PHILOSOPHY COURSES

PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy
A first encounter with the nature and methods of philosophical thinking in which a persons view of his/her own nature and of the world becomes challenged, explored and deepened. (3 credits)

PHIL 113: Introduction to Logic
A study of the nature of conceptual thinking, including the role of language, formal and informal fallacies, truth tables, and elementary techniques of modern logical analysis in order to improve the students skill in reasoning. (3 credits)

PHIL 123: Introduction to Ethics
An introduction to the study of questions concerning right action, moral obligation, and an examination of various theories of moral judgment. (3 credits)

PHIL 140: World Religions
An examination of the beliefs and practices of the principle religions of the world, which may include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, as well as some of the representative archaic religions of the world. (3 credits)

PHIL 163: Philosophy in Literature
An examination and discussion of the philosophical content of poetry and prose of outstanding literary and philosophical merit. (3 credits)

PHIL 170: American Philosophy
An investigation of the historical genesis of American culture through a reading of the prominent philosophical literature the culture has produced. (3 credits)

PHIL 171: Philosophy of Human Existence
An investigation into and discussion of the central themes of existential philosophy. Philosophers such as Kierkegaard and Nietzsche will be studied in terms of their retrieval of the meaning of human existence. (3 credits)

PHIL 261: Philosophy of Art
Exploration of basic issues and philosophical views of the experience of the arts. This course aims at the understanding and enhancement of the experience of the arts, and at a thoughtful appraisal of the role of art in life. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 313: Symbolic Logic
An advanced investigation of logical thought through the use of special techniques of symbolization, the logic of unquantified and quantified propositions, the nature and limits of logical systems and the foundation of mathematics are some of the important topics considered. Prerequiste: Logic or algebra. (3 credits)

PHIL 324: Environmental Ethics
An analysis of environmental issues using a philosophical understanding of nature, with a consideration of the ethical responsibilities in the use of the earths resources, behavior toward non-human species, and obligations toward future generations. (3 credits)

PHIL 325: Medical/Health Care Ethics
A course in applied ethics about conceptual, ethical, and legal dilemmas in the institutional rights of patients, in the responsibilities of practitioners, in technological challenges to values in the modern age in caring for the seriously ill and the dying, and in rationing health care in a large society. Prerequiste: Prefer to have students with background in health care fields, social and behavioral sciences, life sciences, pre-law, pre-med and philosophy. (3 credits)

PHIL 326: Business Ethics
A study of applied ethics about the conceptual and ethical dilemmas in the business professions. An examination of cultural challenges of social and moral responsibility in a technically sophisticated economic climate. Prerequiste: Prefer students with background in business, accounting, management, marketing, finance, economics, communication and pre-law. (3 credits)

PHIL 331: Social and Political Philosophy
An in-depth study of central concepts and issues in social and political thought. Prerequiste: Prefer students with background in history, philosophy, pre-law, psychology, government and public affairs, and sociology. (3 credits)

PHIL 335: Philosophy of Law and Justice
A study of multiple theories of law and the nature of laws relation to justice with special emphasis on a notion of justice for institutions. Prerequiste: Prefer students with background in communication, history, philosophy, pre-law, government and public affairs, and sociology. (3 credits)

PHIL 341: Philosophy of Religion
A critical inquiry into the nature and validity of religious belief and experience, its unity and variety, its relation to other human interests. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 343: Oriental Religious and Philosophical Thought
An investigation of the central religions and philosophical ideas of Oriental cultures, focusing primarily on the cultures of India, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 351: Philosophy of Natural Science
An in-depth examination of the nature of natural science, including its aims, methods, central concepts, and limits and a thoughtful appraisal of its significance for the modern age. Prerequistes: Two college-level courses in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. (3 credits)

PHIL 353: Mysticism and Psychical Research
A philosophical assessment of the methods, findings, and significance of investigations into phenomena referred to as paranormal, including ESP, psychokinesis, survival of death, and mystical experience. Intensive writing. (3 credits)

PHIL 371: History of Western Philosophy I
A study of major Western philosophers and philosophical issues from the ancient period and extending into the medieval period, designed to show how basic questions and concepts grew and how the works of these periods continue to provide insight and inspiration. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 372: History of Western Philosophy II
A study of Western philosophy from the Renaissance through the beginning of the 19th century, tracing the basic concepts and problems of this period and showing how its thinkers continue to stimulate thought. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 373: Modern Authors and Issues
Variable content within the modern contemporary period of philosophical thinking. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits)

PHIL 375: Existentialism and Phenomenology
A study of important twentieth century philosophers in terms of their attempt to establish a new approach to philosophy and their reaction and attempt to overcome Western metaphysics. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 376: Analytic Philosophy
An examination of the development and influence of Anglo-American analytic philosophy in the twentieth century. The focus will be on how analytic philosophers have used logic, the analysis of language, and scientific methodology in approaching traditional philosophical questions. Prerequiste: one course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

PHIL 490: Independent Study
A special course designed primarily for students seeking knowledge in philosophy beyond course offerings. The students interests, in consultation with department members, determines the topics covered. Prerequistes: 15 credits in philosophy or permission of the instructor, departmental chairperson, and dean of the college where the study will be conducted. (1-6 credits)

PHIL 498: Selected Topics
The in-depth examination of a specific topic. The nature of the topic selected and its treatment determined in consultation with the instructor. Prerequiste: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. (3 credits repeatable to 6 credits)