PL 270 Philosophical Explorations (3.00)
An introductory course in philosophy which acquaints students with the range of questions and issues raised in both the philosophical tradition and contemporary thought. Engages students in a critical analysis and evaluation of different philosophical positions, including their own.
Cross listing(s): PL 270C.
PL 270H Honors Philosophical Explorations (3.00)
An introductory course in philosophy which acquaints students with the range of questions and issues raised in both philosophical tradition and contemporary thought. Engages students in a critical analysis and evaluation of different philosophical positions, including their own. NOTE: Honors Students only.
PL 404 Classical Greek Philosophy (3.00)
Examines the origins of Western philosophical thinking in classical Greece. Traces the beginnings of metaphysical speculation and ethical reflection from the pre-Socrates to Plato and Aristotle.
PL 406 Later Classical Philosophy (3.00)
Explores the movements of philosophy in the post-classical Greek and Roman periods with special emphasis on Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Neo-Platonism.
PL 411 Medieval Philosophy (3.00)
Explores Western philosophy from Augustine to the later Middle Ages.
PL 417 The Emergence of Modernity (3.00)
Examines the significance and implications of the intellectual revolution in 17th century philosophical and scientific thought. Among the thinkers to be discussed may be Descartes, Galileo, Hobbes, Locke, and Newton.
PL 418 The Philosophy of the Enlightenment (3.00)
Explores the development of philosophy in the 18th century, often referred to as the period of Enlightenment. Among thinkers to be discussed may be Hume, Rousseau, and Kant.
PL 419 19th Century Philosophy (3.00)
To what extent is reality, and hence our knowledge of reality, historical? Does history itself have an overall meaning? Explores these questions and others, in term of developments in philosophy during the 19th century. Thinkers discussed may include Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche.
PL 420 Contemporary Currents (3.00)
Summarizes key schools and movements on the contemporary philosophical scene. May emphasize analytic movement, Marxism, phenomenology, and existentialism and post modern movement.
Cross listing(s): HO 438E.
PL 428 20th C Phil:The Phenomenological Trad (3.00)
Traces the evolution of Continental philosophy in from pure phenomenology to existential-phenomenology and more recent developments. Among the thinkers to be discussed may be Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Foucault, and Derrida.
PL 430 The Discourse of Non-Violence (3.00)
The justification of violence on the grounds of its necessity, legitimacy, usefulness, and moral character is contrasted with the alternative discourse of non-violence and its grounds of justification. The role each form of discourse plays in a theory of justice gets attention.
Cross listing(s): PJ 430.
PL 432 Asian Philosophies & Religions (3.00)
Surveys major religious traditions of Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing understanding the world, the human and the Transcendent.
Pre-requisite: RS*200
PL 435E-W Asian Philosophies/Religions: (3.00)
Studies Asian religious traditions and attitudes, ancient and sacred scriptures, key historic figures and contemporary issues. May cover the traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Taoism in more depth.
Pre-requisite: RS*200
Cross listing(s): RC 451E-W.
PL 438 Ethics (3.00)
Questions the foundation of ethical judgment. Examines key responses to this question and explores various issues (e.g. abortion, capital punishment and the socioeconomic order).
PL 440E-W Selected Topics in Metaphysics (3.00)
An in-depth study of a metaphysical topic(s) such as the nature of reality, the make-up of human beings (mind-body problem), notions of truth, the experience of God, etc. or of a prominent metaphysical thinker(s).
PL 441 Theory of Knowledge (3.00)
How does human knowing occur? What is the meaning of "meaning"? What is required for validation? What are the relationships among language, thought and reality? Deals with these questions in such a way as both to provide an historical perspective and to elicit a personal stand.
Pre-requisite: PL*250
PL 442 Philosophy of Science (3.00)
Studies origins, nature and development of scientific knowledge. Includes scientific method and the status of scientific conclusion.
PL 443E-W Philosophy and Religion: (3.00)
Surveys philosophical discussions of religion and religious ideas from both a classical and contemporary perspective.
PL 445 Philosophy of Art (3.00)
Examines the good and the beautiful, the relation of the beautiful to the artistic and the scientific, and the growth of human, moral good.
PL 447 Health Care Ethics (3.00)
Examines ethical dilemmas in health care and the decision making processes involved in clinical, professional and organizational ethics. Explores philosophical and faith-based foundations including Catholic moral tradition, socio-cultural influences, professional codes, organizational and personal ethical norms. Case studies and topics are analyzed to develop competence in moral reflection and ethical decision making with consideration of personal, professional and societal values.
PL 448E-W Special Topics in Ethics: (3.00)
Offers an in-depth study of a particular ethical thinker(s) both classical (e.g., Aristotle or Hume or Kant) and contemporary (e.g., MacIntyre or Nussbaum or Murdoch) or of a particular moral problem (e.g., capital punishment, just war theory, social justice).
PL 450 Political Philosophy (3.00)
Explores basic issues in political philosophy such as the relation of individual and society, freedom and authority and justice and equality.
Cross listing(s): PJ 450.
PL 451 American Political Theory (3.00)
Examines the historical context, religious and secular bases, and contending political and economic theories that underlie a spectrum of American thought. "American" considers inclusively and compares the northern, central and southern America.
Pre-requisite: TAKE POL*281;
Cross listing(s): POL 483 PJ 482F.
PL 452 Philosophy of Law (3.00)
Explores various issues in the philosophy of law, such as the relation of law to morality, the of natural law, and the nature and purpose of human law.
Cross listing(s): CJ 456 CR 456.
PL 454E-W Philosophy and Social Issues: (3.00)
Emphasizes philosophical analysis of contemporary social issues. May includes war and morality, the nature of power and violence, philosophy and feminism, the social construction of human persons, etc.
PL 456E-W Philosophy in Literature: (3.00)
Explores the philosophical themes reflected in literature of specific authors or genres.
PL 457 Topics in Pol Theory: Ancient Thought (3.00)
Provides an intensive examination of the nature and aims of ancient political theory, related historical developments, major political thinkers, and significant topics of ancient western and non-western civilizations.
Pre-requisite: TAKE POL*281;
Cross listing(s): POL 482K PJ 482K.
PL 458 Topics Political Theory: Modern (3.00)
Provides an intensive examination of the nature and aims of modern and post-modern political theory, related historical and contemporary developments, major political thinkers, and significant topics of western and non-western modernity.
Pre-requisite: TAKE PJ*200;
Cross listing(s): POL 482L PJ 482L.
PL 459 Topics in Political Theory: Feminism (3.00)
Provides an intensive examination of the nature and aims of feminist political theory, related historical and contemporary developments, major political thinkers, and significant topics of western and non-western gender in state and social affairs.
Pre-requisite: TAKE POL*281;
Cross listing(s): POL 482M PJ 482M.
PL 460 Critical Thinking (3.00)
Provides a basic logic course aimed at developing the capacity to think clearly and critically; detecting and dealing with fallacious reasoning, unclear or misleading language and manipulative techniques in various forms of human communication.
PL 461 Logic and Intuition (3.00)
Explores and compares the nature and worth of logical and intuitional modes of thinking, and their relationship to life problems.
PL 470 Feminist Theory (3.00)
Focuses on the striking emergence of feminist philosophy in the last half of the twentieth century. Studies the development of this movement, its impact on philosophy, and the changes it portends for future philosophizing. Emphasis may be on different approaches with feminist thinking (e.g., Anglo-American vs. French feminist writers) or on specific issues in feminist thought.
Pre-requisite: TAKE WS*400;
Cross listing(s): WS 470 WGS 470.
PL 486 Phil and Relig Themes in Film (3.00)
Integrates interests in grammar and meaning of film with inquiries into the "big questions" that are abiding concerns of philosophy and religion.
PL 490E-W Independent Study/Philosophy: (1.00 - 3.00)
Provides an opportunity for independent study in an area of philosophical interest.
PL 491E-W Selected Thinkers/Philosophy: (3.00)
Explores selected thinkers from ancient, medieval, modern or contemporary periods of philosophy.
PL 492E-W Selected Themes in Philosophy: (3.00)
Offers an opportunity to explore special topics such as war and peace, human sexuality, creative imagination, technological culture based on historical, literary, religious and philosophical contexts.
PL 494 Philosophical Practicum (3.00)
Students will bring together their heads, their hearts, and their hands. Combines a variety of readings with a student-developed semester long project; projects might include service-learning, an internship, or another type of project that reflects a student's interests.
PL 498E-W Internship in Philosophy: (3.00)
Offers an opportunity to explore philosophy in its practical application to the various working areas or contemporary life and to reflect critically and constructively on the experience.
PL 499 Senior Capstone (3.00)
Critically examines issues that are determined to be most significant in the course of the major's philosophy program. Students may choose either a research track or a track leading to a comprehensive examination.