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College Catalog 2016-2017 ARCHIVED CATALOG
Philosophy Courses
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Department of Philosophy
PHIL 050 - Meet and Talk
Informal philosophical discussion in the home of one of the faculty members.
1 credits
PHIL 100 - Philosophical Questions
An introduction to philosophy-metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory-through an examination of some of the “big questions”: What is reality? Is truth merely subjective? Is knowledge possible? Are human beings just complicated machines? Does free will exist? Why should we be moral if we can get away with being immoral? Is there any reason, other than blind faith, to think that God exists?
3 credits
PHIL 105 - Introduction to Ethics
This course presents various traditional and critical approaches to moral and ethical issues and uses them to understand practical problems in daily life.
3 credits
PHIL 190 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 220 - Philosophical Issues in Imaginative Literature
Develops an understanding of the philosophical enterprise through discussion of works of fiction that raise issues of a philosophical nature.
3 credits
PHIL 230 - Philosophical Issues on Film
Addresses philosophical questions posed by some of the masterpieces of world cinema; students view feature-length films, read relevant philosophical texts, and explore connections between the films and texts.
Pre-req: INTD 100
3 or 4 credits
PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Love and Human Sexuality
An examination of the constructions of female and male sexuality and some of their ethical and political implications; contemporary issues including promiscuity, child abuse, prostitution, pornography, and marriage.
Cross-listed with GEN 250
3 credits
PHIL 260 - Eco-Philosophy
The evolution of theoretical responses to unprecedented environmental crises such as Global Warming and mass extinctions-from application of traditional ethical theories to the development of comprehensive alternative environmental philosophies.
Pre-req: PHIL 105 recommended
Cross-listed with ENST 260 - Eco-Philosophy / GEN 260
3 credits
PHIL 270 - History of Social Thought
Historical approaches to the foundations of the state, and feminist and anti-racist critiques of that social contract tradition.
Pre-req: INTD 100
3 credits
PHIL 280 - Philosophy of Simplicity
This course explores the theory and practice of simplifying one’s life. Readings come from eastern and western traditions, ancient and modern, with a particular focus on the Quaker practice of simplicity as a way to live in accordance with one’s conscience. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple to experience the Buddhist approach to simplicity.
4 credits
PHIL 290 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 295 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 300 - Early Chinese Philosophy
The early period of Chinese philosophy: Confucianism and Daoism, as well as other thinkers and schools of thought, all of which were influential in the development of cultures across East Asia.
3 credits
PHIL 302 - Development of Buddhist Philosophical Thought
The development of Buddhist philosophical thinking as it began in India and flourished in China and Japan. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple, as the course is offered during Jan term.
Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
3 credits
PHIL 305 - Seminar in Philosophical Buddhism
Focused study on a Buddhist text in preparation for a week-long meditation retreat at Hsi Lai Temple.
Pre-req: PHIL 302 , Buddhist Philosophy, is recommended but not required
3 credits
PHIL 307 - Chinese Buddhism: Philosophy and Practice
An investigation into the practice of Chinese Buddhism as it takes place at a traditional Chinese Buddhist monastery. The program will specifically explore the history of central Buddhist tenets and look at ways in which they are realized within a living Buddhist monastic community. This program will also afford students the opportunity to engage with and participate in some of the aspects of Chinese Buddhist monastic life. The program will accomplish these goals through lectures and discussions on Buddhist philosophy, religious practice, material culture, and religious texts as well as structured discussions with Buddhist monks and nuns and active involvement with the monastic community and its culture.
3 credits
PHIL 310 - Classical Philosophy
Greek and Roman thought as the foundation for Western philosophy with an emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.
Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
3 credits
PHIL 312 - Medieval Philosophy
Examines the period from the beginning of Christian philosophy through the High Middle Ages to the breakdown of the Medieval synthesis; focuses on Augustin and Aquinas.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
3 credits
PHIL 315 - Modern Philosophy
Major Continental and British philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries, beginning with Descartes and ending with Kant.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
3 credits
PHIL 317 - Nineteenth Century Philosophy
This course explores the thought of Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard, all very difficult thinkers who were influential in forming the modern “continental” tradition in philosophy.
Pre-req: One previous course in philosophy.
3 credits
PHIL 320 - Philosophy Retreat Internship
This internship provides students who have been to the Hsi Lai Temple retreat before with an opportunity to go again as retreat staff. Interns will help students prepare for the experience prior to the retreat and to integrate their experience afterwards. Service Learning Course.
Pre-req: One previous retreat experience
4 credits
PHIL 326 - Symbolic Logic
An introduction to formal structures of reasoning through analysis of the logical forms of language and thought; readings and problems in logic and logical theory. Recommended for students considering Law School
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above recommended
3 credits
PHIL 330 - Ethical Theories
The traditional Western theories of ethics are put to the challenge of adequacy to the global world of the 21st century. Readings from both historical and contemporary philosophers.
Pre-req: One course in PHIL
3 credits
PHIL 340 - Contemporary Social Philosophy
Concepts in social philosophy such as justice, welfare, the individual, community, and society; contemporary problems such as the just allocation of resources, the individual in relation to society, and the relationship between law and morality.
Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
3 credits
PHIL 345 - Philosophy of Art
Philosophical reflection on the nature of the arts: the plastic arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), literature, music, and the performance; topics include the definition of art, critical appraisal, artistic creativity, aesthetic experience, and the role of audience and institutions.
Pre-req: Completed 60 credits or one PHIL course
3 credits
PHIL 350 - God and Religion
The idea of God; proofs for the existence of God; the nature of religious language; the problem of evil; arguments for and against the supernatural.
Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
3 credits
PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Mind
Critical examination of the major theories about the nature of mind; an exploration of selected topics, including the mind-body relationship, personal identity, artificial intelligence, intentionality, and free will.
Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
3 credits
PHIL 385 - Feminist Philosophy
An examination of the primary feminist responses to the omission of gender as fundamental category of analysis in social and political theory – liberal, socialist, Marxist, radical, anti-racist, and ecofeminist.
Pre-req: One course in PHIL or GEN
Cross-listed with GEN 385
3 credits
PHIL 390 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 395 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 425 - Seminar in Philosophy
A focused study of some aspect of philosophy; contact instructor for details. May be repeated for credit
Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
3 credits
PHIL 490 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 495 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PHIL 498 - Senior Thesis and Colloquium
This advanced seminar supports and directs senior majors in the research and writing of their Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis, usually a year-long project, is the required paper-in-the-major.
Pre-req: Senior standing
0 to 3 credits
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