The letter tag on some course numbers indicates which D.E.C. category
the course satisfies. A course without a letter tag does not satisfy any
D.E.C. category.
For details on staffing, specific content, and reading lists, the student
should consult schedules posted by the Philosophy Department before registration
each semester.
Lower-Division Courses
These introductory courses offer the student various approaches to the nature and variety of philosophical inquiry.
PHI 100-B Concepts of the Person(II)
An historical introduction to philosophy through readings and discussion
on topics such as human identity, human understanding, and human values.
Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 103-B Philosophic Problems (II)
An introduction to philosophy through the consideration of a number of
problems or topic areas of philosophy such, as the nature of existence,
mind, knowledge, freedom of the will, and ethical and aesthetic values.
May not be taken for credit in addition to PHI 150. Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 104-B Moral Reasoning (II)
An historical introduction to philosophy through inquiry into the formation,
justification, and evaluation of moral judgments. Students are introduced
to the major theories and problems of ethics, such as utilitarianism, Kant's
categorical imperative, ethical relativism, egoism, and classical conceptions
of the good and virtue. Against this background students engage in discussions
of contemporary and moral issues. Fall an spring, 3 credits
PHI 105-G Politics and Society (II)
An historical introduction to philosophy through an analysis of political
theories, theories of action, and styles of political life. Main themes
include the relation of the individual to the state, the scope of social
responsibility, and the nature of human freedom. Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 108-B Logical and Critical Reasoning (II)
The principal aim of this course is to help a student acquire the skill
os thinking, reading, and writing critically. The student develops a sensitivity
to language and argumentation that is applicable to a wide range of situations
and subject matters. Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 109-B Literature and Human Life (III)
A survey in translation of major authors and works of Western or non-Western
cultures focused around such problems as the self and moral values. Fall
or spring, 3 credits
PHI 110-B Arts and Ideas (III)
An introduction to the historical and comparative study of the various
arts in relation to the philosophical ideas that prevailed at the same
time. At least four significantly different historical periods of intense
creative activity-such as ancient Greece, the Renaissance, the l8th or
l9th century in the West, ancient China, T'ang or sung dynasty china, Heian
or Muromachi period Japan, and the contemporary age - are studied in terms
of the interconnections between philosophical theorizing and artistic practice.
Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 111-B Introduction to Eastern Philosophy (I)
A study of different systems of Eastern philosophy and of the main
classical texts drawn from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Neo-Confucianism.
Efforts are made to recover the different modes of knowledge, language,
identification, and liberation dealt with in these texts. Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 150-G Honors Introduction to Philosophy (I,II, III)
An introduction to philosophy through one of the following approach:
(1) the study of a basic philosophical problem, e.g., the mind-body problem
or the limits of human knowledge; (2) the application of philosophical
analysis to some phenomenon of contemporary life, e.g., technology; or
(3) the study of philosophy's relation to another discipline, e.g., science
or history. May not be taken for credit in addition to PHI 103. Prerequisite:
Permission of department; priority given to Honors college and Honors Program
students, Presidential Scholars, and Freshman Scholars Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 200-G Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (I)
Readings and discussion of the major Greek and Roman thinkers, e.g., the
pre- Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and Poltinus. Prerequisite:
Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 204-G Introduction to Medieval Philosophy (I)
Readings and discussion of the major thinkers of the medieval period,
e.g., Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Aberlard, Maimonides, Aquinas, and Nicholas
of Cusa. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy.
Fall or spring, 3 credits.
PHI 206-G Introduction to Modern Philosophy (l7th-and-18th Century)
(I)
Readings and discussion of the major thinkers of the l7th and l8th centuries,
e.g., Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 208-G Introduction to l9th Century Philosophy (I)
Readings and discussion of the major thinkers of the l9th century Europe,
e.g., Kant, Hegel, Comte, Marx, Mill, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. Prerequisite:
Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 220-C Introduction to Symbolic Logic (II)
This first course in logic emphasizes the development of systematic
techniques for assessing the validity of arguments: truth tables and truth
values analysis, Venn diagrams, elementary quantification theory, and deduction
in both the propositional calculus and quantification theory. Prerequisites:
Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy; satisfaction of entry skill
in mathematics requirements Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 230-H-The Nature and Practice of Science(III)
An examination of the scientific experience. a particular scientific
discovery, such a nuclear fission and its exploitation, is followed from
its origins in order to explore the influences of historical, social, technological,
and philosophical forces on science. The nature of discovery; the interplay
between experiment and theory; technology and the environment; paradigm
shifts; science and gender; the difference between fraud and error; and
self-discovery are considered. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or one
course in philosophy; on D.E.C. category E course. Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 247-G Existentialism (I)
Readings in existential philosophy and literature with special emphasis
on such themes as alienation, anxiety, nihilism, absurdity, the self, value,
death, and immediacy. Existentialist categories are used to interpret contemporary
lifestyles and culture. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; one course in
philosophy; PHI 100 recommended Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 249-G Marxism (I)
A study of Marxism as a philosophical system. Topics include the development
of Marxism out of German idealism; the contributions of Marxism to political
and social philosophy; and the influence of Marx on subsequent thinkers,
e.g., Althusser, Habermas, Foucault, and Derrida. Prerequisites: Sophomore
standing; one course in philosophy; PHI 105 recommended Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 264-D Philosophy and the Arts (III)
A study of the arts focusing on the nature of the creative process,
methods of interpretation, essential differences among the various arts,
and the relation of performance to text. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
or one PHI or ARH or MUS or THR course Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 277-G Political Philosophy (II)
An inquiry into the function of philosophical principles in political
thought and action, with readings drawn from such authors as Plato Aristotle
Machiavelli, Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Hegel,Mill, and Dewey Prerequisite:
Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy; PHI 105 recommended Fall
or spring, 3 credits
PHI 284-G Introduction to Feminist Theory (III)
The social construction of gender and how this construction affects
philosophical thought and practice. The course provides an introductory
survey of current feminist issues and analyses. It also examines the meaning
of feminism for philosophy-- the effect of introducing a political analysis
of gender into a discipline that is supposedly universal and neutral. Crosslisted
with WNH 284. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or one course in philosophy
or women's studies Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 285-G The Uses of Philosophy (III)
Introductory study of the bearing of philosophic considerations on
the special arts and sciences,. May be repeated as the topic varies. Prerequisite:
sophomore standing or one course in philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
Upper-Division Courses
PHI 300-I Ancient Philosophy (I)
Advanced studies in selected Greek thinkers from Thales to Aristotle.
Prerequisites: Three courses in philosophy; PHI 200, 204, 206, or 208 recommended
Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 304-I Medieval Philosophy (I)
Study of the writings of major thinkers from Augustine to William of Ocham.
Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy; PHI 200 or 204 recommended Fall
or spring, 3 credits (not offered in 1996-97)
PHI 306-I Modern Philosophy (I)
Advanced studies in selected thinkers such a Descartes, Vico,, Spinoza,
Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. Prerequisites: Three courses in philosophy;
PHI 200,204,206,208,247, or 300 recommended Fall and spring, 3 credits
Philosophy - PHI 308-I l9th Century Philosophy (I)
Study of major figure in 19th century thought, such as Hegel, Schopenhauer,
Marx, Mill, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Spencer and Comte. Prerequisites: Two
courses in philosophy; PHI 200,204,206,208,300, or 306 recommended Fall
and spring, 3 credits
PHI 310-K American Philosophy (I)
A study of selected major figures in the American tradition, e.g.,
Jefferson, Emerson, Edwards, James, Peirce, Dewey, Whitehead, and Santayana
Prerequisites: Two courses i philosophy; PHI 200, 204, 206, 208, 247, 300,
306, or 308 recommended; completion of D.E.C. categories I and J strongly
recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 312-I Topics in Contemporary European Thought (I)
Topics in major developments in contemporary European philosophy. Consult
departmental brochure as topic changes. May be repeated for credit as the
topic varies. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy; PHI 206, 208, 300,
304, 306, or 310 recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 320-G Metaphysics (II)
An inquiry into the first principals of all science, art, and action
as these are treated by representative classical and modern authors. Prerequisites:
Two courses i philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 323-G Philosophy of Perception (II)
An inquiry into the philosophical and methodological problems pertaining
to sensing, perceiving, and observing the world. Major theories of classical
and modern authors are considered. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy;
PSY 103 or 104 recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 325-G Contemporary Philosophies of Languages (II)
A discussion of current topic in the philosophy of language, semiotic,
and literary theory. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 330-C Advanced Symbolic Logic (II)
A study of such topics as a natural deduction system of quanitification
theory including consistency and completeness, and decidability, elementary
modal logic; and introductory set theory. prerequisite: PHI 220 Fall or
spring, 3 credits
PHI 332-G Theories of Knowledge (II)
A study of a variety of conceptions of the structure and content of
knowledge as found in classical and contemporary epistemologies. Fundamental
methods and principles of philosophical inquiry are applied to questions
about the ways in which concepts and theories are generated in the physical
and social sciences and to questions about knowledge of what is of value,
knowledge in philosophy, and knowledge in the arts. Prerequisites: Two
courses in philosophy, PSY 103 or 104 recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 335-G Philosophy of Time (II)
An inquiry into the nature of time as it is treated by philosophers of
classical and modern times. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy; one
course in physics Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 336-G Philosophy of Religion (II)
A philosophical analysis of basic concepts, principles, and problems
of religious thought. Topics may include faith and knowledge, religion
and morality, divine attributes, arguments for and against the existence
of God, and the problem of evil. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy;
one course in religious studies Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 342-J History of Chinese Philosophy (I)
Readings in translation of the major texts of Chinese philosophy, including
classical Confucianism and Taoism; Han dynasty developments of Confucianism
and Taoism; the skepticism of Wang Ch'ung; the schools of Chinese Buddhism;
Sung and Ming dynasty Neo- Confucianism. Prerequisites: PHI 111 or RLS
240 or 246 or 260; one other course in philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 344-Japanese Thought and Philosophy (I)
An examination of major texts in Japan's religious, poetic-artistic,
and philosophical traditions down to modern times. Topics may include Tendai,
Shignon, Pure Land, and Zen Buddhism; the cultural forms of Shinto religiousity,
aesthetic concepts such as miyabi; Tokugawa Neo- Confucianism and its impact
on modern Japan; philosophical aspects of the modern Japanese novel; the
Kyoto school of Buddhism. Prerequisites: PHI 111 or RLS 240 or 246 or 260;
one other course in philosophy Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 347-G Hermeneutics and Deconstruction (II)
An exploration of the major assumptions, commitments, methods, and
strategies of hermeneutics and deconstruction. The course examines how
these two recent schools of thought have developed out of the contemporary
philosophical scene and how they have had such a significant impact on
literary theory, art criticism, text theory, social theory, and the history
of philosophy. Readings include selections from the writing of Heidegger,
Gadamer, Jauss, Riccoeur, Derrida, Kristeva, Lyotard, Kofman, Irigaray,
and others. Prerequisite: Two course in philosophy Spring, 3 credits
PHI 355-G Philosophy of Mind (II)
Analysis of the major problems in the philosophy of mind, e.g., the
mind-body problem, the problem of identity through time, the relation between
thoughts and sensations, the problem of the knowledge of other minds. Prerequisites:
Two courses in philosophy Spring, 3 credits
PHI 360-G Philosophy of Education (III)
An inquiry into the function of philosophic principles in educational
theories and institutions. The inquiry centers on the purposes of knowledge
and education, the relations among the sciences and their organization
into curricula, and the ways knowledge is acquired and transmitted. Prerequisites:
Two courses in philosophy; or one course in philosophy and one course related
to education Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 363-G Philosophy of the Social Sciences (III)
A study of the philosophical foundations of the social sciences, applying
principles and methods of philosophical analysis to questions concerning
the structures of social reality, the methodological and epistemological
status of the social sciences, and the criteria for evidence and theory
formation in the social sciences. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy;
two D.E.C. category F courses Fall or spring 3 credits (not offered in
l-97)
PHI 354-H Philosophy of Technology (III)
A systematic study of the interrelations of human beings and their social
institutions with the surrounding world of nature and of technological
artifacts. The impact of technological culture on human beliefs and perceptions
of the world is explored. This course is interdisciplinary in scope, with
readings from philosophy, anthropology, literature, history, environmental
studies, and other areas where technology is of concern: Prerequisites:
One course in philosophy; two D.E.C. category E courses Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI-366-G Philosophy and the Environment (III)
Philosophical aspects of how human beings relate to the natural world.
Close consideration is given to the meaning and scope of basic terms such
as "nature," "the earth," "the atmosphere."
"wilderness." Also to be examined are philosophical issues in
ecology, e.g., those raised by the contemporary movements of deep ecology
(which investigates non- anthropocentric values inherent in nature) and
ecological feminism (which explores parallels between misogyny and the
exploitation of natural resources). Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy;
or one course in philosophy and two D.E.C. category E courses Fall or spring,
3 credits
PHI 368-H Philosophy of Science (III)
A course in the philosophy of science using both historical and contemporary
materials. Methodological issues discussed include scientific explanation
and prediction, the structure of theories, the nature of scientific revolutions,
and the role of laws in science. Philosophic problems in understanding
specific sciences and their relation to each other are also considered,
as are their relations to other areas of philosophic concern, such as metaphysics.
Prerequisites: One course in philosophy; two D.E.C. category E courses
Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 369 Philosophy of Mathematics (III)
An investigation of philosophical issues that arise in mathematics.
Topics include foundational issues within mathematics (logicism, formalism,
institutionalism, and Platoism, as well as recent theories of mathematical
naturalism); the nature and existence of mathematical objects; the nature
of mathematical truth; the concept of set; reinterpretations of the history
of mathematics. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy; one D.E.C. category
C course Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 370-G Philosophical Psychology (III)
An examination of traditional philosophic theories concerning the nature
of a person and their connection to such theories in psychology as psychoanalysis,
medical models of mental illness and theories of behavior modification.
Prerequisites: Two philosophy courses; PSY 103 or 104 recommended Fall
or spring, 3 credits
PHI 372-G Ethical Inquiry (II)
An intensive study of the methodological principles governing the formation
of ethical theories and ethical judgments through an investigation of selected
ethical problems. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy; PHI 104 recommended
Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 374-G Philosophy in Relation to Other Disciplines (III)
The study of philosophy as it affects and is affected by other disciplines
such as anthropology, science, sociology,the history of ideas, theology,
and psychology. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy Schedule to be
announced, 3 credits
PHI 375-G Philosophy of Law (III)
An examination of the concept of law and the nature of legal reasoning.
The course explores the relationship of law to other central philosophical
and social idea such as freedom, rights, morality, authority, welfare,
property, justice, equality, and constitutionalism. Prerequisites: Two
courses in philosophy, or one course in philosophy and one course acceptable
for socio- legal studies minor Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 376-G Philosophy and Medicine (III)
An investigation of the role that philosophical concepts play in medical
thinking and practice. The course focusses on the philosophical foundations
of concepts of health and disease; concepts of right, responsibility, and
justice relevant to medical practice; promise-keeping and truth- telling
in the doctor-patient relationship, and specific moral problems that arise
in medical practice. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy; HIS 237 or
238 or SOC/HMC 200 or HMC 331 also recommended Fall or spring, 3credits
PHI 377-contemporary Political Philosophy (III)
A critical examination of selected issues in contemporary political
philosophy, for example, the nature and justification of basic rights,
the legitimation of political authority, and the various relations between
ideals of social justice and democratic rule. Readings represent contemporary
views such as libertarianism, liberalism, socialism, communitarianism,
and feminism, and include selections by authors such as Rawls., Nozick,
Dworkin, Walzer, Habermans, and Pateman. Crosslisted with POL 377. Prerequisites:
Two courses in philosophy; PHI 105, 277, or 375 recommended; a 300 level
political science course is also recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 380-G Literature and Philosophy (III)
An intensive study of the methods and principles of the philosophical
analysis of literature and the relations between literature and philosophy.
Primary texts are selected to demonstrate the precise nature of the relationship.
Topics vary from term to term. prerequisites: One philosophy course; one
literature course; PHI 109 or 110 recommended Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 381-G Aesthetics (II)
An intensive study of methods and principles specific to the philosophical
analysis of art through selected classical texts in aesthetics (e.g., Plato's
Phaedrus, Aristotle's Poetics, Kant's Critique of Judgment, and Nietzsche's
The Birth of Tragedy.) Discussions focus on such problems as the ontology
of the work of art, its epistemological significance, the relation between
fact and fiction, criteria of interpretation, or the political import of
art. Readings in the classical texts may be supplemented by selections
from contemporary authors. Prerequisites: Two courses in philosophy; one
D.E.C. category D course Fall or spring, 3 credits
PHI 384-G Advanced Topics in Feminist Philosophy (III)
An intensive philosophical study of selected topics of feminist concern.
Topics are selected to further the understanding of what effect feminism
has upon the traditional tenets of philosophy, such as universality and
truth, as well as providing a detailed understanding of particular feminist
theories. Crosslisted with WNH 384. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy;
one course in women's studies; PHI/WNH 284 and one other course in women's
studies recommended Schedule to be announced, 3 credits
PHI 391-G, 392-G Individual Systems of the Great Philosophers (I)
A detailed study of the works of a single great philosopher May be
repeated s the topic varies. Prerequisite: PHI 300 or 304 or 306 or 308
or 310 or 312 Schedule to be announced, 3 credits each semester
PHI 393-G Analysis of Philosophic Texts (I)
Detailed analysis of a major philosophic text. May be repeated as the topic
varies. Prerequisite: PHI 300 or 304 or 306 or 308 or 310 or 312 Fall or
spring, 3 credits
PHI 420 Advanced Topics in Philosophy (I, II, III)
An advanced course treating a specialized issue or topic in philosophy
or in philosophy and another discipline. The content of the course is announced
before the start of the term. May be repeated as the topic varies. Prerequisites:
Senior major standing or five courses in philosophy Schedule to be announced,
3 credits
PHI 435-Senior Seminar
An intensive study of an issue, topic, figure, or historical period in
philosophy intended to provide both a culminating experience and final
integration for senior philosophy majors. This seminar emphasizes careful
reading rigorous discussion, and extensive writing at an advanced level.
The content of the seminar is announced before the start of the term, and
students are consulted on the content as it proceeds. Prerequisites: Senior
major standing; six courses in philosophy; satisfaction of upper- division
wilting requirement Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 475 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Each student works with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the
faculty member's regularly scheduled courses. The student attends all the
classes and receives regularly scheduled supervision from the faculty member.
Responsibilities may include conducting periodic recitations to supplement
a lecture course, preparation of materials used for class discussion, and
helping students with study problems and research papers Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
grading only. Prerequisites: Prior preparation in subject field; permission
of instructor and director of undergraduate studies. Fall and spring, 3
credits
PHI 476 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
A continuation on a more advanced level of training in the techniques of
organization and management in the teaching of Philosophy courses. Students
assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and
analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. Prerequisites:
Prior preparation in the subject field; permission of instructor and director
of undergraduate studies. Fall and spring, 3 credits
PHI 487 Readings and Research in Philosophy (II)
Advanced-level inquiry with individualized instruction is a particular
area or problem of philosophy. Consult undergraduate advisor for specific
details. May be repeated. Prerequisites: senior major standing; permission
of department. Fall and spring, 1 to 6 credits
PHI 489 Readings and Research in the History of Philosophy (I)
Advanced-level inquiry with individualized instruction in the great philosophies
of the past. Consult undergraduate advisor for specific details May be
repeated. Prerequisites: Senior major standing; permission of department
Fall and Spring, 1 to 6 credits
PHI 490 Readings and Research in the Philosophical Investigation
of Other Disciplines (III)
Advanced-level inquiry with individualized instruction in the application
of philosophical tools to a topic within another academic discipline. Consult
undergraduate advisor for specific details. May be repeated. Prerequisites:
Senior major standing; permission of department Fall and spring, 1 to 6
credits