Philosophy (PHIL)
A study of major works by Plato, Aristotle, and other important ancient philosophers.
The study of major 17th and 18th century philosophers, such as Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.
A study of recent philosophical trends (or movements), including logical positivism, existentialism, ordinary language philosophy, etc.
An in-depth study of a single outstanding philosopher, chosen by the instructor. The focus of the course will be announced when the course is scheduled.
An analysis of the concept of language in both the works of philosophers and the works of linguists. The course looks into theories of linguistic meaning, sentence structure, speech acts, and the assumptions underlying research in modern linguistics.
This course draws upon two or more widely different traditions in considering one or more topics of philosophical interest. Usually, the course will include both Western and non-Western sources. The course may be organized around a given philosophical issue or may compare and contrast two or more thinkers from the relevant traditions.
Examination of different conceptions of legitimate political authority; includes discussion of ideas of social justice, natural rights, sovereignty.
A systematic examination of contemporary Social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, war, environmental destruction, poverty, terrorism, and sexual morality.
Metaphysics.
Through an analysis of the concepts of explanation, theory, hypothesis, experiment, and observation, this course seeks an understanding of how the growth of scientific knowledge is possible.
An examination of the conception of "mind" as opposed to body implications for psychology, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience.
An examination of the methods and theories of the social sciences, especially sociology and anthropology, and their relationships to the natural sciences.
A history of interaction between science and philosophy showing how changing conceptions of metaphysics and scientific method have influenced the development of Renaissance astronomy, nineteenth century atomic theory, ether theories, theories of geological and biological change, etc.
This course will consider questions such as: What role should values play in scientific inquiry? Should scientists consider only epistemic or cognitive values, or should they also take into account social and cultural values? Could science be objective and make progress if it is shaped by social and cultural values?.
A study of the fundamental issues of moral philosophy.
An analysis of the concept of law and how it differs from custom, religion, and morality. The course looks into issues of judicial reasoning, the assumptions that underlie the criminal justice system and the imposition of liability, and legal ethics.
The philosophy of the fine arts, including an analysis of the concepts of beauty, representation, expression and the purpose of art.
Analysis of the philosophical foundations of the right of free speech within the American Constitution's framework. Topics include: the philosophical underpinnings of the right of free speech, judicial review under the Constitution, selected free speech issues such as libel, defamation, speech in the workplace, pornography, flag-burning, and others.
A study of the problems of moral and social responsibility for the engineering profession, including such topics as safety, confidentiality and government regulation.
A study of the moral problems architects must resolve in the practice of their profession, including problems of confidentiality, candor, esthetics, and economy arising from the special responsibilities of architects to and public, client, employer, and colleagues.
Ethical issues relating to individual and corporate responsibility, self and governmental regulation, investment, advertising, urban problems, the environment, preferential hiring.
Moral problems that confront professionals in computer-related fields, including questions raised by the concept of intellectual property and its relationship to computer software, professional codes of ethics for computer use, responsibility for harm resulting from the misuse of computers.
This course explores ethical and legal issues concerning communication in diverse contexts, such as: the mass media - e.g. print, broadcast, and electronic; government and politics; organizational hierarchies - e.g. public and private sector workplaces; academic life - e.g. the classroom, student, and faculty affairs; and interpersonal relations - e.g. love, friendship, marriage.
An investigation into a topic of current interest in philosophy; which will be announced by the instructor when the course is scheduled.
Supervised individual research for advanced students. Instructor permission required.
Supervised individual research for advanced students. **Instructor permission required.**
This course will consider questions such as: What role should values play in scientific inquiry? Should scientists consider only epistemic or cognitive values, or should they take into account social and cultural values? Could science be objective and make progress if it is shaped by social and cultural values?.
A study of the fundamental issues of moral philosophy.
A study of moral and social responsibility for the engineering profession including such topics as safety, confidentiality, and government regulation.
A study of the moral problems architects must resolve in the practice of their profession, including problems of confidentiality, candor, esthetics, and economy, arising from the special responsibilities of architects to the public, client, employer, and colleagues.
Ethical issues relating to individual and corporate responsibility, self and governmental regulation, investment, advertising, urban problems, the environment, and preferential hiring.
Moral problems that confront professionals in computer-related fields, including questions raised by the concept of intellectual property and its relationship to computer software, professional codes of ethics for computer use, and responsibility for harm resulting from the misuse of computers.
An investigation into a topic of current or enduring interest in philosophy, which will be announced by the instructor when the course is scheduled. Graduate standing required.
Advanced topics in the study of philosophy, in which there is special student and faculty interest. Variable Credit: 1-6 Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.
This a research hours course for PhD candidates who need to consult with a philosopher on their dissertation.
