Philosophy (PHIL)

PHIL 1301. Introduction To Philosophy. 3 Hours.

A general examination of the fields and issues of philosophy as discussed by both classical and modern philosophers. Philosophical problems discussed include the existence of God, the nature of knowledge and truth, the issue of human free will, and theories of moral judgement.

PHIL 2303. Critical Thinking. 3 Hours.

Designed to improve students? ability to think critically. The course covers the fundamentals of deductive reasoning, the identification of common fallacies, and an introduction to inductive reasoning, as well as sensitizing the students to some of the ways information is distorted, e.g., by advertising and news management.

PHIL 2306. Contemporary Moral Issues. 3 Hours.

A study of major moral issues in contemporary society. Includes topics such as abortion, euthanasia, censorship, capital punishment, and other issues that confront today's society.

PHIL 2352. Introduction to Contemporary Logic. 3 Hours.

Introduces the student to the principles of ordered thought and to the terminology and rules of symbolic logic. Discusses the logic of statements and the logic of predicates, qualifiers, and identity.

PHIL 3364. Ancient & Medieval Philosophy. 3 Hours.

A survey of philosophical thought from the time of the pre-Socratics to about 1500. Includes the study of the work of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenistic schools, and medieval philosophy through the late scholastic period. The artistic, scientific, ethical, political and general cultural ramifications of the major systems of thought are noted.

PHIL 3365. Modern Philosophy. 3 Hours.

A survey of philosophical thought from about 1500 through the twentieth century. The course will examine the philosophical significance of the rise of modern science, the classical philosophies of rationalism, empiricism, the philosophy of Kant, and the development of these philosophies through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

PHIL 3366. Aesthetics. 3 Hours.

An inquiry into the nature and meaning of art. Analysis of aesthetic experience, the relation of art to value, and an examination of aesthetic theories concerning representation, form and expression. This course satisfies 3 semester hours of the fine arts requirement for the BA degree program.

PHIL 3367. Philosophy Of Religion. 3 Hours.

An examination of the nature and meaning of religion and religious expression. Philosophical and scientific critiques of religious faith and experience are considered. The nature of faith and reason, the question of the existence and nature of God, and the relation of religion and value are typical course topics.

PHIL 3371. Existentialism& Self-Awareness. 3 Hours.

An examination of the major themes of existentialism and its impact on contemporary society. Existential works from literature, psychology, psychoanalysis, and religion are included. Examines the existential concepts of anxiety, fear, guilt, meaninglessness, death, and authentic and inauthentic existence. Taught with PSYC 3371.

PHIL 3372. Philosophy Of Science. 3 Hours.

A survey of topics in philosophy of science including the logic of explanations in the physical and social sciences, the relations of science to the realm of values, and a look at the ?mind-body problem?.

PHIL 3373. American Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Students in this course survey key figures and ideas of the American intellectual tradition. The course is organized around the themes of democracy, freedom, cultural and racial identity, ethical and religious pluralism, and interpretations of nature from various perspectives, including current developing traditions such as African American, Native American, and Feminist movements.

PHIL 4306. Philosophy of Biology. 3 Hours.

A seminar course investigating philosophical questions concerning the development and application of evolutionary theory. This course addresses issues relating to concepts such as adaptation, speciation, the comparative method, levels of selection, and phylogenetic reconstruction. Even year, Spring.

PHIL 4333. Bioethics. 3 Hours.

This course is a survey of bioethics. In this class students will use various ethical theories and moral principles to analyze and critically evaluate moral dilemmas in medicine. This course covers a broad range of issues including: 1) the patient-physician relationship, 2) bias in medicine, 3) health care delivery systems and 4) the ethics of research. To enhance critical thinking skills and decision making skills, students will be required to develop and defend views on given bioethical issues. Credit: 3.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

PHIL 4361. Philosophy of Psych and Mind. 3 Hours.

This course will examine a range of contemporary theories of mind and the primary objections they face. Topics may include: Mind/brain identity theory and reductionism, the nature and function of consciousness, the nature of rationality and its relation to consciousness, the possibility of machine intelligence, and the nature of mental representation.

PHIL 4363. Ethical Theories. 3 Hours.

This course will cover classical views about the foundation of ethics such as divine commands, cultural relativism, subjectivism, egoism, utilitarianism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics. Significant attention will also be given to a variety of contemporary approaches to understanding ethics.

PHIL 4371. Death And Dying. 3 Hours.

An examination of the philosophical reflections on death and dying from the literature of philosophy, psychology, theology, medicine and other contemporary sources. Course includes discussions of the nature of grief, sorrow, anxiety, fear, and suicide as related to death, and the social implications of death for the individual, family, friends, and community.

PHIL 4372. Theories Of Knowledge& Reality. 3 Hours.

This course is a study of issues concerning the basic categories of reality such as individuals and universals, time and change, mind and body. A study of issues in the theory of knowledge such as the distinction between knowledge and belief, the criteria of knowledge, and the justification of knowledge claims is also examined.
Prerequisite: 6 hours of philosophy and sophomore standing.

PHIL 4373. Phil in Film & Literature. 3 Hours.

Through carefully selected pairings of philosophical texts and films, this course seeks to establish and develop philosophical literacy by highlighting the ways in which canonical philosophical works have informed the content and structure of works of film and literature.
Prerequisite: 3 hours of philosophy and at least sophomore standing.

PHIL 4374. Philosophy of Crime & Justice. 3 Hours.

Students examine foundations of the American criminal justice system, considering questions such as: is there a moral justification of punishment;what basic principles guide law enforcement in practice; how did these principles come to be in place; and how do they connect to the moral and political ideals on which the country was founded? Students critically engage with philosophical, legal, sociological, and historical resources.

PHIL 4380. Seminar In Philosophy. 3 Hours.

Affords students a chance for in-depth study of a particular topic or area in philosophy not covered fully in the other course offerings and a chance for participation in a course conducted on a seminar basis. As the topics vary, the course may be repeated for credit.

PHIL 4385. Readings In Philosophy. 3 Hours.

This course is designed especially for advanced students who are capable of independent study. The particular program of study for the course must be discussed in advance with the prospective instructor.
Prerequisite: Admission to the course requires permission of the instructor.