Department of Philosophy

PHIL 1050 - Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course will focus primarily on the writings of Plato and Aristotle as central figures in that historical period when Western humanity began to use and to develop reason systematically as an instrument for understanding the world and its place in that world. Students will be introduced to the Greek contributions to logic, metaphysics, and ethics.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 1055 - Intro to Phil: Self & Reality

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will focus primarily on the writings of Plato and Aristotle as central figures in that historical period when Western humanity began to use and to develop reason systematically as an instrument for understanding the world and its place in that world. Students will be introduced to the Greek contributions to logic, metaphysics, and ethics.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1505

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 1105 - Introduction to Philosophy: Critical Thinking

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will focus primarily on the nature of argumentation and critical thinking. The course will also address the role of definitions, distinctions between inductive and deductive logic, and how to employ these tools in the construction of arguments and essays. The writings of Plato and Aristotle will be used throughout the course to provide examples and an introduction to classical philosophical texts.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1505

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 1930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 1980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 2050 - Ethics

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course undertakes a systematic analysis of fundamental problems and issues involved in questioning whether and how moral discourse can be rationally grounded; the utilitarian-deontological debate; questions concerning different levels of moral discourse; competing notions of justice and the relationship between morality and religion.

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Service Learning

PHIL 2055 - Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course undertakes a systematic analysis of fundamental problems and issues involved in questioning whether and how moral discourse can be rationally grounded; the utilitarian-deontological debate; questions concerning different levels of moral discourse; competing notions of justice and the relationship between morality and religion.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1055 or PHIL 1105); ENGL 1905

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 2930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 2980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 3250 - Philosophy of Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

What is God's nature? What reasons are there for believing God exists? In this course, we approach these sorts of questions using tools and methods of philosophical investigation in order to engage students in reasoning about God. The course draws on classic texts of Western thought and on contemporary philosophical discussions.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Service Learning

PHIL 3255 - Philosophy of Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

What is God's nature? What reasons are there for believing God exists? In this course, we approach these sorts of questions using tools and methods of philosophical investigation in order to engage students in reasoning about God. The course draws on classic texts of Western thought and on contemporary philosophical discussions. Prerequisite(s): THEO-1005; PHIL-1055 or PHIL-1105; PHIL-2055.

Prerequisite(s): THEO 1005; (PHIL 1055 or PHIL 1105); PHIL 2055

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 3300 - Philosophy of the Human Person

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Systematic or historico-systematic treatment of main philosophical problems, such as the mind-body problem; the unity of man; survival and immortality; sensation and intelligence; the emotions, their interplay with intelligence and volition; freedom vs. determinism; the person in and with or against society. Every semester.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Service Learning

PHIL 3305 - Philosophy of the Human Person

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Systematic or historico-systematic treatment of main philosophical problems, such as the mind-body problem; the unity of man; survival and immortality; sensation and intelligence; the emotions, their interplay with intelligence and volition; freedom vs. determinism; the person in and with or against society. Every semester.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 3350 - Philosophy and Good Life

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will examine the idea of the good life: what's important in life? Topics may include: theories of well-being; happiness; the meaning of life; the examined life; morality and the good life; and religious vs. secular conceptions of the good life.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3360 - Medical Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Ethical problems of medicine, nursing and the life-sciences. Every semester.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Medical Humanities, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 3365 - Medical Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Ethical problems of medicine, nursing and the life-sciences. Every semester.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1055 or PHIL 1105); PHIL 2055

Attributes: Medical Humanities, Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 3380 - Business Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Reflection on ethical issues relating to contemporary business practices and institutions.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050)

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 3400 - Ethics & Engineering

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the moral and social issues that arise in the practice of engineering, e.g., risk assessment, use of proprietary information, whistle-blowing, environmental impact. The course applies moral theories and casuistic analysis to cases. Every fall.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 3410 - Computer Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the moral, legal, and social issues raised by computers and electronic information technologies for different stakeholder groups (professionals, users, business, etc.). Students are expected to integrate moral theories and social analysis for addressing such issues as intellectual property, security, privacy, discrimination, globalization, and community.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 3420 - Environmental and Ecological Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will survey a number of environmental problems, looking at philosophical and ecological approaches to the issues. Topics may include: the moral status of animals, plants, ecosystems and species: poverty vs. the environment; global justice; consumerism; motivating people to care for the environment; mass extinctions; global climate change.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Global Citizenship (A&S), International Studies, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 3430 - Philosophy of Law

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A critical survey of the major Western conceptions on the nature of law and on the relationship between law and morality.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3440 - Morality and Modern Warfare

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3450 - Disaster Narratives

Credit(s): 3 Credits

To help students reflect on the nature and implications of disasters, including disease, climate change, and war. We will consider disasters from the standpoint of their real-life effects upon human beings, both with respect to innocent victims caught by forces beyond their control and with respect to perpetrators of disasters.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1900; PHIL 1050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3480 - Jewish Life: Bible to Middle Ages

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course offers a study of the concept of peoplehood during the Biblical period, the response to the rise of Christianity, the destruction of the Second Temple and the use of Rabbinic law and lore. Students will also have the opportunity to experience Jewish life through an understanding of the holiday cycle, the life cycle and attendance at a local synagogue for Sabbath worship. Every fall.

Attributes: Classical Humanities, Middle East Studies, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3490 - Jewish Life: Middle Ages to Modern Times

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course offers a study of the Golden Age of Spain, Jewish Mysticism, the Enlightenment, 19th century Nationalism, Zionism, the Holocaust and the rise of Modern Israel. Students will examine how these historical phenomena shaped the modern Jewish concepts of Torah, God, Israel and ritual observance. Jewish philosophers from Maimonides to Martin Buber will be studied and students will have an opportunity to attend a local synagogue to experience Sabbath worship. Every spring.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Global Citizenship (A&S), International Studies, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3510 - Philosophy in Film

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the intersection between standard academic treatments of philosophical themes and their representation in film and visual media. Such themes may include, but are not limited to: God and evil; memory and personal identity; the moral burden of history; the nature of reality; the scope and limits of human knowledge; race, ethnicity, gender, and human diversity; angst and anxiety; technology and the human condition; and meaning in life. This course will make use of film and visual media as well as written philosophical texts as a means of engaging students in the life of the mind.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3600 - Science and Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course surveys the relationship between scientific and religious thought from the perspective of major developments in the history of science.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3605 - Science and Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course surveys the relationship between scientific and religious thought from the perspective of major developments in the history of science. Prerequisite(s): THEO-1005; PHIL-1055 or PHIL-1105; PHIL-2055.

Prerequisite(s): THEO 1005; (PHIL 1055 or PHIL 1105); PHIL 2055

Attributes: Prof. Studies Students Only

PHIL 3650 - Topics in Science, Technology & Society

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Issues and themes connected with the relationships between science, technology, and human values: e.g., the role of science and technology in society; technology and ethics; critical theory of technology; philosophy of engineering; artificial intelligence and human nature; and science as a social process.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3910 - Internship

Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 3930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 3980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4040 - Symbolic Logic

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course develops a theory of valid reasoning. The logic (and semantics) of propositions, quantifiers, properties, relations and identity are covered. It also examines the concepts of consistency, logical truth, logical form, logical equivalence, validity, and related notions. The student should emerge more attuned to how deductive arguments work in actual use and able to evaluate them.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050); ((0 Course from MATH 1200-4999 or Math Waiver per Advisor with a minimum score of 1200); (0 Course from MATH 1200-4999 or Math Waiver per Advisor with a minimum score of 1200))

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4080 - Advanced Symbolic Logic

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the meta-theory of sentential and first-order logic. The proof theory and model-theoretic semantics for a standard formal language will be developed. Included are proofs of completeness, compactness, and Loewenheim-Skolem theorems. Problems in the philosophy of logic may be raised along the way.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 4040

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4090 - Topics in Advanced Logic

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course examines some non-classical systems of logic. Examples include one or many of the following: modal, intuitionistic, paraconsistent, free, fuzzy, and multi-valued logics and their metatheories. The course may cover probability theory, computability theory, or the philosophy of logic. Such topics in the philosophy of logic include possible worlds, necessity, existence, logical consequence, logicism, and theories of conditionals.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 4040

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4100 - Survey of Epistemology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course surveys central problems of epistemology. What is knowledge? What is justification? Do we know anything at all? Topics may include: various puzzles and paradoxes (including the lottery and surprise exam paradoxes); the problem of skepticism; foundationalism and coherentism; externalism and internalism; defeasivility; truthtracking; reliabilism; virtue epistemology; proper function; and contextualism.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4120 - Topics in Epistemology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course we concentrate on an epistemological topic, such as skepticism, contextualism, virtue epistemology, or the value of knowledge.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Medieval (Major) - Philosophy, Medieval (Minor) - Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4150 - Philosophy of Science Survey

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores some of the most prominent themes in recent philosophical studies of the sciences. Students should emerge with a deeper understanding of the meaning and status of scientific research and knowledge. Readings include discussions of particular endeavors from a range of scientific disciplines.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4160 - Philosophy and Physics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course we will survey the philosophical dimension of physics through its historical development, its methods, and the content of its theories. The course should be accessible to diligent students from both humanities and science backgrounds. The course's mathematical content is self-contained.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4170 - Topics: Philosophy of Science

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course takes a close look at philosophical problems and arguments relating to a particular scientific discipline, a particular aspect of scientific research, or a particular development of an aspect of the history of science. Prerequisite(s): PHIL-1050 and PHIL-2050.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4180 - Philosophy of the Social Sciences

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Consideration and evaluation of the analytic, phenomenological, and Marxist approaches to the social sciences. Representative thinkers in each approach will be studied. Problems of scientific laws in social sciences, type-construction, and objectivity in the social sciences.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 4190 - Gender and Science

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines science, both as a body of knowledge and as a human enterprise, from historical, social scientific, and especially from philosophical perspectives. Investigation will center on the ways in which gender concepts and gender beliefs enter into the institutions, processes, and products of scientific activity. Students will strive to become well-informed about and critically reflective on the scientific enterprise as it incorporates but also transforms gender conceptions in the pursuit of knowledge.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4210 - Topics in Metaphysics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Through an examination of one or more topics in contemporary metaphysics (including but not limited to: universals; individuation of concrete particulars; propositions, facts and events; necessity and possibility; persistence through time; realism-versis-anit-realism; vagueness; free will; personal identity; material constitution).

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Medieval (Major) - Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4220 - Survey Philosophy of Language

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course surveys classical issues in contemporary philosophy of language. Topics include: meaning; truth; reference and descriptions; names and demonstratives; propositional attitudes; modality. This introductory course presupposes no previous acquaintance with philosophy of language. It is not, however, an elementary course since philosophy of language discussions reach into other areas of philosophy, such as logic, epistemology, and metaphysics.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4260 - Philosophy of Mind

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course, we will survey a range of topics in the philosophy of mind, including: the mind-body problem; physicalism; dualism; mental causation; consciousness; mental representation.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4280 - Biology and Mind

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Courses in physiological psychology say little about higher-level cognitive capacities, whereas cognitive psychology courses often ignore their neural underpinnings. In contrast, Biology and Mind employs a framework that combines neurobiological and cognitive considerations. Employing this framework, we first examine visual perceptual and imaging capacities, after which we explore philosophical issues concerning the conscious, causal, and creative aspects of such cognition.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4310 - Topics in Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

An in-depth examination of one or more topics in ethics. Topics might include: virtue ethics; metaethics; moral realism and anti-realism; well being; happiness; moral evil; moral responsibility; ethics and human nature; recent work in deontological ethics (and/or consequentialism); theories of practical reason; morality and the emotions; moral relativism; moral psychology; and God and morality.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Classical Humanities, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy

PHIL 4320 - Feminism and the History of Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

An examination of classic texts in moral philosophy and their authors' writings on women, with feminist responses to each. A fundamental guiding question is to what extent do views about gender matter for moral theory. Familiarity with feminist work is desirable but not required.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy, Diversity in the US (A&S), Women's & Gender Studies

PHIL 4350 - Survey of Social and Political Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will read and consider critically the works of selected major figures in the history of social-political philosophy.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050)

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4360 - Topics in Social & Political Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course considers in depth selected issues in social-political theory, such as equality, democracy, rights, critical social theory, intersubjective understanding, collective action and solidarity, and social explanation.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Urban Poverty - Social Justice

PHIL 4400 - History of Ancient Greek Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course engages classical philosophical problems through close study of one or more of the main figures or issues in ancient Greek thought.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Classical Humanities, History of Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4500 - Medieval Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course introduces students to some of the central texts and thinkers of the medieval period (c.400-1500 a.d.). The aim of the course is to engage students in the scholarly work of reading and interpreting medieval philosophical texts and in the philosophical work of evaluating the arguments and positions such texts contain.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Medieval (Minor) - Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4550 - Topics in Medieval Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

A systematic treatment of a particular topic or figure from the Middle Ages. Potential subject matter might involve the philosophical views of a particular scholar (e.g. Augustine) or it might involve the development of thought on a general topic (e.g. free will).

Attributes: History of Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4560 - Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A systematic treatment of important topics in the thought of Thomas Aquinas, including theories in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of human nature and action, ethics, and philosophical theology. Prerequisite(s): PHIL-1050 and PHIL-2050.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4570 - Latin Paleography

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Introduction to palaeographic investigation of ancient and mediaeval manuscripts inscribed in the Roman alphabet. History of book-hands from Mediterranean antiquity to the beginnings of the Renaissance in Europe, with some attention to Tironian Notes. An account will also be given of topics in codicology and of basic principles of textual criticism. Special attention to analytical and editorial techniques for reconstructing texts copies of which have survived in manuscripts that were inscribed at different times and in different locales.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4600 - History of Modern Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A survey of developments in Western philosophy from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. The course examines Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Hume, and Kant, and may cover other figures (e.g. Spinoza, Berkeley, Hobbes, or Hegel) at the instructor's discretion.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: International Studies, History of Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4650 - Topics in Modern Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Examines select themes and/or thinkers in the history of philosophy from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. Topics may include a specific thinker (e.g. Descartes), a related group of thinkers (e.g. the rationalists), or a philosophical topic as discussed in the modern period (e.g. social contract theory).

Attributes: History of Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4700 - Contemporary German Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Nineteenth and twentieth century philosophical thought in Germany.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4710 - Survey Continental Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will cover the nineteenth and early twentieth century origins of continental philosophy; the relation between the philosophies of Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger; and the directions continental philosophy has taken subsequently, such as existentialism, phenomenology, deconstruction, and critical theory.

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4720 - Topics Continental Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course takes up major topics discussed within continental philosophy, such as: intentionality; phenomenological methodology; freedom; the life-world; consciousness; intersubjectivity; deconstruction; ethics; the body; death; being; temporality; and transcendental foundations.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 4720

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4740 - Philosophy of Karl Marx

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050)

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4750 - Latin American Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Survey of Latin American philosophy, with an emphasis on twentieth-century works. Themes include the origins of Latin American thought, the philosophical repercussions of political independence, positivism in Latin America, the question of Latin American identity, and the possibility of a distinctive Latin American philosophy. Pre-requisites: Phil 105; Phil 205.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050)

Attributes: International Studies, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Urban Poverty - Immigration, Urban Poverty - Social Justice

PHIL 4760 - Spanish Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Systematic analysis of two 20th century Spanish philosophers: Ortega y Gasset and Unamuno. Major themes in Ortega: fundamental reality, perspectivism, vital and historical reason, the I and the world. Major themes in Unamuno: the tragic sense of life, the polarities: life vs. death, reason vs. will; and personal immortality. Fall semester.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Cultural Diversity in the EU, International Studies, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4800 - Topics and Movements in Contemporary Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Specific theme and focus of course to be determined by instructor. Course offered at Departmental discretion.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4810 - Philosophy of Feminism

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A critical examination of the feminist challenge to traditional conceptions of law, morality and epistemology. The philosophical and methodological assumptions underlying the feminist challenge will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Moral/Social Philosophy, Diversity in the US (A&S)

PHIL 4820 - Philosophy and Race

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A critical examination of the philosophical bases of multiculturalism; the biological and socio-cultural significance of race; varied philosophical approaches to racial identity; the epistemic and ethical dimensions of interracial interpretation and prejudice; and the questions posed about the philosophical tradition by its relationship to victims of racial prejudice.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Urban Poverty - Exclusion, Urban Poverty - Social Justice, Diversity in the US (A&S)

PHIL 4830 - Person and Action: The Philosophical Anthropology & Ethics of John Paul II

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Using the writings of Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) on the philosophy of human nature (The Acting Person) and special ethical issues (War, Labor, Sexuality, Justice), this course will suggest the outlines for a systematic philosophy based upon Thomism, phenomenology, personalism, and collectivism.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4840 - Catholic Social Thought

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course focuses on understanding the meaning of social justice as it has developed in the Catholic intellectual tradition, especially as expressed in the social encyclicals of the last 100 years.

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S), Urban Poverty - Social Justice

PHIL 4850 - Topics in Philosophical Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course is an intensive treatment of a topic or topics within the ongoing discussion about what it means to be a human person. For example: human nature and uniqueness; immortality; embodiment; love and friendship; freedom; and other topics related to the quest to understand what it means to be human.

Prerequisite(s): (PHIL 1050 and PHIL 2050)

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4860 - Prob in Philosophy of Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course consists in an in-depth examination of one or two topics in the Philosophy of Religion, broadly construed. Specific topics might include issues such as: the problem of evil; God's nature and attributes; proofs for God's existence; faith and reason; religion and morality; the meaning and nature of religion, etc.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4870 - Systematic Survey

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course, principally for student in the College of Philosophy and Letters, serves as a 'capstone course.' Students write small papers on philosophy of human nature, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of God and mutually criticize each other's papers. Finally, they produce their own full synthesis.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4880 - Senior Inquiry: Project

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4910 - Internship

Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 4930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 or 4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1050; PHIL 2050

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 4980 - Advanced Independent Study

Credit(s): 0-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Philosophy Requirement (A&S)

PHIL 5100 - Feminist Epistemologies

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Topics such as the meaning of truth and knowledge, and the diversity of kinds and contexts of knowing. Offered annually.

Attributes: Women's & Gender Studies

PHIL 5200 - Problems in Metaphysics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Topics such as substance, identity, time, space, and being. Offered annually.

PHIL 5300 - Problems in Ethical Theories

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Questions such as how ethical claims are distinctive and whether and how they can be rationally based. Offered annually.

PHIL 5400 - Problems in Social & Political Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Topics such as the state, rights, sovereignty, democracy, freedom, property, and the meaning of justice. Offered annually.

PHIL 5500 - Seminar in Medieval Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatability up to 9 credits)

This course introduces students to some of the central texts and thinkers of the medieval period (c.400-1500 a.d.).

PHIL 5800 - Systematic Synthesis

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Discussions of human nature, knowledge, ethics, and God culminate in individually formulated syntheses of students' views on the fundamental problems of philosophy. Offered annually.

PHIL 5930 - Special Topics in Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 5970 - Research Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 5980 - Graduate Reading Course

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 5990 - Thesis Research

Credit(s): 6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 6000 - Seminar in Major Philosopher in Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A philosopher who has made significant contributions to the field of ethics, e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Mill, Hare. Offered annually.

PHIL 6050 - Seminar on Major Philosopher in Political Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A philosopher important for contributions to political philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx. Offered annually.

PHIL 6100 - Seminar on Major Philosopher in Metaphysics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The metaphysical views of a major figure in the area such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Heidegger, or Whitehead are explored. Offered annually.

PHIL 6150 - Seminar on Major Philosopher in Epistemology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The epistemological position of a major theorist, such as Descartes, Hume, Kant, Husserl, Habermas, Popper, or Peirce is examined. Offered annually.

PHIL 6200 - Philosophy of Science

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Major figures and issues in the philosophy of science such as the nature of scientific theory, scientific objectivity, relativism in science. Offered every other year.

PHIL 6220 - Advanced Logic

Credit(s): 3 Credits

An axiomatic survey of the first-order predicate calculus, and of first-order theories in general, terminating in proofs of Godel's theorems. Offered occasionally.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 4040

PHIL 6260 - Prob in Philosophy of Religion

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Explores problems such as the nature of God, proofs for God's existence, divine properties, etc. Offered every other year.

PHIL 6300 - Advanced Ethics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatability up to 12 credits)

Extensive examination of such questions as how ethical claims are distinctive and whether and how they can be rationally based. Offered annually.

PHIL 6320 - Advanced Metaphysics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Thorough exploration of such topics as substance, identity, time, space, and being. Offered annually.

PHIL 6340 - Advanced Epistemology

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Examination in depth of topics such as the meaning of truth and knowledge and the diversity of kinds and contexts of knowing. Offered annually.

PHIL 6360 - Seminar in Political Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatability up to 9 credits)

Exhaustive study of such topics as the state, rights, sovereignty, democracy, freedom, property, and the meaning of justice. Offered annually.

PHIL 6380 - Seminar in Aestherics

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Analyses of the meaning of beauty and the character of aesthetic judgments. Offered occasionally.

PHIL 6400 - Ancient Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

An advanced level seminar in which major figures and topics in the ancient period are examined. Offered annually.

PHIL 6450 - Medieval Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatability up to 12 credits)

Seminar study on a sophisticated plane of major philosophers and issues of the medieval era. Offered annually.

PHIL 6500 - Modern Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Major philosophers and issues of the modern period. Offered annually.

PHIL 6550 - Contemporary Philosophy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Major philosophers and issues in contemporary philosophy. Offered annually.

PHIL 6800 - Prospectus

Credit(s): 3-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

A survey of the area of proposed dissertation research. Research questions are posed. Interest in the topic is focused. Culminates in a written prospectus and its oral defense before the potential dissertation committee. Offered every semester.

PHIL 6930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 6970 - Graduate Research Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 6980 - Graduate Reading Course

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PHIL 6990 - Dissertation Research

Credit(s): 0-9 Credits (Repeatable for credit)