Philosophy Course Descriptions

PHL 126 Persons and Values 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisites: None. Offered every term.
Introduction to philosophy by way of a critical examination of some classic problems that shape human experience, which may include issues concerning the nature of reality, human knowledge, the nature of the self, the nature of justice, and the nature of the good.

PHL 156 World Philosophical Traditions 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisites: None. Offered every term.
Introduction to philosophy by way of a historical survey of major philosophical traditions across the world’s cultures from antiquity to the present, including India, East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as the West.

PHL 225 Ethics 3 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 108.
Introduction to normative moral philosophy through a survey of the major positions and thinkers in the history of ethics. The course also examines how these ideas and theories can be adapted to address the ethical dilemmas that confront persons and societies today.

PHL 228 Ethics in the Health Professions 3 hours
Prerequisite: LS 105 or equivalent
Survey of basic ethical considerations in contemporary issues in the health care professions. Case studies highlight the legal and moral aspects of patients’ rights, care of the newborn, quality of life, geriatric care and transplant surgery.

PHL 276 Critical Thinking 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisites: LS 105‚ ENG 107 or equivalent. Offered every term.
Development of broadly applicable cognitive and communicative critical thinking skills is the focus of this course. The course has two components: the study of formal and informal techniques and methods to critically assess argued claims, and the application of those skills to contemporary issues and events.

PHL 291 Independent Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: PHL 126, 156, or 276, and LS 105, permission of instructor and by arrangement with the department
Focused study of student-selected topics in consultation with instructor.

PHL 325 Special Topics in Moral Philosophy 3-6 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 108, and any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276.
Focused analysis of significant moral issues in contemporary life. Topics vary and may include: Parents and Children, Death and Dying, World Hunger, Feminism, Human Rights, War and Peace. Students may earn up to six credits by taking the class with different topics.

PHL 335 Ancient Philosophy 3 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, and any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276.
Historical study of the beginnings of western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to Plotinus, with emphasis on the achievements of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Discussions are based on readings of original texts in translation.

PHL 345 Medieval Philosophy 3 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, and any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276.
Historical study of leading developments in western philosophy from Augustine of Hippo to William of Ockham. Emphasis is placed on the confluence of Christian theology and philosophic concerns. Discussions are based on readings of original texts in translation.

PHL 370 Social and Political Philosophy 3 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 108, and any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276.
Study of both classic and contemporary problems in social and political philosophy, with emphasis on developing a comprehensive understanding of the concept of justice and of its application to contemporary issues.

PHL 382 Business and Professional Ethics 3 hours
Prerequisites: PHL 126, BUS 266, LS 105, ENG 108; Term: 1, 2
Descriptive survey of ethical theories and perspectives common to all professions. Reflection on contemporary ethical approaches through case studies and selected readings. Analysis of some major dilemmas in business and other professions.

PHL 395 Directed Readings 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105, any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276, and permission of instructor by arrangement with the department
Selected readings on a topic of student’s choice.

PHL 396 Philosophy of Religion 3 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 108, and any one of PHL 126, 156, or 276.
The meaning of God and the logic of God-talk; arguments for and against the existence of God; the peculiarity of religious language; critical views of religion as myth and as worldview.

PHL 491 Independent Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: PHL 126, 156, or 276, normally at least 12 hours in philosophy, permission of the instructor by arrangement with the department
Advanced research in a specialized area of philosophy.