectivism; the nature of philosophy and its relationship to art; Nietzsche’s critique of morality and re-evaluation of values. Readings will be drawn from key texts such as Beyond Good and Evil, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, The Genealogy of Morals, Daybreak, The Gay Science. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 350 , PHIL 353 , or PHIL 322 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102515
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 486 - Kant’s Moral and Political Philosophy (3)


    A close study of Kant’s moral, political, and legal thought as it develops across major writings, focusing on Kant’s views about freedom and practical reason in morality, rational religion, and politics. Topics include: Kant’s theory of moral autonomy and free will; the ‘moral’ arguments for freedom of the will and the existence of God; Kant’s theory of property, the social contract, and international justice; and his arguments for the rationality of hope for historical progress in political life.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102572
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 487 - Hegel and Marx (3)


    A close study of the social and political thought of Hegel and the early Marx, exploring key ideas such as recognition, alienation, the critique of capitalism, exploitation, and historical materialism, with an eye toward their relevance for contemporary political philosophy and critical social theory.  Classical texts from Hegel and Marx will be supplemented by readings from more recent authors working in the Hegelian and Marxian traditions, in order to give students a sense of the continuing influence and development of Hegel’s and Marx’s thought. Recommended Preparation: One 300-level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better, especially PHIL 322 , PHIL 355 , or PHIL 486 .

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 102648
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must have completed one course in PHIL with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 498 - Advanced Topics in Philosophy (3)


    An advanced examination of a central topic, movement or figure in either the history of philosophy or contemporary philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 12 credits or 4 attempts. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of C or better.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56079
    Consent: Instructor Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Top: Philosophical Pysc, Adv Topics In Philosophy, Top: Percptn & Represntn, Top: Perceptn/Representn, Top: Philosophical Psych, Adv Topics: Emotions, Adv Top:Truth/Sci Expl, Freedom, Determnsm, Resp, Action, Emotion, and Will, Irrationality and Emotion, Kant, Skepticism, Minds, Machines, and Logic, Wittgenstein’s `Philosophical Investigations’, Self-Knowledge
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.
  
  • PHIL 499 - Advanced Topics in Philosophy (3)


    An advanced examination of a central topic, movement or figure in either the history of philosophy or contemporary philosophy. Topics will be published in the Schedule of Classes. This course is repeatable for credit with different topic. Students may complete a maximum of 12 credits or 4 attempts. Recommended Preparation: One 300 level course in philosophy with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

    Grading: Graded/Pass Fail/Audit
    Course ID: 56080
    Consent: No Special Consent Required
    Components: Lecture
    Topics: Adv Top: Phil In Lit, Philosophy Of Economics, Adv Topics In Philosophy, The Emotions, Top: Metaphilosophy, Philosohy & Parapsyc, Self, Identity, Survival, Advanced Topics In Phil, Top:Phil & Parapsychlgy, Free Will, Topics In Philosophy, Narrating Illness, Adv Top: Phil Of Science, Top: Biomedical Ethics, Heidegger, Possible Worlds, Top:Moral Desert, Deception Of Self/Others, Wittgenstein, Human Knowledge, Deception, Adv Topics In Phil, Business Ethics, Plato, Paradoxes, Wittgenstein’s ‘Philosophical Investigations’, Minds, Machines, and Logic
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: You must complete one course in Philosophy with a ‘C’ or better.