Introduction of the basic concepts and techniques of both Aristotelian syllogism and Modern symbolic logic, designed to equip students to analyze and evaluate arguments employed in scientific and non-scientific discourse. PMI

The ethical issues of health care are some of the most controversial and interesting of our day. In this course, ethical theory is critically examined and applied to moral problems in health care, sometimes using the medium of films and case studies. Moral problems in contemporary medical practice and public policy such as informed consent, euthanasia, confidentiality, termination of treatment, HIV/AIDS, genetics, the allocation of scarce resources, surrogate decision making, advance directives, paternalism, and research involving human and animal subjects are analyzed and discussed.

This course examines the major ethical and social responsibilities managers and business organizations face regarding owners, managers, non-management employees, local communities, the natural environment, and other important stakeholders. A clear understanding of what constitutes proper and ethical business practices will be employed to case studies and contemporary business operations. Areas of study will include but not be limited to: sexual harassment, affirmative action, outsourcing, employee privacy, and employer obligation to workers and local communities. PMI

What is the relationship between the good life and good food Between a society and a just food system Moving between the local and the global, the personal and the political, this course takes up the many and diverse ethical questions that attend to one of our most basic human activities: eating. PMI

A critical historical exploration of timeless political questions through the classical works of thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Machiavelli, Marx, and others. Central themes may include the moral/personal vs. economic/social dimensions of justice, the dangers and advantages of various forms of government, the nature of human rights, the dangers and advantages of private property, the role of the family, religion, and money in society, the basis and limitations of governmental power, and the relationship of politics and ethics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.