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Course Descriptions—Philosophy (PHIL)

PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

An introduction to the literature, problems, and methods of philosophy. The subject is approached either by studying some of the main figures in philosophic thought or by considering some central, recurring problems of philosophy. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 125 or PHIL 100.

PHIL 110 Thinking for Yourself (3)

An examination of methods for thinking analytically about realworld problems and solving them. Emphasis is on using inductive and deductive reasoning, proper argumentation, accepted methods of analysis, and synthesis of ideas; recognizing informal logical fallacies; and understanding the role of presuppositions and nonlogical factors as they apply to scientific, social, ethical, political, and other contemporary problems.

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)

An exploration of how philosophical analysis can be a foundation for thinking clearly about moral issues. Problems analyzed include such widely debated issues as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, homosexuality, pornography, reverse discrimination, business ethics, sexual equality, and economic equity. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140.

PHIL 236 Philosophy of Religion (3)

A philosophical study of some of the main problems of religious thought: the nature of religious experience, the justification of religious belief, the conflicting claims of religion and science, and the relation between religion and morality. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 236 or PHIL 236.

PHIL 245 Political and Social Philosophy (3)

A critical examination of classical political theories. Examples are drawn from the work of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, and Marx. Contemporary theories (such as those of Hayek, Rawls, and recent Marxist thinkers) are also covered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 245, PHIL 245, or PHIL 345.

PHIL 307 Asian Philosophy (3)

An examination of the major philosophical systems of the East and their relation to important ideas of Western thought.

PHIL 315 Workplace Ethics (3)

(Formerly HUMN 311.) Examination and discussion of normative ethical theory; moral reasoning; and the larger economic, social, political, and legal framework of the workplace within which ethical issues arise. Discussion covers workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, the quality of work life, professional rights and responsibilities, and specific cases exemplifying these issues. Possible examples include cases in the areas of hiring, privacy, intellectual property, whistle-blowing versus loyalty, health care, ethics in advertising, consumerism in relation to product liability, economic globalization, and the common environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 310, HUMN 311, or PHIL 315.

PHIL 331 Philosophy of Art (3)

A study of concepts central to thought about art, including the concept of the fine arts both in their historical development and in their present problematic situation.

PHIL 336 Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)

(Formerly HUMN 336.) An overview of predominating ideas and philosophies that may govern and alter humanity and this planet in the early 21st century. Ideas and ways of living are evaluated insofar as they reveal the nature of intelligence and determine the uses of this planet. Topics include the rise of science, religions, and technoconsciousness; the development of systems of communication; prevailing perceptions of justice and human relationships; and “quality of life” as expressed in architecture and the arts. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 336 or PHIL 336.

PHIL 348 Religions of the East (3)

(Formerly HUMN 348.) An overview and examination of the religions of East Asia. Topics include the religious traditions of India known collectively as Hinduism and Jainism, the development of Buddhism and its spread through Asia, Chinese indigenous beliefs, and the religions of Japan (particularly Shinto and Zen Buddhism). Discussion examines the interrelationships of these religious traditions through their history and main teachings. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 348, HUMN 350, or PHIL 348.

PHIL 349 Religions of the West (3)

(Formerly HUMN 349.) An overview and examination of the Abrahamic religions, with special attention to their common ancestry and relationships. Topics include the history and belief structures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Discussion also covers the ethical systems of these religions, as well as their relationship to the cultures in which they developed and exist today. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 349, HUMN 350, or PHIL 349.