Check the Current Course Schedule to see if a particular course is currently being offered.

COURSE OFFERINGS

PH 180 History of Western Philosophy 3 cr.
A study of the history of western philosophy which chronicles the major thinkers and their key thoughts. The history of philosophy is understood as an ongoing conversation which continues in our own day. The course sketches the main contours of the way in which the conversation has taken shape since its beginnings with the ancient Greeks.

PH 200 Critical and Creative Thinking 3 cr.
Thinking is both a skill and an art, with its own purposes, principles, strategies and precautions. This course is designed to develop and strengthen one’s thinking by exploring the creative processes involved in problem identification and solution, the role of argument formation and criticism, and finally, communicating one’s thinking. Both current events and timeless philosophical questions will be explored. Critical and Creative Thinking is a strong foundational course for all academic disciplines and majors.

PH 320 Philosophy of Person 3 cr.
A close look at human nature and personal identity. Questions like “Who am I, really?” and “How free am I?” will be explored, along with love and our relationship with the natural world. Study of both classical and contemporary authors. PH 180 recommended.

PH 340 Philosophical Perspectives on Woman 3 cr.
A survey of various notable models of female nature which have been expressed in the history of western thought, from the ancient period to the present. The latter part of the course will be devoted to readings in the feminist critique of these historical models, and will look at contemporary views of female nature. This course is an elective in the Women’s Studies minor. PH 180 recommended.

PH 355 Political Philosophy 3 cr.
A study of the major approaches to the questions surrounding the political nature of human beings. The key thoughts of the major political philosophers, both classical and contemporary, will be analyzed. PH 180 recommended.

PH 360 Philosophy of Art 3 cr.
An investigation into the nature of art. What is art? Is beauty subjective? What role should an artist play in society? These are a few of the timeless questions that will be explored. Students will also develop a language of art that will assist in defining their own aesthetic values.

PH 380 Bioethics 3 cr.
An investigation of ethical issues raised by technological advances in the health care sciences. Issues to be studied include the beginnings and endings of life, genetic research, organ transplants, reproductive technologies, the right to health care, and the allocation of scarce resources. In addition, the relation of humans to the life of the planet and to their more specific environment will be studied. PH 180 recommended.

PH 391, 392, 393, 394 Selected Topics 1-3 cr.

PH 480 Current Ethical Problems and Positions 3 cr.
A critical examination of the major approaches to ethics given to us by the history of philosophy. The contributions of Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, and Mill are studied first from a theoretical perspective. These theories are then applied to a variety of ethical issues which face us today. The student is introduced to the world of both the theory and practice of ethics. PH 180 recommended. Junior status required.

PH 481, 482 Seminar 1-3 cr.
Research and reports on selected periods or areas of philosophy. Conferences as the instructor directs. Open to qualified students who have had introductory coursesin philosophy. Hours and credit arranged by the instructor, with the approval of the division head.

PH 491, 492, 493, 494 Independent Study 1-3 cr.
An opportunity for qualified and capable students to do independent work in the field of philosophy. Topics, hours, and credits arranged by the instructor, with the approval of the division head.

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