This course examines the major themes and divisions in the development of philosophy from the late 19th century to the present. In exploring different positions on problems like the nature of language, the mind, and concerns over technology, the class shows students how many of the defining philosophical issues of the 20th century continue to influence, both directly and indirectly, how we understand and shape the world. PMI

This course introduces students to some of the questions and themes that marked the time period of Modern Philosophy, but which are still very much of interest today. Questions regarding the basis of ethics, the appropriate sources and limitations of knowledge, the nature of the interaction between mind and body, whether human beings have free will or are determined, as well as the relationship between faith, skepticism, and reason will be explored in this course. Modern philosophy is characterized as the time period from the 16th through the early 19th Century.

Philosophical examination of the assumption of religion. Possibility of proofs for the existence of the Divine. Western and Oriental concepts of God. The contemporary scene: belief and unbelief. An examination of relations among God, humans, and nature. PMI

This course is an introduction to the study of the philosophy of nature as articulated in terms of the relationship between humans and the environment in which they live. One key theme of course class is whether concerns of justice demand we expand our moral concepts and legal institutions to include other non-human animals and even aspects of the larger natural environment. Exploring this problem will introduce us to a variety of related concerns like environmental racism, the rationale of global capitalism and link between the objectification of nature and the objectification of women.

Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a philosophy faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Courses on topics of interest to philosophy students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

This course will explore the philosophical assumptions behind different theories and methods of education, paying close attention to how views of education have developed and changed over the last few centuries. In addition to exploring fundamental questions surrounding the nature and purpose of education, the course will also examine the potential value of philosophy for K-12 education.

This course considers the origin, nature and value of philosophy as a discipline unique in its method of exposing the underlying values in the human experience. With specific regard to the history of the Western philosophical tradition, this course aims at the development of a broad and coherent world-view. Restricted to students with freshman and sophomore standing. PMI Offered spring even years.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the practice of responsible ethical reflection and judgment. Students will learn about the practice of moral analysis, examine many influential moral theories, such as, Virtue ethics, Deontological ethics, and Utilitarianism, and look at many contemporary moral debates in applied ethics, such as the issue of capital punishment, euthanasia, animal rights, and abortion. Restricted to students with freshman and sophomore standing. PMI Offered every semester.

Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a history faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.