DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FALL 2006
PHIL 102R 01. Introduction to Philosophy
4 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introductory examination of the basic areas of philosophy, addressing questions like the following: How do we know if an action is right or wrong, and are any actions universally wrong? Is "beauty" really only in the eye of the beholder, or are there objective standards in the visual, musical, and literary arts? What sorts of things exist, for instance, do any non-physical things (such as minds, souls, or spirits) exist? Do we have free will, or are our behaviors and thoughts determined by chemical and physical events in our brains? Is knowledge possible and, if so, how do we know what we know? And is there a genuine difference between reasoning and coercion, between persuasion and
manipulation, and how can we tell?
PHIL 102R 02. Introducton to Philosophy
4 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: none
See description above.
PHIL 103R 01. Ethics and Identity
4 credits
Reed, Don
Prerequisite: none
This is an introductory level course in ethics and social identity, exploring the ways our moral principles and ethical ideals are related to our places and identities within concrete social systems. The goals of the course are to teach a method of moral decision-making, to enable students to understand how moral norms are in some sense relative and yet also in some sense objective, to explore ways that we are all to some extent selfish and yet to some extent always already in relations of interdependence and cooperation with others. Primary texts by theorists such as J.S. Mill, Kant, Hume, and Aristotle are studied. Evaluations will be based on daily quizzes, periodic short tests, and a final exam.
PHIL 103R 02. Ethics and Identity
4 credits
Reed, Don
Prerequisite: none
See description above.
PHIL 110R 1M. Logic and Critical Reasoning
4 credits
Martinez-Saenz, Miguel
Prerequisite: Minimum Math Placement 22
This course is divided in two parts. The first part of the course considers important aspects of philosophical reasoning in relation to the Aristotelian tradition by way of the study of categorical logic, the analytic tradition by way of the study of prepositional/predicate logic and its different applications. Students will take three exams and weekly quizzes to determine their competency during this part of the semester. The second part of the course helps students develop their critical thinking skills. Students will engage in exercises evaluating landmark Supreme Court decisions. Students, for example, will evaluate Dred Scott v. Sanford, Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. These are just a few examples of landmark cases that not only had undeniable political implications, but forced us to question our willingness to accept others. The second part of the class will be evaluated by weekly quizzes, in-class exercises and one final paper. Math reasoning intensive.
PHIL 200R 01. Topic: Ethics and Social Justice
4 credits
Martinez-Saenz, Miguel
Prerequisite: none
The (apparent) integration of world markets, world political systems and world cultures is being praised by some and denounced by others. In this class we will consider a variety of perspectives related to social justice issues both in a domestic context and an international context. In order to gain an appreciation of the topics discussed by ethicists concerned with social justice our reading and viewing selections will address a wide range of topics including but not limited to the following: Is poverty expanding or diminishing? Is education a public good? What does humanity have to do with any of this? Students will be expected to write two short critical essays, take a midterm exam and a final exam. There will also be short answer quizzes given weekly on the reading assignments. In this class students will be expected to engage in dialogue with me and with each other.
PHIL 310R 1W. Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
4 credits
Reed, Don
Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or permission of instructor.
This course is an introduction to the historical method of philosophical reflection and an introduction to the philosophers of a particular period and a particular tradition (ancient Greek to medieval European). As part of the first goal, we will observe the historical nature of philosophical thinking, i.e., the way it develops historically, not by accident but by its very nature. We will trace one tradition of answers to questions variously answered by four particular notions (which themselves are reformulated over and over again): (1) the notion that abstractions (like geometrical figures and the periodic table of elements) are the true objects of knowledge, (2) the notion that it is sometimes very difficult if not impossible to do what you know is good and not to do what you know is bad, (3) the notion that to be real and to be excellent are the same, i.e., that being and goodness are identical, and (4) the notion that the soul is immortal and lives on after the body decays and ceases. Students will take a mid-term and a final exam and write four papers. Writing intensive.
PHIL 312 1W. Contemporary Philosophy
4 credits
Martinez-Saenz, Miguel
Prerequisite: PHIL. 211 or PHIL 311 or permission of instructor.
By taking this class, students should 1) gain a basic understanding of philosophical movements in the twentieth century 2) gain a greater understanding of the ideas that shaped contemporary philosophy and the context in which those ideas developed 3) gain a greater appreciation of the diverse world around them and a greater understanding of the extent to which the past shapes the present 4) improve their written and oral communication skills, gain greater perspective and hone their critical and analytical skills (such as the ability to distinguish between fact and interpretation) and finally 5) nurture intellectual curiosity and skepticism and enjoy having a supportive audience with which to share ideas. Students will be expected to write two book reviews and will be required to take two in-class exams. In addition, students will have weekly quizzes. Writing intensive.
PHIL 490 1W. Independent Study
1-4 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Permission required.
PHIL 491 01. Internship
2-12.0 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Permission required.
