Courses - Fall 2012

Intro

1. Introduction to Philosophy
The course will investigate central questions that persist in philosophy: the problem of skepticism; the relation between minds and bodies; the nature of intentional action; freedom of the will; moral luck and the justification for punishment; and various ethical issues. Classical and contemporary readings. Lecture and discussion.

» Matherne » Tu/Th 1:1PM5-2:30PM » PR 203

4. Philosophy of Literature
Discussion of various aspects of the human condition, personal and social, as presented in various works of literature.

» Erickson » Mo/We 7:00PM-9:50PM » PR 202

7. Discovery, Invention & Progress
This is an introductory course in philosophy, focusing on issues in science and technology, including rationality, objectivity, and inter-relationships between technology, science, and social context.  A good option for students interested in Science, Technology and Society.

»Perini » Mo/We 1:15PM-2:30PM » PR 202

Value Theory

33. Social & Political Philosophy

Political philosophy tries to answer questions such as these. “Should we have a state at all?” “What is a just state or society like?” “What powers does the state have?” “Should individuals obey the state?” The course will cover some of the historically prominent answers that combine theories of human nature, ethics, and social life.

» Green » Mo/We 11:00AM–12:15PM » Pearsons 10

38. Bioethics

Focuses on issues and themes in the conduct of scientific research and the application of its results and about the nature and practice of medicine. We may explore the conceptual underpinnings that help us understand and assess the efficacy and morality of medical treatment or the orientation may be a more policy-centered one.

» Davis » Mo/We 11:00AM–12:15PM » Pearsons 203

History

40. Ancient Philosophy
Origins of Western philosophy through reading and discussion of its classical sources, including the Presocratics, Stoics, Epicureans, Sceptics, Plato, and Aristotle. Lecture and discussion.

» McKirahan » Mo/We 2:45PM–4:00PM » Pearsons 10

43. Continental Thought
Beginning with a review of Kant, German idealism (Fichte through Hegel), Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault and Derrida will be considered.

» Erickson » Mo/We 11:00AM-12:15PM » Pearsons 202

Logic

60. Logic

Introduction to mathematical logic through the development of proof techniques (natural deduction and semantic tableaux) and model theory for sentential logic and quantification theory. Properties of logical systems, such as consistency, completeness and decidability.

» Kung » Tu/Th 9:35AM–10:50AM » Pearsons 10

Aesthetics

70. Art and Aesthetics

What is art? What makes art valuable?  In this course we draw on recent work in aesthetics and philosophy of art, and first-hand aesthetic experiences with artworks, which we will use to clarify and evaluate philosophical theories about art.

» Perini » Tu/Th 2:45PM–4:00PM » Pearsons 102

M & E

81. Epistemology
The facts seem to matter: Does the movie start at 7? Do the brakes on the school bus work? Should we teach evolution, creationism or both? But how do we know what the truth is? What makes some of our beliefs justified and others unjustified? Can we have any objective grasp on the truth?

» Kung » Tu/Th 1:15PM–2:30PM » Pearsons 102

Advanced Seminars

186H. Topics in History Modern
An examination of issues central to 17th to 19th century philosophy. Topics might include the debate between rationalism and empiricism, the limits of reason, the nature of substance and mind and the nature of human experience.

» Matherne » Tu/Th 9:35AM-10:50AM » Carnegie 12

Thesis

191. Senior Thesis
Senior exercise for the Philosophy major. A year-long sequence leading to the completion of a thesis supervised by faculty members. Students must enroll in 191 both in the fall and spring semester.

» by arrangement

Independent Study
Independent reading and research on a topic agreed to by the student and the instructor. Normally, such study involves a set of short papers and/or culminates in a research paper of substantial length. Course or half-course. Each semester.