The study of philosophy involves reflection upon the
character and validity of the fundamental principles that
guide our thought and action, our search for knowledge
and ultimately our desire to live well. Philosophy is at
the core of a liberal arts education because it directly
fosters a life-long pursuit for truth, beauty and goodness.
Notre Dame College students are required to take two
philosophy courses. All students are required to take the
ethics course (PH 480) to learn how to analyze critical
questions of right and wrong in our time, and to identify
and apply various philosophical positions in response to
these questions. Although the History of Western
Philosophy course (PH 180) is recommended at the
beginning of one’s college career, a student is free to
choose among the various philosophy electives to satisfy
the philosophy requirement.
Philosophical thinking can be applied in any life situation
because it teaches general problem solving, clear and
persuasive communication, and writing that is ordered,
coherent and complete. For this reason, one can argue
that a philosophy minor is an invaluable complement to
any academic discipline. Careers that are especially
dependent on philosophy and philosophical thinking
include law, politics, the sciences, theology, journalism,
communication, management and education.
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MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY
18 Credits
Requirements:
PH 180 History of Western Philosophy
PH 480 Current Ethical Problems and Positions
12 additional credits in upper biennium philosophy
courses, which include PH 480.
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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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