Philosophy

IHPHIL100 Logical Argumentation

The art of correct reasoning, advanced by studying forms of argument. Emphasizes deductive arguments, both categorical and sentential, and informal fallacies. Fall, Spring.

IHPHIL220 Ethics

Are abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment morally acceptable? This course will examine the most influential philosophical approaches to resolving ethical questions such as these. We will apply philosophical theories and principles to a variety of moral dilemmas, with the aim of developing the skills necessary to successfully analyze ethical arguments. Fall, Spring.

PHIL231 Comparative Religion

A philosophical introduction to many of the world's religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism. Investigates the differing aspects of human religious experience and examines the similarities and differences both between religions and among the denominations within them.

PHIL250 Sex, Gender, Justice

Feminism is concerned with securing women’s rights and gender justice. But what is gender? What is gender justice? And what are women’s rights? This course explores feminist theory from a philosophical and historical perspective. Topics include: the sex/gender distinction, gendered knowledge, and the possibility of choice under oppression. Spring.

PHIL280 Knowledge and Reality

How do you know you're not dreaming? What is knowledge, and what kinds of knowledge can we have? What makes you the same person you were yesterday? Do people have free will? We will examine philosophical answers to these questions as we explore central issues in metaphysics and epistemology. Occasionally.

PHIL290 Special Topics

Examines a selected topic, or the works of one or two major thinkers, at an intermediate level. May be repeated as topics change. Occasionally.

PHIL298 Independent Study

2-8 credits

An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits.

PHIL306 Existentialism and Literature

An examination of philosophic writings, novels, and plays from writers such as Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Kafka, Camus, Beckett, Ionesco, and Sartre. Attempts are made to isolate and evaluate typical existentialist themes and contrast them with nonexistentialist themes.

PHIL313 Philosophy and the Holocaust

This course examines ethical, philosophical, and theological issues relating to the experience of the Holocaust and the broader human concerns of evil and suffering. Topics include the uniqueness and universality of the Holocaust as well as questions of justice. Cross-listed as HGS 313. Fall.

PHIL340 Politics of Multiculturalism

Citizens in contemporary democracies have a wide variety of different religious and cultural beliefs. Should we tolerate these beliefs? What if the beliefs are undemocratic? We will examine different philosophical approaches to these questions in order to understand the complicated relationship between democracy and multiculturalism. Prerequisites: One course in PHIL or permission of instructor. Fall.

PHIL360 Philosophy of Law

Examines questions in the area of the philosophy of law including discussions of the appropriate roles of liberty, justice, and responsibility in a society that reconciles a respect for the individual with the need for legitimate governmental authority.

PHIL370 Philosophy of Language

What gives words meaning? How do pointing and other contextual factors influence interpretation? What role do intentions play? How do Superman and Santa Claus differ from the names of real people? We will explore questions such as these from a philosophical perspective, through readings by Russell, Kripke, Putnam, and others. Prerequisite: IHPHIL 100. Occasionally.

PHIL380 Why Not Anarchy?

Liberal political theory begins with the assumption that our government is immensely powerful. It can tax us, execute us, or draft us into wars. This course examines whether or not such power is ever acceptable in a democratic society. Is democracy really the best form of government? Why not anarchy? Spring.