PHI 102
Philosophy and (Science) Fiction
This course is an introduction to philosophical problems through an examination of works of fiction. The types of fiction chosen may include science fiction, existentialism or other genres. Questions covered may include the nature of the mind and self, the possibility of free will, the sources and reliability of knowledge, artificial intelligence, and moral problems. Films will supplement readings. Does not count towards philosophy concentration.
PHI 120
Truth and Beauty
What makes you who you are? How did you choose the goals you are currently pursuing? What do you most value, and why are those things so important to you? Throughout this course, we will try to develop your answers to these three questions. Along the way, we will evaluate both historically significant and contemporary responses to these issues. Our primary goal, though, is to develop your own critical, constructive and creative answers to these questions.
PHI 130
Individual and Society
The course investigates certain historical, social, and ethical dimensions of what is called"social philosophy." We start with some historical explorations of the emergence and/or the relevance of the "individual" in Ancient Greece, in Ancient China and in Classical Islam. Afterward, the class will approach different theories dealing with the question of the "individual versus society," giving particular attention to social contract theories, libertarianism, anarchism and socialism. The course concludes with the study of some contributions of Friedrich Nietzsche and of Cornelius Castoriadis to the various political and ethical issues raised throughout the semester.
PHI 135
Race, Class and Gender
This course introduces students to questions of self, self-consciousness, and identity, and addresses philosophy as a way of living and relating to the world. A special focus will be accorded to how humans in communities relate to "others" and how social, cultural or political categories associated with "race," "class" and"gender" have developed historically and how they may still function today. A closer look at the relation between race and ethnicity, between class and status, and between gender and sexuality allows the class to assess and distinguish "domination" functioning within asymmetries of power and "difference" functioning within negotiable and heterogeneous social and political spaces.
PHI 140
Human Nature
In examination of diverse views of human nature developed by philosophers as well as by biologists and psychologists. This course examines topics such as free will, minds, bodies and souls, psychological egoism, the state of nature, animal personhood and artificial intelligence. Readings include selections from philosophers and scientists such as Aristotle, Descartes, Darwin, Freud, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Sartre, Skinner and Wilson.
PHI 150
Critical Thinking
A study of arguments and rules for correct thinking. Topics include recognition of arguments, uses of language, fallacious arguments and the art of persuasion. Emphasis is placed on the application of critical thinking skills in both professional and everyday contexts.
PHI 175
Philosophy and Film
This course focuses on the study of how the medium of film, and other media involving image and sound, reflect, express, and/or (re)present philosophical questions creatively, and how they provide innovative forms of engaging in philosophical theory and practice. The aim of the class is to deal with metaphysical, ethical, and political issues through analyses of films and related readings, and to arrive at some kind of philosophical understanding of films and the role that images and representations play in our daily lives. The class will view films and read texts and articles dealing with reality, truth, representation, self, identity, society, power and politics, among other themes and topics
PHI 195
First-Year Seminar
An introductory examination of a philosophical theme or topic, such as science and human nature, science and religion, media ethics, philosophy and popular culture. Does not count for philosophy concentration
PHI 202
A Philosophical Tour Through Mathematical History
This course examines a wide variety of mathematical techniques from the standpoint of the historical, cultural and philosophical background from which they have arisen. Beginning with the Egyptians and the Babylonians and extending to the eighteenth-century, the tour examines the role that mathematics has played in philosophy, art, astronomy, physics and other disciplines. It approaches mathematics from an interdisciplinary perspective that is intended to broaden the horizons of those students who already enjoy mathematical technique or who intend to become mathematics teachers. General studies interdisciplinary studies or general studies humanities--philosophy credit.
PHI 203
Ethics
A study of the nature, origin, and development of ethical theories from a historical perspective and their relevance to some significant problems in contemporary life. Special attention is given to the exploration of enduring moral concerns, such as moral relativism, the place of reason in ethics, egoism and altruism, and the nature of moral responsibility.
PHI 204
Contemporary Moral Problems
A philosophical examination of current problems in key areas of society. These problems may include abortion, nuclear war, capital punishment and famine relief, among others. A strong effort is made to show the link between these contemporary problems and traditional ethical reasoning and theories, thus enabling the student to formulate moral judgments from a sound philosophical position.
PHI 206
Philosophy of Sex, Love and Friendship
This course seeks to help students become familiar with the conceptual frameworks and ethical theories that philosophers and others have used in coming to understand the philosophical significance of family, friendship, gender and sexuality. The course will emphasize critical reasoning and analysis, with the goal of developing students' ability to distinguish well-supported from poorly supported arguments in each of the course areas. As the most intimate aspects of our lives are explored, students should begin to understand the complexity of our intimate lives and the need for a careful, rigorous and sensitive approach to the study of these areas.
PHI 210
History of Philosophy: Greek and Medieval Thought
A historical introduction to the beginning of Western philosophy: the pre-Socratic nature philosophers, the thought of Parmenides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the medieval philosophers, Augustine, Aquinas, Al-Farabi and Maimonides. Reading and discussion of primary sources. Offered in alternate years.
PHI 212
History of Philosophy: Early Modern and Enlightment Thought
A study of enduring issues in the writings of the 17th and 18th century rationalists; Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz; and empiricists; Locke, Berkeley and Hume. Offered in alternate years.
PHI 213
History of Philosophy: Late Modern Thought
Readings and discussion of the moral writings and theories of some 19th and 20th century thinkers, including Kant's ethics, utilitarianism, Hegel, and the existentialisms of Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre and others. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: One course in philosophy
PHI 216
History of Philosophy: 20th Century Thought
A study of some of the main currents of philosophical thought in this century. Representative figures from the analytic movement in England and America (Russell, Moore, Witgenstein); American Pragmatism (Peirce, James, Dewey); and the European tradition of phenomenology and existentialism (Heidegger, Merleau-Pontry, Sartre, Foucault). Course content will vary from year to year focusing on one or more particular movements in this period. May be repeated with a new topic. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: One course in the history of philosophy (210, 212, 213, 245)
PHI 220
Philosophy of Religion
A consideration of traditional defenses and arguments for God which claim to provide a rational basis for faith. Other topics: God's nature and attributes, the problem of evil, the religious experience, freedom and divine omniscience, and miracles.
Prerequisite: At least one course in philosophy or religious studies, or permission of the instructor
PHI 222
World Philosophy
A study of philosophical-religious systems of thought and practice chosen from the following: African philosophy, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Islamic philosophy, Near-Eastern philosophy and Latin-American philosophy. Readings from primary texts.
PHI 225
What is Life?
Two hundred years ago, scientists did not have a clear conception of the difference between the organic (living) and the inorganic (non-living.) This course explores the philosophical assumptions underlying attempts to understand the nature of life and of living organisms and what constitutes the differences, if any, between the living and the non-living. What is Life? Students examine issues of contemporary interests, such as evolution, the importance of biodiversity and genetic determinism.
PHI 228
Feminism and Philosophy
Do traditional answers to philosophical questions reflect male viewpoints and ways of thinking? Are there alternative philosophical positions that reflect female ways of thinking? To answer these questions, this course will include: an examination of some philosophers' views of women; an assessment of feminist and feminine critiques of the philosophy of knowledge and of the nature of morality; and a consideration of contemporary moral problems concerned with women's issues, such as pornography and reproductive technologies.
PHI 230
Philosophy and Law
Philosophy and law are intimately connected, and many of the fundamental questions about the law are philosophical questions. Specific topics include the nature of law and crime; the relationship between law and morality; liability and responsibility (including insanity and the law); punishment and capital punishment; civil rights and preferential treatment; and alternative theories of justice. A combination of readings, case studies and discussion.
PHI 245
Philosophy and History of Science
This course examines the history of conceptions of nature expressed by philosophers and scientists from antiquity to the 20th century. It begins with the construction of Aristotle's theoretical framework and its final overthrow by Newton during scientific revolution. It then examines how Newton's framework was modified and challenged by the development of modern ideas of nature, including those of Darwin and Einstein. Issues covered in the course include: whether nature operates according to the laws of blind necessity; whether it reveals evidence of purposeful or divine action; and whether or not chance plays a role in the appearance and operation of natural phenomena.
PHI 250
Business and Professional Ethics
This course gives students a concise background in ethical reasoning and ethical theories and applies these theories to specific moral issues in business, using current cases and practices. The following general considerations will guide the class: What is the relationship between property and one's ethical rights and responsibilities? What is the relationship between the most profitable and the moral? What is the social purpose and justification for business, if any? We will approach these questions by looking at current issues, including the role of the free market, business liability and consumer protection, business and the environment, and ethical considerations in employee relations. The course is a combination of lecture and discussion, with an active emphasis on critical thinking and analytical writing.
PHI 257
Buddhism Across Cultures
The course covers the history of Buddhist thought and practice as it evolved in India and then migrated to Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, and most recently to Europe and the United States. It begins with the historical Buddha's life, his teachings and the competing schools of thought that dominated Northeastern India during his time. It continues through the study of Indian Buddhism after the Buddha's death, including the early Buddhist schools, the development of the Mahayana, the great philosophers Nagarjuna and Vasubandu, and the emergence of Tantric forms of Buddhism. From the foundations of Indian Buddhism, students examine how the religion was interpreted and expressed in its many cultural forms, such as Thervavada, Dzogchen, Zen, T'ien Tai and Pureland.
PHI 260
Biomedical Ethics
Biomedical ethics seeks to help students become familiar with the ethical theories that philosophers, physicians, biomedical researchers, and other thinking people have used in coming to understand themselves and their world. Students have the opportunity to apply these theories to some of the most important moral problems in medicine and the biomedical sciences. The course emphasizes critical reasoning and analysis, with the goal of developing students' ability to distinguish well-supported from poorly supported positions. As the life and death issues of biomedicine are explored, students should begin to understand the complexity of our moral problems and the need for a careful, rigorous and sensitive approach to
these problems.
PHI 270
Environmental Ethics
Human activities have changed conditions on earth on a massive scale and threaten to cause the greatest mass extinctions since the end of the dinosaur age. The world population continues to grow, resulting in the degradation of air, water and land and the depletion of natural resources. However, people need to be fed and sheltered and our demand for energy continues to grow. Such environmental problems raise important questions on how we should live. What obligations do we have concerning the environment? What justifications can we give for the protection of wildlife, land and water? Does nature have value apart from human needs? What do we owe future human beings? Are some parts of nature more valuable than others? This course examines and assesses critically various responses to these and other questions.
PHI 391
Seminar in Philosophy I (W)
An in-depth study of some great philosopher, historical movement, or period in philosophy, such as Plato, Marx, Wittgenstein, medieval philosophy, Darwin's century or linguistic philosophy. May be repeated, with a new topic. Fulfills philosophy seminar requirement.
Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor
PHI 481
Advanced Research--Thesis
An independent research project directed by a faculty member resulting in a substantial thesis (25-30 pages), which may be a reworking and deepening of a paper written for a seminar or as part of an independent study.
PHI 491
Seminar in Philosophy II (W)
An in-depth study of some philosophical theme or topic such as morality and the law, theories of perception, science and religion. The seminar is aimed at giving concentrators and other qualified students a greater opportunity for an interchange of ideas and individual research. May be repeated, with a new topic.
Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor
