Courses in Philosophy
A PHI 110 Introduction to Philosophical Problems (3)
Survey of representative problems in some of the major areas of philosophy; topics such as free will, morality, justice and social order, knowledge and truth, God and religion, art, and beauty.
A PHI 111 The Mind and the World (3)
A critical examination of contemporary topics concerning the relationship between the human mind and the natural world. The topics vary with semesters, but typically include the state of knowledge about the mind and its relationship to the brain, the possibility of a science of the mind, skepticism about knowledge, free will and determinism, and the limits of scientific knowledge. Only one version of A PHI 111 may be taken for credit.
A PHI 111Y The Mind and the World (4)
A PHI 111Y is the oral discourse version of A PHI 111 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section in addition to regular lectures. Only one version of A PHI 111 may be taken for credit.
T PHI 111 The Mind and the World (3)
T PHI 111 is the Honors College version of A PHI 111; only one version may be taken for credit.
A PHI 112 Critical Thinking (3)
This is a course in informal logic. It centers on the meaning of claims, and whether a claim should be accepted or rejected, or whether suspension of judgment is appropriate. This course is intended to help students think clearly and effectively.
A PHI 114 Morals and Society (3)
Philosophical study of the conflict between personal values and the needs of society. Topics include personal and social values, the nature of moral reasoning, and ways to resolve conflicts between values. Readings from philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Locke and Mill. Only one version of A PHI 114 may be taken for credit.
A PHI 114Y Morals and Society (4)
A PHI 114Y is the oral discourse version of A PHI 114 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section in addition to regular lectures. Only one version of A PHI 114 may be taken for credit.
T PHI 114 Morals and Society (3)
Philosophical study of the conflict between personal values and the needs of society. Topics include personal and social values, the nature of moral reasoning, and ways to resolve conflicts between values. Readings from philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Locke and Mill. T PHI 114 is the Honors College version of A PHI 114; only one version may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.
A PHI 115 Moral Dilemmas (3)
Critical examination of contemporary moral problems in the light of the most influential moral theories. The problems discussed vary with semesters, but they typically include such topics as abortion, affirmative action, animals and the environment, capital punishment, euthanasia, free speech and censorship, liberty and paternalism, sex and love, terrorism, and world hunger. Only one version of A PHI 115 may be taken for credit.
A PHI 115Y Moral Dilemmas (4)
A PHI 115Y is the oral discourse version of A PHI 115 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section in addition to regular lectures. Only one version of A PHI 115 may be taken for credit.
A PHI 140 (formerly A PHI 240) Introductory Topics in Philosophy (1–4)
Introduction to philosophy through the study of a selected topic. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Consult class schedule for specific topic.
A PHI 199Z Writing in Philosophy (1)
A student enrolled in a 100 or 200 level philosophy course may, with the consent of the instructor of that course, fulfill a writing intensive version of it by registering concurrently for A PHI 199Z. The instructor will assign the student written work in addition to that required for the companion course and will meet with him or her over the course of the semester to discuss this work. (A student who subsequently withdraws from the companion course will also be dropped from A PHI 199Z.) Corequisite(s): concurrent registration in a 100 or 200 level philosophy course. S/U graded.
A PHI 210 Introduction to Logic (3)
Introduction to classical and modern logic with an emphasis on the theory and application of truth functions. Introduction to quantification; discussion of the structure and properties of formal systems of logic. Students should be prepared to do daily homework assignments. Only one version of A PHI 210 may be taken for credit.
T PHI 210 Introduction to Logic (3)
T PHI 210 is the Honors College version of A PHI 210; only one version may be taken for credit.
A PHI 212 Introduction to Ethical Theory (3)
Introduction to the dimensions of ethical experience, the factors in value judgments, and alternative theories and methods of reasoning about such notions as right and wrong, obligations, moral codes, moral conflicts, and responsibility.
T PHI 212/212Y Introduction to Ethical Theory (3)
T PHI 212 is the Honors College version of A PHI 212; only one version may be taken for credit.
A PHI 214 (= A REL 214) World Religions (3)
Survey of the major religions of the world, concentrating on those practices and beliefs that contribute to their value systems. Religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism. Only one version of A PHI 214 may be taken for credit.
A PHI 218 Understanding Science (3)
Introduction to problems of scientific reasoning such as: the nature of scientific method, hypothetical-deductive testing of hypotheses, fallacies of testing, and the relevance of science to society and religion. Examples drawn from the physical and social sciences. A PHI 112 or 210 recommended.
T PHI 219 Scientific Revolutions (3)
Thomas Kuhn introduced the notion of a "paradigm shift," something that has become part of our general vocabulary, and his 1962 book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions marked a shift in the way that people think about science. This course begins with the state of science studies before Kuhn: the way that historians, sociologists, and philosophers thought about science. Then it takes a close look at Kuhn's landmark book. Finally, it explores some of the reactions and consequences that Kuhn's work had for science studies. Open to Honors College students only.
A PHI 220 (formerly A PHI 116) (= A REL 220) History of Social and Political Philosophy (3)
Formerly A PHI/ A REL 116. In any society, individuals have both shared interests as well as conflicts. Societies impose laws to resolve those conflicts. But this, in turn, raises the possibility of still further conflicts - between individuals and the laws. What is the relationship between individuals and a society's laws? Do individuals have an obligation to obey the law? Does society have an obligation to impose only just laws on individuals - and what is justice, anyway? These are some of the questions that will explored in this course by reading a variety of theories, starting with ancient writings and ending with work from the 20th or 21st century. Only one of A PHI/A REL 116 or A PHI/A REL 220 or T PHI 116 or T PHI 220 may be taken for credit.
T PHI 220 (formerly T PHI 116) History of Social and Political Philosophy (3)
Formerly T PHI 116. In any society, individuals have both shared interests as well as conflicts. Societies impose laws to resolve those conflicts. But this, in turn, raises the possibility of still further conflicts - between individuals and the laws. What is the relationship between individuals and a society's laws? Do individuals have an obligation to obey the law? Does society have an obligation to impose only just laws on individuals - and what is justice, anyway? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this course by reading a variety of theories, starting with ancient writings and ending with work from the 20th or 21st century. Only one of A PHI/A REL 116 or A PHI/A REL 220 or T PHI 116 or T PHI 220 may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.
A PHI 240 Special Topics in Philosophy (1-4)
Study of a selected topic in philosophy. May be repeated with different topics. Consult class schedule.
A PHI 301 (= A LIN 301 & A PSY 301) Introduction to Cognitive Science (3)
Cognitive science investigates the nature of the human mind and cuts across several disciplines (e.g., psychology, computer science, philosophy, linguistics). This course examines the approaches these disciplines use to promote our understanding of various mental phenomena (e.g., perceiving, reasoning, production and comprehension of language, memory). Only one version of A PHI 301 may be taken for credit. May not be offered in 2020-2021.
A PHI 310 Ancient Philosophy (3)
The philosophies of representative thinkers of the West from the pre-Socratics to Plotinus. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 311 History of Medieval Philosophy (3)
The philosophies of representative thinkers of the West from Plotinus to Descartes. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 312 17th and 18th Century Philosophy (3)
The development of modern thought from its medieval and Renaissance background, concentrating on some of the principal European philosophies from Descartes through Kant. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 314 History of 19th Century Philosophy (3)
The philosophies of some representative continental, British, and American thinkers from the Kantian period to the end of the century. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 315 20th Century Philosophy (3)
Contrasting philosophical movements in the 20th century, emphasizing divergent tendencies in the United States, Britain, and on the European continent. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 320 Political and Social Philosophy (3)
The philosophical bases for social and political institutions and practices. Such issues as the following: the nature of the state, justice and law, rights and natural rights, equality, social utility, and public interest. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 321 17th–19th Century Ethical Theory (3)
Historical and critical study of some ethical theories selected from the period beginning with Hobbes and ending with Kant. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 322 (= A REL 322) Philosophy of Religion (3)
Philosophical analysis of selected religious concepts and programs, based upon the writings of representative philosophers and theologians. Focuses on Judeo-Christian tradition. Only one version of A PHI 322 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 324 Philosophy of Art (3)
Philosophical analysis of concepts and sentiments pertaining to creation, appreciation, and criticism of the arts in the generic sense of the semester. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 325 Philosophy of Law (3)
The nature and function of law, the relation of law to morality, standards of judicial reasoning and the limits of law. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, and one course in philosophy.
A PHI 326 Moral Philosophy (3)
Critical examination of the nature, justification, and different approaches to moral evaluation. The topics to be covered may include right actions, good lives, responsibility, moral obligation, virtues, happiness, and justice. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 329 American Philosophy Since 1860 (3)
Survey of the main figures in American philosophy, concentrating on Peirce, James, Royce, Dewey, and Santayana. Topics include pragmatism and evolution, idealism and naturalism, and theories about the nature of religion. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 332 Intermediate Logic (3)
An introduction to predicate logic, emphasizing formal properties of logic systems rather than their application to the analysis of everyday reasoning. Topics may include the syntax and semantics of first-order languages, theories of identity and description, alternative formalizations of logic, and some elementary meta-theory. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 or permission of instructor.
A PHI 336 Existentialist Philosophies (3)
Existentialist thinking approached through the writings of representative authors such as Heidegger, Sartre, Jaspers, and Merleau-Ponty. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 338 Moral Problems in Medicine (3)
An investigation of moral problems in medicine, such as the health professional–patient relationship, medical paternalism, informed consent, social justice and health policy, the treatment of severely defective newborns, and the withholding of life-prolonging treatment. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing.
A PHI 340 Topics in Philosophy (1–4)
Problems selected on the basis of faculty and student interest. May be taken more than once if content varies. Consult fall and spring schedules for specific topics. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 350 (= A WSS 350) Philosophy and Feminism (3)
This course will focus both on philosophical literature relevant to fundamental issues in feminist theory (such as how to understand sex, gender, and oppression), as well as feminist critiques of various fields in philosophy (such as epistemology, philosophy of science, ethics, and political philosophy). Only one version of A PHI 350 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): one course in philosophy or women's, gender and sexuality studies.
A PHI 355 Global Justice (3)
Issues of justice across borders. Approaches discussed may include various forms of realism, cosmopolitanism, and nationalism. Topics may include human rights, the duty of assistance, distributive justice, just war theory, humanitarian intervention, globalization, and environmental concerns. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 360 Philosophy and Literature (3)
The study, through philosophical and literary texts, of the relation between philosophy and literature: philosophy in literature, philosophy as literature, and the philosophy of literature. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 361 Philosophy in Science Fiction (3)
An examination of some central issues in philosophy, using the occurrence of those issues in science fiction as a starting point. Topics to be covered will likely include the following: Can machines think? Through what changes can our self-identity persist? What kinds of beings count as persons? Is time-travel possible? Could the world be a huge illusion? This course will focus primarily on the traditional philosophical issues raised in science fiction rather than on the science fiction itself as literary or cinematic. But the settings for framing these problems will come from science fiction readings, movies, and television.
A PHI 365 Environmental Ethics (3)
An investigation of philosophical issues in environmental ethics and policy, including both theoretical issues such as whether humans have moral duties to animals, ecosystems, and/or species that require re-thinking traditional moral theory and concepts, as well as more policy oriented issues such as preserving wilderness and wildlife, human population growth, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and resource consumption. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 399Z Writing in Philosophy (1)
A student enrolled in a 300 or 400 level philosophy course may, with the consent of the instructor of that course, fulfill a writing intensive version of it by registering concurrently for A PHI 399Z. The instructor will assign the student written work in addition to that required for the companion course and will meet with him or her over the course of the semester to discuss this work. (A student who subsequently withdraws from the companion course will also be dropped from A PHI 399Z.) May be repeated for credit. Corequisite(s): concurrent registration in a 300 or 400 level philosophy course. S/U graded.
A PHI 410 Perspectives on Reasoning (3)
The major philosophical questions that arise in connection with reasoning in general. Are there distinctively different kinds of reasoning in different subject matters? Is reasoning relative or absolute? Prerequisite(s): A PHI 112, 210, 218; or permission of instructor.
A PHI 412 Metaphysics (3)
A systematic examination of such philosophical concepts as existence, essence, causality, purpose, value, mind, freedom, and unity. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 415 Philosophy of Language (3)
The structure and properties of language with regard to philosophical issues. Examines such issues as meaning, reference, analyticity, truth and psychoanalytic dream interpretation in the context of the contemporary theories of meaning and linguistic structure. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 416 Philosophy of Mind (3)
A systematic discussion of various contemporary and historically important issues concerning mind: classical theories of mind and body, including dualisms, materialism, double-aspect theories and functionalism; cognitive science and theoretical linguistics; artificial intelligence; and the nature of belief, desire, intention and other psychological notions. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 417 Bioethics (3)
Critical study of one or more topics in bioethics. Possible topics include: advance directives; assisted reproductive technologies; death; genetic engineering; screening and testing; health care reform; informed consent; maternal-fetal conflicts; medical experimentation; medical futility; organ transplantation; physician-assisted suicide; proxy consent; and the right to refuse treatment. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 338 or permission of instructor.
A PHI 418 Philosophy of Science (3)
Basic issues in philosophy of science, such as the nature of laws and theories, verifiability and confirmation, explanation and prediction, statistics and probability. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 422 Theory of Knowledge (3)
Systematic study of theories of knowledge, including such topics as theories of perception, the character and value of logical systems, theories of the nature of truth and of the nature of proof. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 423 The Skeptical Tradition (3)
Examination of the skeptical tradition from the ancient Greeks to the present. The focus will be on the arguments for thinking knowledge is impossible. Topics include skepticism as a way of life, Hume’s skepticism, religious skepticism, common-sense philosophy, and the relation between knowledge and certainty. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 210 and a 300 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 425 Contemporary Ethical Theory (3)
Selected normative and meta-ethical theories, with emphasis on issues of interest in contemporary discussions of values and the nature of valuation. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 212 and a 300 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 432 Completeness and Decidability (3)
An introduction to the meta-theory of first-order logic. Topics will include the completeness theorem and its corollaries, as well as a discussion of questions concerning the undecidability of validity. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 332 or permission of instructor.
A PHI 441 Advanced Topics in Philosophy (3)
Intensive study of a selected topic in philosophy. May be repeated once for credit when content varies. Consult class schedule for specific topic. Prerequisite(s): a 100 or 200 level course in philosophy.
A PHI 442 Phenomenology (3)
Examination of historical and conceptual development of phenomenology in the 20th century, starting with Husserl’s “presuppositionless and purely descriptive science of the structures of consciousness,” including works by Sartre, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty. Emphasis on (a) the idea of a presuppositionless account of consciousness; (b) the motivations for and nature of the “existential turn;” and (c) connections between phenomenology and both analytic philosophy and scientific psychology. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 474 Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy (3)
Critical study of ethical and/or political concepts, such as freedom, equality, happiness, duty, rights, virtue, or theories, such as liberalism, pluralism, consequentialism, deontology, and virtue theory through the examination of historical and contemporary works. Prerequisite(s): A PHI 212 and a 300 level course in philosophy, or permission of instructor.
A PHI 497 Independent Study and Research (1–4)
Guided research and writing on a selected problem in philosophy on a tutorial basis. May be taken more than once for credit if content varies. Prerequisite(s): a 300 level course in philosophy and the approval of the individual faculty member acting as project supervisor and of the departmental Undergraduate Studies Committee.
A PHI 498 Honors Thesis in Philosophy (4)
Independent honors thesis written under the direction of an appropriate faculty member, and received and evaluated by the Honors Committee. Prerequisite(s): admission to the Honors Program in philosophy.
