Philosophy

PHL110 Problems of Philosophy (3 semester hours)
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 nature of human existence, the nature of knowledge, and the criteria for making value judgments; the terminology of philosophical inquiry.
No prerequisites

PHL120 Logic (3 semester hours)
A study of the structure of arguments and the criteria for evaluating arguments: informal fallacies, rules for definitions, and the relation between logic and the scientific method. There will be discussion of exercises in applying principles to the problems; students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and their ability to apply them to problems.
No prerequisites

PHL210 Ethics (3 semester hours)
A study of a variety of answers that have been given to the questions: what constitutes the good life? And by what standard do I judge what I ought to do? Approached through study of significant ethical theorists from Plato to the present and examination and discussion of various contemporary ethical issues.
No prerequisites

PHL/REL310 Philosophy of Religion (3 semester hours)
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.
Prerequisites: An introductory philosophy course.


PHL315 Professional Ethics (3 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.

PHL320 Business Ethics (3 semester hours)
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.
Prerequisites: An introductory course in philosophy.

PHL325 History of Philosophy I: Classical and Medieval (3 semester hours)
A survey of the development of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through Aquinas, with special attention to Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Aquinas.
Prerequisites: An introductory philosophy course.

PHL330 History of Philosophy II: Modern Thought (3 semester hours)
The main features of Western philosophy in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries with an emphasis on Descartes, Spinoza, Leibnitz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, and Hegel.
Prerequisites: An introductory course in philosophy. PHL325 is helpful but not required.

PHL335 Contemporary Philosophy (3 semester hours)
A survey of the various contemporary philosophical movements: logical positivism, pragmatism, process philosophy, analytical philosophy, phenomenology, and existentialism.
Prerequisites: An introductory course in philosophy. Some familiarity with the history of philosophy helpful but not required.

PHL360 American Philosophy (3 semester hours)
The philosophers and movements in American philosophy from 1700 to the present, with special emphasis on Peirce, James, Royce, Santayana, Dewey, and Whitehead.
Prerequisites: Some familiarity with philosophical terminology.

PHL/PSC465 Early Modern Political Philosophy (3 semester hours)
Cross-listed with PSC465. For description see PSC465.

PHL/PSC466 Contemporary Political Philosophy (3 semester hours)
Cross-listed with PSC466. For description see PSC466.