INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 101
M/W/F: 12:45-2:00| 3:20-4:10
Nya
Basic problems of philosophy and methods of philosophical thinking. Problems raised by science, morality, religion, politics, and art. Readings from classical and contemporary philosophers. Normally given in multiple sections with different instructors and possibly with different texts. All sections share core materials in theory of knowledge, metaphysics, and ethics despite differences that may exist in emphasis.
WHAT IS SCIENCE? INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
PHIL 111
T/TH: 10:00-11:15
Rothman
We look at historical and philosophical aspects of modern science. The objective of the course is to develop a sense of (1) what forms scientific research has taken historically, and (2) what it is about scientific research that makes it distinctive as a form of human knowledge. Offered as HPSC 111, PHIL 111 and HSTY 111.
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
PHIL 201
M/W/F: 2:15-3:05
McLarty
Presentation, application, and evaluation of formal methods for determining the validity of arguments. Discussion of the relationship between logic and other disciplines.
BECOMING ONESELF
PHIL 202
M: 7:00-9:30
Bendik-Keymer
People talk about "the self" often, for instance, when criticizing selfishness or rationalizing self-interest, when discussing self-care or asking whether people love themselves enough or too much. But what is "the self"? In this class, we examine what philosophy has to say on this question. Students learn about the history of thought about the self and have a chance to develop their own sense of self.
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS
PHIL 207
W: 7:00-9:30
Bendik-Keymer
What is a good relationship? What is the difference between everyday work relationships, friendships, and romance? What is love? What is the role of desire in relationships? What is the role of respect and of moral judgment? What can a bad relationship teach us? In this class, we explore the logic of personal relationships by focusing on the central experience of being in love. However, our approach is indirect. We begin with what we can learn from a bad relationship. In addition to philosophical and psychological reading, students design exercises that might improve a personal relationship as found in fiction or history. By thus imaginatively studying relationships in narration, they are asked to develop their own concept of a good relationship.
EVOLUTION
PHIL 225
T/TH: 10:00-11:15
Haufe
Multidisciplinary study of the course and processes of organic evolution provides a broad understanding of the evolution of structural and functional diversity, the relationships among organisms and their environments, and the phylogenetic relationships among major groups of organisms. Topics include the genetic basis of micro- and macro-evolutionary change, the concept of adaptation, natural selection, population dynamics, theories of species formation, principles of phylogenetic inference, biogeography, evolutionary rates, evolutionary convergence, homology, Darwinian medicine, and conceptual and philosophic issues in evolutionary theory. Offered as ANTH 225, BIOL 225, EEPS 225, HSTY 225, and PHIL 225.
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IN CHINA
PHIL 253
T/TH: 10:00-11:15
Tan
This course critically examines the three principal religious and philosophical traditions of China: the Confucian, Daoist, and Chinese Buddhist traditions. Through a combination of assigned print and online readings, video clips and documentaries, class discussions, and written assignments, students explore the origins and historical developments, principal thinkers, central religious and doctrinal themes, ethics, spirituality, popular devotions, social movements, and contemporary developments of these three major religious and philosophical traditions of China. Students will consider the wider social, cultural, ethical, economic, and political dimensions of Chinese religions and philosophies generally, and themes of community and society, identity constructions, personal experiences, movements, as well as their socio-cultural reproductions in contemporary China, and where appropriate, the Chinese Diaspora in North America. Offered as CHIN 253C, ETHS 253C, PHIL 253 and RLGN 253.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 302
T/TH: 2:30-3:45
Kim
British empiricism: Bacon, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. Continental rationalism: Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz. The critical philosophy of Kant. Recommended preparation: PHIL 101 or consent of instructor.
ETHICS
PHIL 305
T/TH: 1:00-2:15
Jack
Analysis of ethical theories and concepts of goodness, right, and obligation. Discussion of nature of justice, problem of justification of moral principles, and relation between facts and values. Offered as PHIL 305 and PHIL 405.
PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS
PHIL 313
M/W: 3:20-4:35
McLarty
Logical paradoxes and their effects on foundations of mathematics. Status of mathematical entities and nature of mathematical truths. Formalist, logicist, and intuitionist positions. Recommended preparation: PHIL 101 or PHIL 201. Offered as PHIL 313 and PHIL 413.
SELECTED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY- DELEUZE AND BERGSON
PHIL 315
T/TH: 4:00-5:15
Hengehold
Examination of views of a major philosopher or philosophical school, a significant philosophical topic, or a topic that relates to philosophy and other discipline. Recommended preparation: PHIL 101. Offered as PHIL 315 and PHIL 415.
SELECTED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY- EXISTENTIALISM
PHIL 315
M/W: 4:50-6:05
Nya
Examination of views of a major philosopher or philosophical school, a significant philosophical topic, or a topic that relates to philosophy and other discipline. Recommended preparation: PHIL 101. Offered as PHIL 315 and PHIL 415.
WAR AND MORALITY
PHIL 317
M/W: 12:45-2:00
French
The aim of this course is to explore a wide range of ethical issues relating to the decision to take a nation to war, how wars are conducted, and efforts to establish order in the wake of a conflict. Topics include the Just War tradition, pacifism, humanitarian intervention, moral repair and the establishment of a just peace, conduct of war, warrior codes, warrior transitions, and civil-military relations. We will be examining the ethics of war from the perspectives of both states and individuals. War is a crucible that strips those caught up in its horrors down to their fundamental selves inspiring acts of both inhuman depravity and seemingly superhuman nobility. This course is presented in a seminar format with lively discussions centering on contemporary readings in military ethics from texts and journals. Offered as PHIL 317, PHIL 417, and LAWS 5135.
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 334
T/TH: 1:00-2:15
Hengehold
Justification of social institutions, primarily political ones. Such distinctions as that between de facto and legitimate authority; analysis of criteria for evaluation, such as social justice and equality; inquiry into theories of justification of the state; theory of democratic government and its alternatives. Readings from classical and contemporary sources. Recommended preparation: PHIL 101. Offered as PHIL 334, POSC 354, PHIL 434, and POSC 454.
PHILOSOPHY OF EVIL: DEFINING, UNDERSTANDING, AND RESPONDING TO EVIL
PHIL 337
M/W: 3:20-4:35
Wolfendale
The concept of evil plays a significant role in our moral thinking but is rarely clearly defined. When we call a person, institution, or action "evil," what do we mean? How do individuals or institutions come to commit or perpetuate evil acts? And how should societies and individuals respond to evil? This course will explore these questions through the lens of historical and contemporary philosophical and interdisciplinary accounts of the nature of evil, the causes of evil, and social and interpersonal responses to evil, including debates about forgiveness, reconciliation, reparations, and punishment. Offered as PHIL 337 and PHIL 437.
BRAIN, MIND AND CONSCIOUSNESS: THE SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
PHIL 366
T/TH: 10:00-11:15
Jack
The course introduces students to key topics in philosophy of mind from the perspective of our increasingly advanced scientific understanding of mind and brain (e.g. derived from neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science). Key philosophical topics covered include dualism, physicalism, idealism, consciousness and free will. Key scientific issues covered include methods and assumptions underlying research in psychology and neuroscience, introspection, essentialism, dehumanizing, and work on free will and consciousness. No pre-requisites other than curiosity are required, however students will benefit from having previously taken courses in philosophy, neuroscience, psychology and/or computer science. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings with care and attention, and to participate in discussion. The goal is for students to leave with an understanding of the rich ways in which different approaches can shed light on the human mind, including an appreciation of the limits of scientific inquiry into the mind. Offered as PHIL 366 and PHIL 466.