Philosophy Archive 2020-2021

CAS-101. CAS students only. SBS students by special permission. Restricted to the following majors: Art History, Asian Studies, Biology, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, French, Global Cultural Studies, History, Humanities, International Economics, Music History, Philosophy, Physics, Radiation Science, Sociology, Spanish, and Undeclared. Instructor consent required for all other majors.

1.00

This course engages students in the early stages of career planning. Students will explore their interests, skills, values, and strengths, which will allow them to begin setting appropriate goals for professional development. Once students understand themselves in relation to the world of work, they will learn how to research careers and employment paths that fit with their goals.

4.00

The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems, and developments in modern philosophy, including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: The nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; and reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-210 and PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

1.00

This is a required course for all students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.

4.00

An introduction to the fundamentals of logic and rhetoric. Students will acquire the analytical, interpretive, and argumentative skills which will allow them to reason well about everyday topics and about the issues debated in the public arena. Students will study inductive and deductive methods and study different forms of arguments. Students will be able to appreciate the power of rhetorical persuasion and will learn to identify the common misconceptions, manipulations of information, and fallacies present in public discourse. The course will also address the psychological impediments to good reasoning and aspects of language which tend to interfere with logical thought. Experiential learning will be employed throughout the course. Students will practice discussing issues in a logically consistent, informed, and charitable manner and will engage in civil dialogue though group work, class discussions,and extracurricular events.

4.00

An introduction to formal (or semi-formal) study of the basic types of deductive arguments (propositional and syllogistic logic). 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

In this class, you will be introduced to the perspectives and methods of politics, philosophy, and economics, and see how these three disciplines present distinct but interconnected dimensions of current social and political issues.

4.00

An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the "good life." Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

CAS-101. CAS students only. SBS students by special permission. Restricted to the following majors: Art History, Asian Studies, Biology, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, French, Global Cultural Studies, History, Humanities, International Economics, Music History, Philosophy, Physics, Radiation Science, Sociology, Spanish, and Undeclared. Instructor consent required for all other majors.

1.00

This course engages students in the early stages of career planning. Students will explore their interests, skills, values, and strengths, which will allow them to begin setting appropriate goals for professional development. Once students understand themselves in relation to the world of work, they will learn how to research careers and employment paths that fit with their goals.

4.00

A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems, and developments in modern philosophy, including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: The nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; and reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

An examination of persistent debates in political and social philosophy. Topics covered can include the meaning of property and welfare, the tensions between liberty and equality, censorship and freedom of expression, the relation of church and state, human rights and the common good, the possibility of political education and civic virtue, legitimacy of the state, revolution and counter-revolution, war, and problems of ends and means addressing historic injustices such as racism, genocide, or sexism, among other topics. Students will read both classic and contemporary texts addressing the historical roots and the contemporary treatment of these questions. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-210 and PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

1.00

This is a required course for all students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.

4.00

An introduction to the fundamentals of logic and rhetoric. Students will acquire the analytical, interpretive, and argumentative skills which will allow them to reason well about everyday topics and about the issues debated in the public arena. Students will study inductive and deductive methods and study different forms of arguments. Students will be able to appreciate the power of rhetorical persuasion and will learn to identify the common misconceptions, manipulations of information, and fallacies present in public discourse. The course will also address the psychological impediments to good reasoning and aspects of language which tend to interfere with logical thought. Experiential learning will be employed throughout the course. Students will practice discussing issues in a logically consistent, informed, and charitable manner and will engage in civil dialogue though group work, class discussions,and extracurricular events.

4.00

An introduction to formal (or semi-formal) study of the basic types of deductive arguments (propositional and syllogistic logic). 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

In this class, you will be introduced to the perspectives and methods of politics, philosophy, and economics, and see how these three disciplines present distinct but interconnected dimensions of current social and political issues.

4.00

An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the "good life." Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120

4.00

This course will address in depth one or more specific issues in applied ethics. Topics will vary and may range from applied issues in political thought, such as just war theory or transitional justice, to specific questions in professional ethics or social policy, such as end-of-life care, economic justice, or the role of technology in the human future. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120

4.00

An examination of the moral issues involved in the interaction of humans with their natural environment. Topics include: the environmental crisis, human-centered vs. nature-centered ethics, intrinsic value in nature, obligations to future generations, the importance of preserving endangered species and wilderness, radical ecology, eco-feminism, and the role of social justice in environmental issues. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-119, or PHIL-123, or PHIL-127, or PHIL-120

4.00

An examination of the moral problems facing health-care practitioners, their patients, and others involved with the practice of medicine in today's society. Issues include euthanasia, the ethics of medical experimentation, the use of reproductive technologies, genetic counseling and genetic engineering, truth-telling and confidentiality in doctor-patient relationships, and the cost and availability of medical care. Normally offered every third year.

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120 and consent of instructor

4.00

Students in this course will serve as interns in a department-approved position with a service provider, professional organization, government agency, or non-governmental organization whose work is relevant to issues in applied ethics. A faculty mentor will meet with students regularly to develop individually designed programs of readings and to discuss this material and its relation to the internship experience. In addition to the substantial time commitment to the internship, course requirements will usually include a journal and a research project. PHIL 119 or 123 or 127 and consent of instructor. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

In this class, you will be introduced to the perspectives and methods of politics, philosophy, and economics, and see how these three disciplines present distinct but interconnected dimensions of current social and political issues.

4.00

An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the "good life." Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems, and developments in modern philosophy, including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: The nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; and reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

An introduction to the fundamentals of logic and rhetoric. Students will acquire the analytical, interpretive, and argumentative skills which will allow them to reason well about everyday topics and about the issues debated in the public arena. Students will study inductive and deductive methods and study different forms of arguments. Students will be able to appreciate the power of rhetorical persuasion and will learn to identify the common misconceptions, manipulations of information, and fallacies present in public discourse. The course will also address the psychological impediments to good reasoning and aspects of language which tend to interfere with logical thought. Experiential learning will be employed throughout the course. Students will practice discussing issues in a logically consistent, informed, and charitable manner and will engage in civil dialogue though group work, class discussions,and extracurricular events.

4.00

A general introduction to the nature of philosophical analysis. Lectures, readings, and discussions will focus on representative issues and thinkers from the main areas of philosophy (such the nature of truth, reality, morality, politics, and religion). 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL Major and Minors, CAS Honors, or CAS GPA 3.3 or higher.

4.00

A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? Prerequisite: Philosophy majors, minors, or honor students only. 1 term -4 credits.

4.00

In this class, you will be introduced to the perspectives and methods of politics, philosophy, and economics, and see how these three disciplines present distinct but interconnected dimensions of current social and political issues.

Honor student or at least 3.3 GPA

4.00

In this class, you will be introduced to the perspectives and methods of politics, philosophy, and economics, and see how these three disciplines present distinct but interconnected dimensions of current social and political issues.

4.00

An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the "good life." Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-123 concurrently and Instructor consent

0.00

Service Learning Component

Limited to PHIL majors, minors, Honors students, or students with 3.3 GPA or higher.

4.00

An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the "good life." Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. Prerequisite: Philosophy majors, minors, or honor students only. 1 term -4 credits.

4.00

A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-127 concurrently and Instructor consent

0.00

Service Learning Component

PHIL Major and Minors, CAS Honors, or CAS GPA 3.3 or higher.

4.00

A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Prerequisite: Philosophy majors, minors, or honor students only. 1 term -4 credits.

4.00

The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

CAS Honors Students Only

4.00

The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems, and developments in modern philosophy, including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: The nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; and reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

An introduction to formal (or semi-formal) study of the basic types of deductive arguments (propositional and syllogistic logic). 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

4.00

"What counts as art?" "What is beauty?" "Are there objective standards of beauty?" This course examines the nature of aesthetic experience, art, beauty, and creativity. Through the classic and contemporary readings, the students will be introduced to philosophical issues concerning the meaning of art, artistic representation, perceptions of art, interpretation, and criticism. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experience of art and explore the relationships among the artist, the audience, the artwork, and the world. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every third year.

4.00

An inquiry into some philosophical themes in modern literature. Existential reality, immortality, faith and nature, and morality and reason will be explored through the creative word of modern authors. Special emphasis will be placed on recurrent themes and their philosophical belief structure and meaning. 1 term - 4 credits.

4.00

This course is an introduction to the philosophy of feminist thought. Feminist theories of epistemology, metaphysics and morality will be examined as critiques of traditional philosophy. Feminist perspectives and methodologies include radical, liberal, and postmodern, as well as more recent trends in eco-feminism. Special emphasis will be placed on explicit and implicit practices of alienation and exclusion as they have unfolded in the "gendering" of thought, truth, and reality. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every third year. C b

PHIL-119, or PHIL-123, or PHIL-127, or PHIL-120

4.00

Examines the political, social, and ecological problems facing us as a global community. Having its roots in feminist theory and deep-ecology, eco-feminism provides a critical framework for ecological responsibility and accountability. Writings from eco-feminist thinkers and environmental activists around the world will be used to highlight the philosophical and political conflicts and challenges, including the globalization and loss of bio-diversity, global warming, international human rights, the relationship of gender and nature, and modes of redress for eco-justice and sustainable development.

PHIL-119, or PHIL-123, or PHIL-127. Restricted to CAS Honors students

4.00

Examines the political, social, and ecological problems facing us as a global community. Having its roots in feminist theory and deep-ecology, eco-feminism provides a critical framework for ecological responsibility and accountability. Writings from eco-feminist thinkers and environmental activists around the world will be used to highlight the philosophical and political conflicts and challenges. These include the globalization and loss of biodiversity, global warming, international human rights, the relationship of gender and nature, and modes of redress for eco-justice and sustainable development.

4.00

An examination of persistent debates in political and social philosophy. Topics covered can include the meaning of property and welfare, the tensions between liberty and equality, censorship and freedom of expression, the relation of church and state, human rights and the common good, the possibility of political education and civic virtue, legitimacy of the state, revolution and counter-revolution, war, and problems of ends and means addressing historic injustices such as racism, genocide, or sexism, among other topics. Students will read both classic and contemporary texts addressing the historical roots and the contemporary treatment of these questions. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

CAS Honors students only.

4.00

An exposition and critical evaluation of the major Western social and political thinkers. Readings from such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke, Mill, Jefferson, Marx, and Rawls. Normally offered alternate years

4.00

Prejudice of many kinds, such as racism and sexism, is so embedded in our social institutions, and is so "traditional" and pervasive that we often fail to notice it. In this course, we will deal with the history and nature of racism and sexism, as well as with possible solutions to these problems, including affirmative action and busing. We will also discuss homosexuality, pornography, and sex roles. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C a

4.00

The exposition and critical evaluation of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. Special attention is given to foundation principles as well as to the similarities and differences of each of these philosophies to basic ideas in Western philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b

4.00

An historical survey of Buddhist philosophy. We will explore Buddhist origins, central teachings, devotional and meditational practices,ritual and institutions as developed from classical to modern times. Special attention given to the philosophical diversity of the Buddhist world view. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b

4.00

This course is an examination of Native American (Indian) religious experience, both the similarities and differences among the myths and rituals of the major tribes which comprise the background of our nation's history of Western migration and "settlement." The emphasis will be on understanding how life was experienced by these peoples through a close look at the philosophical meanings of their mythology and ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C a

4.00

An exploration into the various dimensions and ideologies concerning the role of the feminine in relation to the Divine. Belief systems, myths and archetypes from ancient Goddess worship to 20th century feminist theology will be examined in terms of the philosophical content and psychological consequences. Special emphasis will be placed on feminist metaphysical structures for understanding consciousness and Reality. Classes will be conducted by means of lectures, primary and secondary texts, and class discussions. Normally offered alternate years. Cultural Diversity A

4.00

A survey of the main developments in Chinese Philosophy. The course begins with the early dynastic concept of humanism and then turns to Confucius and Mencius. Having developed the central Confucian doctrines, students next examine the Taoist response to Confucianism in the writings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The course then considers Zen Buddhism, which is called Ch'an Buddhism in China, where it originated. In particular, students study the concept of sudden enlightenment before turning to the Neo-Confucian scholars.

4.00

We examine the socio-political and historical phenomenon of fascism, its origins as a reaction against the European Enlightenment and the revolutions in its wake, its varied particular manifestations and philosophical explanations, and its continuing influence and appeal today. We read original texts by thinkers such as Joseph de Maistre, Juan Donoso Cortes, Charles Maurras, Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Julius Evola, and others as well as some scholarly secondary sources. No prerequisites for this course. 1 term-4 credits.

4.00

A survey of the history of European and Anglo-American philosophy of the 20th century. Students will be introduced to the key intellectual movements, such as logical positivism, pragmatism, ordinary language philosophy, analytic philosophy, critical theory, post-structuralism/post-modernism, and feminism. The course will address both the content of philosophical ideas and their historical, social, and political contexts. 4 credits. Prerequisite: none.

CAS Honors students only.

4.00

Examines one or more of the following major philosophical movements of the 20th century: Pragmatism, Phenomenology, Existentialism, Logical Positivism, Analytic (Linguistic) Philosophy, Postmodernism and Critical Theory (Post-Analytic Philosophy). Prerequisite: PHIL 211 or consent of instructor. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered alternate years.

One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor.

4.00

An overview of the existentialist tradition. Primary focus on issues and problems arising from the existentialist reaction to classical philosophy. Topics include: paradoxes and contradictions of human nature and human condition; radical freedom, commitment, and responsibility; existential anxiety, meaninglessness and the rejection of God; authenticity and self-deception; individuality and community. Philosophers to be discussed will include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Dostoevsky, and Heidegger. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. Restricted to CAS Honors students

4.00

An overview of the existentialist tradition. Primary focus on issues and problems arising from the existentialist reaction to classical philosophy. Topics include: paradoxes and contradictions of human nature and human condition; radical freedom, commitment, and responsibility; existential anxiety, meaninglessness and the rejection of God; authenticity and self-deception; individuality and community. Philosophers to be discussed will include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Dostoevsky, and Heidegger. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

One course in Philosophy or Instructor's consent

4.00

This class will focus on the general role that law plays in public life. Instead of studying what the current laws are, the class emphasizes the challenges in analyzing, interpreting, and constructing law. Among the most important questions will be how we should evaluate or reform existing legal systems. Readings may include formative cases, recent legal studies, and classic texts by figures such as Grotius, Bentham, Holmes, Hart, and Dworkin. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

One course in Philosophy or Instructor's consent. CAS Honors students only

4.00

This class will focus on the general role that law plays in public life. Instead of studying what the current laws are, the class emphasizes the challenges in analyzing, interpreting, and constructing law. Among the most important questions will be how we should evaluate or reform existing legal systems. Readings may include formative cases, recent legal studies, and classic texts by figures such as Grotius, Bentham, Holmes, Hart, and Dworkin. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120

4.00

This course will address in depth one or more specific issues in applied ethics. Topics will vary and may range from applied issues in political thought, such as just war theory or transitional justice, to specific questions in professional ethics or social policy, such as end-of-life care, economic justice, or the role of technology in the human future. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.

One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor.

4.00

This course explores indigenous African systems of thought, modern academic African philosophy, African social and political theory, and contemporary debates centered on questions of identity, modernity, essentialism, and historicity within the African context. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every third year. C b

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120

4.00

An examination of the moral issues involved in the interaction of humans with their natural environment. Topics include: the environmental crisis, human-centered vs. nature-centered ethics, intrinsic value in nature, obligations to future generations, the importance of preserving endangered species and wilderness, radical ecology, eco-feminism, and the role of social justice in environmental issues. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-119, or PHIL-123, or PHIL-127, or PHIL-120

4.00

An examination of the moral problems facing health-care practitioners, their patients, and others involved with the practice of medicine in today's society. Issues include euthanasia, the ethics of medical experimentation, the use of reproductive technologies, genetic counseling and genetic engineering, truth-telling and confidentiality in doctor-patient relationships, and the cost and availability of medical care. Normally offered every third year.

PHIL-120

1.00- 4.00

Students in this course will serve as interns in a program-approved position with a service provider, professional organization, government agency, or non-governmental organization whose work is relevant to the PPE major. A faculty mentor will meet with students regularly to develop individually designed programs of readings and to discuss this material and its relation to the internship experience. In addition to the substantial time commitment to the internship, course requirements will usually include a weekly journal and a research project.

Instructor's Consent

4.00

This seminar will analyze and explore the universal human rights concept -- the idea that all human beings, by virtue of their humanity alone, have human rights that should be recognized by all nations. It will explore the concept's meaning, its theoretical underpinnings, critiques and defenses, and the kinds of specific rights suggested by the concept. The course will also provide an introduction to existing human rights law. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits.

4.00

A detailed exposition and evaluation of a specific topic or of the views of one major philosophical thinker or group of thinkers. Readings from both primary and secondary sources.

CAS Honors student only

4.00

A detailed exposition and evaluation of a specific topic or of the views of one major philosophical thinker or group of thinkers. Readings from both primary and secondary sources.

PHIL-210 or consent of instructor.

4.00

A detailed study of Platonic texts and issues. Works studied will vary but will often include dialogues such as the Apology, Euthyphro, Phaedo, Republic, and Symposium. Themes may include, among others: the nature of philosophy and its relation to society; the dialogue form and the character of Socrates; the difference between truth and opinion; the meaning of virtue; justice and the ideal regime; the theory of forms and the nature of reality; love, death, and transcendence. Prerequisite: PHIL 210 or consent of instructor. 1 term ? 4 credits. Normally offered every third year.

PHIL-212 or consent of instructor.

4.00

In this course, students will put to work the logical theory developed in Formal Logic (Phil 212). In particular, students will use First-Order Logic to investigate computability and computation theory. Goedel's First and Second Incompleteness Theorems are a particular focus in the course. Prerequisite: PHIL 212 or consent of instructor. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered alternate years.

4.00

A study of the nineteenth-century Russian novelist Feodor Dostoevsky and his contribution to world philosophy and literature. Dostoevsky's stories, which weave together philosophical reflections, unique personalities and gripping plots, earned the author numerous superlative titles. Dostoevsky has been praised as a literary genius, a prophetic political thinker, a keen psychologist, and an expert on human condition. His work inspired generations of intellectuals, among them prominent European thinkers: Nietzsche, Freud, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Hesse, and many others. In addition to a detailed study of Dostoevsky's writings, the course explores the socio-political, literary, and intellectual contexts in which he developed as a thinker, introducing students to both his opponents and admirers.

4.00

An interdisciplinary course examining the idea of law and its function in human society, with a special focus on issues of violence, war, peace, and justice. The course will examine law as it is represented, enacted, and discussed in various literary and philosophical writings from the ancient world to the present, to include various Biblical texts such as: Sophocles's Antigone, Aeschylus's Oresteia, Plato's Apology, Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Melville's Billy Budd, Toni Morrison's Beloved, among many others.

PHIL-119, PHIL-123, PHIL-127 or PHIL-120 and consent of instructor

4.00

Students in this course will serve as interns in a department-approved position with a service provider, professional organization, government agency, or non-governmental organization whose work is relevant to issues in applied ethics. A faculty mentor will meet with students regularly to develop individually designed programs of readings and to discuss this material and its relation to the internship experience. In addition to the substantial time commitment to the internship, course requirements will usually include a journal and a research project. PHIL 119 or 123 or 127 and consent of instructor. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.

PHIL-210 and PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

1.00

This is a required course for all students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.

PHIL-210 and PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

1.00- 4.00

Students meet with a department member to pursue advanced studies in areas of particular interest to them.

PHIL-210 and PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

1.00- 4.00

Students meet with a department member to pursue advanced studies in areas of particular interest to them.

PHIL-210 or PHIL-211 and consent of instructor.

4.00

Students with sufficient background in philosophy and a special interest in areas of philosophy which cannot be covered in regularly offered courses, will be guided by senior members of the Department. Students working on Honors in Philosophy must take this course in the first semester of their senior year to prepare a thesis proposal. PHIL 210 or PHIL 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

Take PHIL-210 and PHIL-211; Instructor consent required; CAS Honors

1.00

This is a required course for all Honors Program students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.