PHIL — Philosophy: Catalog Entries

9 catalog course(s) on file. Undergraduate courses are numbered 100–499; graduate courses 500–699. See the department page for faculty and program information.

PHIL 101 — Introduction to Philosophy(3 cr.)

Survey of major questions in philosophy, including the nature of knowledge, reality, and morality. Readings span historical and contemporary sources. Students practice constructing and evaluating philosophical arguments.

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PHIL 110 — Logic and Critical Thinking(3 cr.)

Introduction to formal and informal logic, including argument structure, validity, and common fallacies. Students apply logical analysis to real-world reasoning found in media and public discourse. Emphasis is placed on constructing sound arguments.

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PHIL 210 — Ethics(3 cr.)

Examination of major ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Students apply these frameworks to contemporary moral dilemmas. Class discussion emphasizes the practical application of ethical reasoning.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 101

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PHIL 220 — Ancient Philosophy(3 cr.)

Study of the origins of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through the Hellenistic schools. Primary attention is given to Plato and Aristotle. Students read selections in translation and discuss their historical influence.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 101

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PHIL 230 — Modern Philosophy(3 cr.)

Survey of philosophical thought from Descartes through Kant, including rationalist and empiricist traditions. Students trace the development of debates over knowledge, mind, and reality. Emphasis is placed on close reading of primary texts.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 101

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PHIL 310 — Philosophy of Mind(3 cr.)

Examination of theories of consciousness, mental states, and the relationship between mind and body. Contemporary debates in cognitive science are incorporated alongside classic texts. Students evaluate competing accounts of personal identity.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 101

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PHIL 330 — Political Philosophy(3 cr.)

Study of major theories of justice, liberty, and the state from classical to contemporary thinkers. Students analyze the philosophical foundations of political institutions. Case studies connect theory to current political debates.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 101

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PHIL 360 — Philosophy of Religion(3 cr.)

Exploration of philosophical arguments concerning the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious belief. Perspectives from multiple religious and secular traditions are considered. Students construct their own reasoned positions on these questions.

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PHIL 495 — Senior Seminar in Philosophy(3 cr.)

Capstone seminar requiring students to research and defend an original philosophical thesis. Drafts are workshopped with peers throughout the semester. Serves as the culminating experience for the philosophy major.

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing

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