Philosophy

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Introduces methods and ideas of western philosophy by focusing on the nature of reality, free will, determinism, the existence of God, knowledge, and the good life.

Features such important fi gures as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, and Sartre. Prepares students for other classes in Philosophy, such as Theories of Knowledge, Ethics, Logic, Philosophy of Religion, and Biomedical Ethics.

F, W, Sp

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Focuses on theories of knowledge (Epistemology). Emphasizes understanding terms and theories, and analyzes arguments in epistemology. Covers the three areas implied by the traditional account of knowledge as justified true belief. Devotes attention to the natures of truth, belief, and justifi cation. Explores problems in other fields of philosophy generated by epistemic considerations.

W, Sp

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Introduces ancient and modern theories of ethics. Includes explanations and paradigmatic illustrations of the central theories of ethics and close scrutiny of standard arguments supporting and attaching these theories. Applies theories to contemporary moral problems and personal dilemmas.

W, Sp

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Introduces ancient and modern theories of ethics. Includes explanations and illustrations of the central theories of ethics, and close scrutiny of standard arguments supporting and criticizing these theories. Applies theories to contemporary moral problems and personal dilemmas.

Offered as needed.

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Covers ethical decision making in Western, Eastern, and non-traditional settings. Explores realworld health problems in light of historical and contemporary ethical theories. Canvasses professional ethical codes and explicitly-stated obligations in order to identify the health care professional’s special responsibilities in arriving at decisions which often have profound consequences.

Offered as needed.

3 class hrs/wk, 3 cr.

Explores the complex relationship between faith and reason. Analyzes classical and contemporary texts that address the uneasy relationship between the two phenomena.

Focuses on both rational attacks against, and rational defenses of, reason, and thereby, on the nature and the scope-the limits-of rational thought. Also examines the character of religious belief and the ways in which reason has been used both to attack and to defend religious faith.

Offered as needed.