Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course will delve into questions people ask about the universe and their place in it. An examination is undertaken of the range of possible answers developed by leading philosophers in such areas as the meaning of knowledge, scientific method, religion, ethics, aesthetics, history, politics, and metaphysics. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHIL 100.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course will examine the main figures and topics of Ancient Western Philosophy. The original writings of the Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and subsequent Greek and Roman Philosophers will be read and discussed. The focus will be on critically reading, analyzing, and discussing the ideas these Philosophers presented in their historical context within the discipline of Philosophy. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHIL 130.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course will provide a general explanation and comparison of the world's major Eastern religions and philosophies. It will include critical analysis of the principal philosophies and related religious beliefs of the East, including Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Particular attention is given to understanding sacred literature in its historical context to better appreciate the relevant beliefs. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course will examine the key issues and problems for Western Religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, from a Philosophical perspective. Topics to be covered include the nature and significance of religion and belief, arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the problem of evil, the relation between science and religion, and the role of textual and theological debate in the development of a religious Philosophy. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Formerly: Introduction to Logic. This course will focus on the use of arguments both in their occurrence in ordinary discourse and the academic disciplines within the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with particular focus on deductive logic. The emphasis will be on the role of formal and informal logic in the basic learning skills of oral communication (speech/listening) and written communication (reading/writing). Deductive and inductive reasoning techniques will be critically examined to establish their logical correctness or identify their fallaciousness. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHIL 110.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course will examine the concepts of right, wrong, good, and bad in the light of classical moral theories. It will include a critical examination of the foundations of ethics and present numerous approaches to moral problems. Particular attention will be paid to the application of moral theories to contemporary issues. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PHIL 120.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

An introduction to the critical analysis and rational evaluation of argument and other forms of expression. Covers the uses of language, distinctions between deductive and inductive reasoning, and practice in detecting formal and informal fallacies. Develop tools for distinguishing between and evaluating beliefs, opinions, claims, explanations, and arguments. A strong emphasis is instruction in writing which models the critical thinking knowledge and skills examined in the course. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: ENGL 105.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course addresses 16th through 18th century Western philosophy with emphasis on the broad epistemological and/or metaphysical developments of empiricist and rationalist philosophers from Descartes through Kant. The course may include approximate precursors and/or successors. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Formerly: Political Philosophy. This course is identical to PSCI G150. This course introduces students to selected political theorists and concepts from classical to the present. Students will examine various theoretical approaches to politics and will analyze primary text and theoretical debates as they apply to political issues. Topics will include the nature of legitimate authority, power, political obligation, ideal government, natural rights, equality, and justice. Enrollment Limitation: PSCI G150; students who complete PHIL G150 may not enroll in or receive credit for PSCI G150. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: POLS 120.