Professors: Griffith, Whelan
Assistant Professor: Herring (Chairperson)
Visiting Instructor: M. Griffith

The study of philosophy develops a critical understanding of the basic concepts and presuppositions around which we organize our thought in morality, law, religion, science, education, the arts and other human endeavors.

A major in philosophy, together with other appropriate courses, can provide an excellent preparation for policy-making positions of many kinds, for graduate study in several fields, and for careers in education, law, and the ministry.

The major in philosophy requires eight courses including PHIL 223, 224, 440, and at least four others numbered 225 or above. PHIL 340 can be counted toward the major only once.

The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: PHIL 216, 217, 218, 219, 301, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 340.

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 96.

The Philosophy Department offers three minors.

 (1) A minor in philosophy consists of any four philosophy courses numbered 220 or above, or any five philosophy courses which include three numbered 220 or above.

(2) A minor in philosophy and law consists of four courses from PHIL 224, 225, 334, 335, 337, 340 and independent studies.

(3) A minor in philosophy and science consists of four courses from PHIL 223, 225, 333, 340 and independent studies. Since topics in PHIL 340 and independent studies vary, these courses may count toward a minor only if they are approved by the department.

PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL THINKING

An introduction to the elements of critical thinking centered on developing the skills necessary to recognize, describe, and evaluate arguments. Not open to juniors and seniors except with consent of instructor.

PHILOSOPHY AND PERSONAL CHOICE

An introductory philosophical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues which call for personal decision. Topics often investigated include: the "good" life, obligation to others, sexual ethics, abortion, suicide and death, violence and pacifism, obedience to the law, the relevance of personal beliefs to morality. Discussion centers on some of the suggestions philosophers have made about how to make such decisions. Not open to juniors and seniors except with consent of instructor.

PHILOSOPHY AND PUBLIC POLICY

An introductory philosophical examination of the moral and conceptual dimensions of various contemporary public issues, such as the relation of ethics to politics and the law, the enforcement of morals, the problems of fair distribution of goods and opportunities, the legitimacy of restricting the use of natural resources, and the application of ethics to business practice. Discussion centers on some of the suggestions philosophers have made about how to deal with these issues. Not open to juniors and seniors except with consent of instructor.

CENTRAL PROBLEMS IN PHILOSOPHY

A study of several central philosophical problems, such as the problem of free will and determinism, the relationship between mind and body, the nature and limits of human knowledge, arguments about the existence of God, and the problem of personal identity. Not open to juniors and seniors except with consent of instructor.

An introduction to the foundations of communication. Theories of truth and meaning are illustrated by means of practical examples, with special attention given to the issue of objectivity and bias in communication.

PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN BUSINESS

A systematic and philosophically informed consideration of some typical moral problems faced by individuals in a business setting, and a philosophical examination of some common moral criticisms of the American business system.

A philosophical examination of some important controversies which arise in connection with the American criminal justice system. Typically included are controversies about the nature and purpose of punishment, the proper basis for sentencing, the correct understanding of criminal responsibility, and the rationale and extent of our basic human rights with respect to the criminal law.

An investigation of some of the philosophical issues which arise in therapy and in health research and planning. Topics typically include euthanasia, confidentiality, informed consent, behavior control, experimentation on humans and animals, abortion, genetic engineering, population control, and distribution of health care resources.

An historical survey of the most important social and political philosophers from Socrates to Marx. Special attention is paid to the relationship between ethics and politics as seen by Plato and Aristotle and to the social contract theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.

SYMBOLIC LOGIC

ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY

A critical examination of the ancient Greek philosophers, with particular emphasis on Plato and Aristotle. Prerequisite: Two courses in philosophy or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

A philosophical examination of religion. Included are such topics as the nature of religious discourse, arguments for and against the existence of God, and the relation between religion and science. Readings from classical and contemporary sources. Prerequisite: Students without previous study in philosophy must have consent of instructor. Alternate years.

PHILOSOPHY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

A close reading of four or five defining works of contemporary political philosophy, beginning with A Theory of Justice by John Rawls. Prerequisite: Students without previous study in philosophy must have consent of instructor. Alternate years.

335

ETHICAL THEORY

An inquiry about the grounds for distinguishing morally right from morally wrong actions. Central to this course is critical consideration of important theories, such as relativism, utilitarianism, and subjectivism, as well as historically important theorists, such as Aristotle, Mill, and Kant. Prerequisite: Students without previous study in philosophy must have consent of instructor. Alternate years.

CONTEMPORARY MORAL PHILOSOPHY

PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

An introduction to the philosophy of law using both classical and contemporary sources. General theories concerning the nature of law, as well as philosophical issues which arise primarily within a legal context, will be discussed. Prerequisite: Students without previous study in philosophy must have consent of instructor. Alternate years.

SPECIAL TOPICS

Study of selected philosophical problems, texts, writers, or movements. Recent topics include ethical obligations to animals, lying and lawbreaking, environmental ethics, research on human subjects, and artificial intelligence. Students without previous study in philosophy must have consent of instructor.
With consent of the instructor, this course may be repeated for credit.

In-depth instruction in both the independent and the cooperative aspects of philosophical research and writing. Each student undertakes an approved research project and produces a substantial philosophical paper. Open only to, and required of, senior philosophy majors.

INTERNSHIP (See index)

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Recent independent studies in philosophy include Nietzsche, moral education, Rawls’ theory of justice, existentialism, euthanasia, Plato’s ethics, and philosophical aesthetics.