200
This course introduces students to philosophy through a discussion of problems and issues of concern to philosophers today. Sample topics include contemporary discussions of ethics and the virtues, such as courage, conceptions of evil, just war and terrorism, and the nature and extent of human knowledge.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
Both Semesters
This course considers various feminist perspectives on issues concerning sex, gender, gender roles, ethics (particularly reproductive ethics), embodiment, epistemology, family, motherhood, law and politics. A majority of the readings cover contemporary perspectives, though theoretical topics and historical thinkers are also typically included.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
Spring Semester (Even Years)
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Greco-Roman religion and philosophy. Students are introduced to the ancient world first via its public and private religious practices and then via its philosophical perspectives on issues such as free will, ethical conflicts and the nature of the just person and the just state.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
As Needed
Credit by exam. This course is an introduction to informal logic, which uses ordinary language to identify and evaluate arguments and to identify and avoid common fallacies, and to formal symbolic logic, which uses symbolic notation and inference and equivalence rules to prove the deductive validity of arguments. (Recommended for students taking the LSAT.)
Credits
3.0
Offered
Fall Semester
This course uses films to introduce students to some contemporary philosophical problems and issues. Topics covered may include issues in epistemology, metaphysics, personal identity, philosophy of mind, ethics, and existentialism. Particular attention will be given to questions concerning meaning and value.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
Spring Semester (Odd Years)
An inquiry into the nature and possibilities of human beings and a critical analysis of the meaning of responsibility in society. Study will focus on matters of practical as well as theoretical import (e.g. leadership, ideal communities).
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
As Needed
Ethics and leadership in key areas of society: e.g., education, religion, the military, corporations, and politics. The focus is on key principles of conduct and relevant virtues, such as courage, faith, humility, fortitude, and prudence. Theory and practice will be analyzed together, as examples will be drawn from important historical episodes.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
As Needed
This course introduces students to the variety of ethical challenges that confront professionals in such fields as law, journalism, business and management. Students critically examine issues in professional ethics primarily by applying moral theories to practical case studies.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
As Needed
A critical study of classical and contemporary ethical theories on the topics of ethical relativism, free will and determinism, and the source and justification of moral values. The relevance and applicability of these theories to the solution of pressing contemporary moral problems are emphasized.
Credits
3.0
Core
Philosophical Inquiry
Offered
Both Semesters
Prerequisite: Completion of the Composition area of the core with a grade of C- or above. Through analysis and discussion of selected works of great literature, students will examine themes of vice and virtue. Topics may include the relation between individual and community, evil, ends and means, the good life, and moral conflict.(H2, CT)
Credits
3.0
Core
Literature
Offered
As Needed