First Year Seminar

First-year seminars explore a diverse array of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members.

Introduction to Philosophy

An introduction to the major ideals and methods of philosophy. At least one philosophic classic is read, usually one suitable for orientation purposes. Honors section available.

Introduction to Logic

A development of practical ability in the major forms of valid argumentation concluding with a consideration of the universal and existential operators.

Introduction to Ethics

A study of the specific considerations, such as facts, feelings, principles, values and conflicts, which influence the making of concrete moral decisions.

Special Topics in Philosophy and Religion

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

Business Ethics

A philosophical exploration of how to recognize, analyze, and implement ethical decisions within the multivalued contexts of the various fields of business.

History of Western Philosophy I

A survey of major figures and movements from early Greek philosophy to the late Middle Ages.

History of Western Philosophy II

A survey of major figures from the Renaissance through contemporary philosophy.

Philosophy of History

A survey of the central figures and problems in the philosophy of history, with attention to both the ontology and epistemology of the past.

Philosophy of Law

A philosophical analysis of the concepts of law, liberty, justice, responsibility, and punishment from the rival ethical perspectives of deterrence and retribution.

Philosophy of Religion

(Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy).

A critical inquiry into the rational justification of central theistic beliefs, with emphasis on the traditional philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God. (Same as REL 3123)

Seminar in Philosophy

(Prerequisites: Completion of fifteen hours of PHI courses, including PHI 1113)

The study of selected philosophy essays and practice in philosophical composition.

Nineteenth Century Philosophy

(Prerequisites: Three hours of philosophy or Junior standing or consent of instructor)

A study of the major philosophical movements and figures of the nineteenth century.

Aesthetics

Theories of art and the nature of beauty, designed to enhance the student's sensitivity and cultural awareness.

Moral Philosophy

An examination of the central issues in morality, including problems with justification, normative prescriptions, and objectivity.

Social and Political Philosophy

An examination of the central issues in social and political philosophy, including justification of the state, and obligations to obey the law.

African American Philosophy

The philosophical analysis of the relation between the African American lived experience of oppression and the desired experience of freedom.

Environmental Ethics

A philosophical examination of the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Medical Ethics

A philosophical study of situations requiring ethical decision making in the area of medicine. (Sophomore standing or above, or consent of instructor)

Epistemology

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor)

A historical and topical examination of rival traditions and theories of inquiry. Special attention will be paid to the concepts of knowledge, warrant, and truth.

Directed Individual Study in Philosophy and Religion

(Prerequisite: PHI 1103, PHI 1113, or PHI 1123)

Hours and credits to be arranged

Contemporary Philosophy and Architecture

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor)

An examination of modernism and postmodernism in philosophy and architecture. (Same as ARC 4333/6333)

Contemporary Continental Philosophy

(Prerequisite: 3 hours PHI or junior standing).

A survey of the most important trends in 20th and 21st century continental philosophy and their influence on culture, politics, art, architecture, and literature.

Philosophy of Science

An analytical examination of the essential ingredients of science concluding with the effect of scientific values on contemporary culture.

Research Ethics

This course examines ethical issues that are generated by the tensional balancing of personal consideration against public good in the practice of scientific research.

Philosophy of Biology

An examination of the central philosophical issues in the life sciences, particularly biological laws, classifications, selection, and reductionism.

Philosophy of Cognitive Science

Exploration of the philosophical issues arising in cognitive science.

Special Topics in Philosophy and Religion

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

Contemporary Philosophy and Architecture

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor)

An examination of modernism and postmodernism in philosophy and architecture (Same as ARC 4333/6333)

Contemporary Continental Philosophy

(Prerequisite: 3 hours PHI or junior standing)

A survey of the most important trends in 20th and 21st century continental philosophy and their influence on culture, politics, art, architecture, and literature

Philosophy of Science

An analytical examination of the essential ingredients of science concluding with the effect of scientific values on contemporary culture.

Research Ethics

This course examines ethical issues that are generated by the tensional balancing of personal consideration against public good in the practice of scientific research.

Philosophy of Biology

An examination of the central philosophical issues in the life sciences, particularly biological laws, classifications, selection, and reductionism.

Philosophy of Cognitive Science

Exploration of the philosophical issues arising in cognitive science.

Special Topics in Philosophy and Religion

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years).

Directed Individual Study in Philosophy and Religion

Hours and credits to be arranged

Case Studies in Scientific Research Ethics

Practical application of research ethics using case scenarios to direct discussions on data ownership, plagiarism, authorship, conflict of interest, and other regulatory compliance related issues. (Same as CVM 8101)

Special Topics in Philosophy and Religion

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)