Lower Division Philosphy
10 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
A basic orientation course treating the principal problems of philosophy, such as knowledge, human nature, values, nature, God, etc. A historical approach may also be used as a means of further clarification of the topics being discussed. (Every semester)
11 Philosophy of Human Nature (3)
A study of the basic activities, powers, and human nature. Topics may include consciousness, freedom, habits, body, and emotions.
12 Philosophy and Literature (3)
An examination of the philosophical implications and themes contained in various works and genres of fiction. Questions such as free-will/determinism, love, justice, death, and the meaning of life, the best (or worst) of all possible worlds, the religious dimension of life, and the role of the writer or intellectual in society will be discussed.
14 Philosophy and Technology (3)
Technology is the art of rational problem-solving. Philosophy is the art of asking questions. The questions we shall raise include: What is science? When are scientific claims true? Is science relevant to art, religion, or everyday experience? Can we trust applied science (technology) to make life easier or less dangerous? In a nuclear era, is technology itself the problem? Is "alternative technology" an alternative? Does our survival depend on technology or its absence? Readings from classical and contemporary sources.
70 History of Ancient Philosophy (3)
Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratics through Plato, Aristotle, and later Hellenistic thought culminating in Plotinus. Requires Philosophy major or minor, or Sophomore standing.
71 History of Medieval Philosophy (3)
Origins of the medieval period; St. Augustine, St. Anslem, Abelard, scholasticism in the 13th century, St. Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and the end of the medieval era as represented by Occam and the growth of nominalism. Requires Philosophy major or minor, or Sophomore standing.
72 History of Classical Modern Philosophy (3)
An introduction to the development of European philosophy from the 16th to the 19th century, with an emphasis on Continental Rationalism, British Empiricism, and German Idealism. Requires Philosophy major or minor, or Sophomore standing.
73 Twentieth Century Analytical Philosophy (3)
An introduction to the main currents of late 19th and 20th century Anglo-American philosophy, including such movements as logical positivism and linguistic analysis and recent issues such as the analytic-synthetic distinction, ontological relativity, and theories of meaning. Requires Philosophy major or minor, or Sophomore standing.
74 Twentieth Century Continental Philosophy (3)
An introduction to the main currents of late 19th and 20th century continental thought, including Marxism, phenomenology, existentialism, critical theory, structuralism, and recent developments such as poststructuralism, semiotics and deconstructionism. Requires Philosophy major or minor, or Sophomore standing.
An examination of the major traditions, systems and schools in India, China, and Japan. Readings from classical and modern texts. Cultural sources of philosophic beliefs. Comparisons between Eastern and Western thought.
A survey extending from the Colonial Period through the end of World War II. Emphasis on such topics as the Puritan controversy over predestination, the impact of Darwin, the advent of pragmatism, the ending of the "GOLDEN Age." Authors to be studied include Edwards, Emerson, Wright, Peirce, James, Royce, Dewey, and Santayana.