Philosophy (Minor)
Philosophy provides an essential component in any sound general education.
It does this in two ways: by the understanding it provides of various
philosophical matters and by honing the intellectual skills in logic,
the use of language, and the assessment of evidence.
The minor in Philosophy supports those students who
agree with Socrates that the unexamined life is not worth living by
doing the examination in a structured, collaborative academic environment.
The 18 semester hours that compose this minor provide
opportunity for students to learn to think critically and reflectively
about the fundamental problems of human existence. Philosophy courses
emphasize the ability to analyze and develop rational arguments on life's
most perplexing issues. A minor in philosophy is an excellent companion
to a variety of majors and helpful preparation for a variety of careers.
MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY - 18 semester hours
Students may complete a minor in philosophy by choosing 18 semester hours from the Philosophy Program.
PHILOSOPHY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PHL1100 Problems of Philosophy 4 semester hours
This course is an introduction to the nature of philosophy through reading and discussion of various philosophical problems and comparisons of different philosophical viewpoints. The topics discussed will include the nature of reality, the existence of God, the nature of human existence, the nature of knowledge, and the criteria for making value judgments; the terminology of philosophical inquiry.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL1200 Logic 3 semester hours
This course is a study of the nature of arguments and the criteria for evaluating and constructing arguments. Topics in the course will include formal logic, informal fallacies, rules for definitions, constructing and presenting arguments and the relation between logic and the scientific method.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL2100 Ethics 4 semester hours
This course is a study of a variety of answers that have been given to the questions of what constitutes the good life and what standard should be used to evaluate actions. The course will include the study of significant ethical theorists from Plato to the present and examination and discussion of various contemporary ethical issues.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL/REL3100 Philosophy of Religion 3 semester hours
This course is a study of the philosophical issues in religion: the nature of religion, the relation between philosophy and religion, the possibility of demonstrating the existence of God, the problem of evil, the nature of religious knowledge and language.
Prerequisite: An introductory philosophy or religion course.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL3150 Professional Ethics 4 semester hours
This course explores the moral standards, responsibilities, and duties of professionals, such as physicians, nurses, lawyers, social workers, teachers, administrators, public officers, accountants, and managers. We will examine the criteria for a profession, obligations of professionals toward their clients and toward third parties. We will explore some common philosophical theories of moral obligation, rights and justice and how they apply to cases.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated research and writing skills; not recommended for first- and second-year students.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL3200 Business Ethics 3 semester hours
This course is a study of the ethical principles that apply to business practices and goals. In addition to an examination of the moral theory and values behind a free market, this course examines a variety of issues such as employer/employee rights and responsibilities, privacy in the workplace, whistle blowing, corporate responsibilities, and advertising practices are examined in the light of alternative approaches to making moral judgments.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in philosophy.
PHL3250 History of Philosophy I: Classical and Medieval 3 semester hours
A survey of the development of Western philosophy from the preSocratics through Aquinas, with special attention to Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Aquinas.
Prerequisite: PHL1100.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL3300 History of Philosophy II: Modern Thought 3 semester hours
This course will study the main features of Western philosophy in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries with an emphasis on Descartes, Spinoza, Leibnitz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, and Hegel.
Prerequisites: PHL1100; PHL3250 is helpful but not required.
PHL3350 Contemporary Philosophy 3 semester hours
A survey of the various contemporary philosophical movements: logical positivism, pragmatism, process philosophy, analytical philosophy, phenomenology, and existentialism.
Prerequisites: PHL1100; some familiarity with the history of philosophy is helpful.
PHL3400 From Plato to Prozac: What is the Good Life? 2 or 4 semester hours
This course is a study of how a variety of philosophical authors have defined both the good life and happiness and how they may be achieved. Topics in the course range from Socrates’ question as to what life is worth living to the belief that the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL3500 Philosophy of Love and Sex 2 or 4 semester hours
This course is a study of the various philosophical issues that surround the topics of love and sex. The topic will include the philosophical, theological and contemporary influences that have shaped the public debates about love and sex; the ethical issues associated with these topics; and the social policy implications.
Prerequisite: PHL1100 helpful but not required.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group A requirement.
PHL3600 American Philosophy 3 semester hours
This course will study the philosophers and movements in American philosophy from 1700 to the present, with special emphasis on Peirce, James, Royce, Santayana, Dewey, and Whitehead.
Prerequisite: An introductory philosophy course.
PSC/PHL4650 Classics in Political Philosophy 4 semester hours
Cross-listed with PSC4650. For description see Political Science course description for PSC4650.
PHL/PSC4660 Modern Political Philosophy 4 semester hours
Cross-listed with PSC4660. For description see Political Science course description for PSC4660.
Please note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.
