Philosophy
PHI 101 Critical Thinking (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces the student to reasoning in a language-centered context. Students
will learn how to identify arguments and distinguish them from other types
of discourse. Some topics covered will be: evaluating claims, recognizing
informal fallacies, problem solving, evaluating media. Students will also
learn how to cast issues in a neutral manner to recognize and appreciate
a variety of perspectives, and to argue for and against more than one
perspective on an issue. The focus of this course is on everyday practical
reasoning.
IAI H4 906 (Formerly PHI 110. Students with credit for PHI 110 will not
receive credit for PHI 101.)
PHI 102 Symbolic Logic (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces the student to formal symbolic logic. After an introduction
to the concept of argument, students will learn both Aristotelian and
modern symbolic logic. Applications to the real world include contracts,
legal arguments, and computer languages. (Formerly PHI 110. Students with
credit for PHI 110 will not receive credit for PHI 102.)
PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3-0) 3 hrs.
Principles and problems of philosophy as seen in different schools of
thought. Topics: validity of human knowledge; nature of reality; mind
and body; free will and determination; moral and aesthetic values; and
religious belief. IAI H4 900
PHI 115 Ethics (3-0) 3 hrs.
Consideration of problems of value and conduct, including the question
of the "good life" or happiness; and contemporary moral issues such as
war, violence, drugs, racism, crime and punishment. IAI H4 904
PHI 120 Social and Political Philosophy (3-0) 3 hrs.
Focuses on the ideas of justice, liberty, equality, law and order, rights
and privileges. This includes discussion of such issues as democracy,
communism, nuclear war, capital punishment, sexual equality, hunger and
drugs.
PHI 150 Business Ethics (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to business
decisions. Considers theories of economic justice, social responsibility,
hiring practices and rights of employees and employers.
PHI 160 Non-Western Philosophy (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces selected philosophical concepts and value systems of several
non-Western cultures. Gives attention to the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and
other Hindu texts, Confucius, the Tao Te Ching and other Chinese classics
and key texts from at least two other traditions. IAI H4 903N
PHI 170 Environmental Ethics (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to environmental
issues. Explores the roots of Western ideas about nature (Biblical, Greek,
early Modern), the American environmental discussion and current positions
including development, conservation, preservation and restoration. Considers
issues including human-centered vs. life-centered views, whether species
or habitats have value, appreciation vs. cost/benefit approaches, and
bioregionalism.
PHI 180 Biomedical Ethics (3-0) 3 hrs.
Considers the ethics of the professional-patient relationship (confidentiality,
informed consent, paternalism, truth-telling), the ethics of life and
death (abortion, euthanasia, suicide), and the ethics of medicine on a
social scale (the right to health care, the distribution of medical resources).
PHI 190 Feminist Philosophy (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces philosophical thinking and its application to issues concerning
women. Explores a variety of theories by and about women. Considers a
number of issues including images of women, biological vs. social conditioning,
the relation of gender to class and race, women's spirituality, education,
family, work, violence and pornography. Men are welcome to take the course.
PHI 205 Religions of the World (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces the teachings, practices, social structures and histories of
the religions of India (mainly Buddhism and Hinduism), and China and Japan
(mainly Confucianism, Shinto and Taoism), and of the Middle East (mainly
Christianity, Islam and Judaism). IAI H5 904N
PHI 210 Death and Dying (3-0) 3 hrs.
Presents an interdisciplinary approach to the meaning of death. Focuses
on biological, psychological, legal, philosophical and religious aspects
of the phenomena of death and dying.
PHI 220 Philosophy of Religion (3-0) 3 hrs.
Examines the nature and presuppositions of Western religions, especially
the reasons which can be given for and against the existence of God. Selected
further topics: the problem of evil, life after death, the nature of religious
experience, language, knowledge, and authority, religion and science,
major philosophical theories on the nature of religion. IAI H4 905
PHI 231 History of Philosophy - Ancient and Medieval (3-0) 3 hrs.
Surveys the major figures and schools in Western philosophical tradition
from the pre- Socratic Greeks through the 14th century. Emphasis on interpreting
philosophical reflection in light of the social, political, religious
and cultural context from which it arises. IAI H4 901
Prerequisite:
A course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
PHI 232 History of Philosophy - Modern (3-0) 3 hrs.
Surveys the major figures and schools in Western philosophical tradition
from the 15th to the 20th century. Emphasizes interpreting philosophical
reflection in light of the social, political, religious and cultural context
from which it arises. IAI H4 902.