• School of Arts & Sciences
  • • Contact Us
    • Our Graduates Beyond Malone
    • Majors & Minors
      • History Major
      • Integrated Social Studies Major
      • Philosophy Major
      • Political Science Major
      • Departmental Minors
    • Course Descriptions
      • History Courses
      • Philosophy Courses
      • Political Science Courses
      • Social Science Courses
      • Sociology Courses

PHIL 100

Introduction to Philosophy (3)

This course will introduce students to the purpose and nature of philosophical inquiry. Through careful attention to foundational texts, students will explore a cluster of philosophical questions addressing the meaning of happiness, the nature of right and wrong, the nature of knowledge and real ity, and the intellectual integr ity of religious belief. Students will also be expected to learn to read cr itically, wr ite concise reflection papers, and engage in dialogue w ith the instructor and fellow students about issues of enduring philosophical importance. Offered each semester.

PHIL 210*

Critical and Creative Thinking (2)

This course will introduce students to methods of creative processing, reflection, analysis, and evaluation of all types of gathered information. Students will learn to develop an appreciation for unique and diverse viewpoints as well as the abil ity to be both active and tolerant listeners. Offered Fall 2006, Spring 2007, and as needed thereafter

PHIL 211        (3)

Introduction to Modern Logic

This course aims to develop students’ abil ity to think cr itically and coherently by introducing them to the fundamental principles of logic. While this course will cover basic elements of informal logic, its emphasis will be on quant itative methods of reasoning such as propos itional and predicate logic. Meets General Education requirement for Quant itative Reasoning.  Offered each semester beginning Spring 2007.

PHIL 232        (3)

Ethics

This course introduces students to various theories of moral deliberation and decision. It also introduces students to fundamental moral concepts such as law, happiness, duty, and virtue. Students will have opportun ity to reflect on the roles these concepts play in the Christian moral life. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered each Fall beginning Fall 2007.

PHIL 301

Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of key ideas and figures dealing w ith foundational issues of pol itical life, w ith a particular focus on themes of order, freedom, justice, and power. Cross-listed w ith POL 301. Offered each Fall.

PHIL 343

Philosophy of Religion (3)

It is the purpose of this course to examine classical questions in philosophy of religion as well as to consider current trends in the discipline. The course will include an examination of theistic proofs, the nature and activ ity of God, talk about God, as well as other closely related topics. This design is intended to provoke thought and reflection as well as to hone philosophical skills. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Cross-listed w ith THEO 343. Offered Fall 2006 and alternate Fall semesters.

PHIL 345

Epistemology (3)

An in-depth study of the scope and structure of knowledge, the problem of skepticism, and the nature of rational ity. Special attention will be given to competing theories of justification, the nature of intellectual virtue, and the rational integr ity of religious belief. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered Spring 2008 and alternate Spring semesters.

PHIL 351 

Ancient Philosophy (3)

A survey of major Western philosophers and philosophical movements from the early Greeks to the late classical period, w ith special attention to Plato and Aristotle. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered Fall 2007 and alternate Fall semesters.

PHIL 352

Medieval Philosophy (3)

A survey of the rise of Christian Philosophy and its subsequent development. The course will consider the ways in which Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Aquinas, and others explored and developed the views of their Ancient predecessors and proceeded to make important advances in philosophical understanding. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered Spring 2008 and alternate Spring semesters.

PHIL 353

Modern Philosophy (3)

A survey of the major Western philosophers and philosophical movements from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries. The collapse of Medieval Scholasticism and the rise of European Rationalism and Empiricism will be central foci of this course. Prerequis it e: PHIL 100. Offered Fall 2006 and alternate Fall semesters.

PHIL 362

Philosophy of Human Nature (3)

A study of competing theories of human nature such as dualism, monism, naturalism, and existentialism. Students will also consider the scientific, theological, and pol itical assumptions that shape contemporary views of human identi ty, dign ity, and existence. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered each Spring.

PHIL 401

Contemporary Philosophical Trends (3)

This course will examine a specific area in modern and contemporary philosophical thought. Topics will vary depending upon current philosophical interests. The course will offer the opportun ity to engage in an in-depth examination of a current philosophical discussion. Students will interact w ith the current wr itings of significance in the discipline of philosophy. Prerequis ite: PHIL 100. Offered Spring 2007 and alternate Spring semesters.

PHIL 450

Advanced Topics (1-3)

An opportun ity for superior students to pursue a subject of special interest on their own in itiative or in a seminar group. Open only to juniors or seniors who have completed or are taking regularly scheduled courses. Enrollment by permission of the Department Chair.