Philosophy

Courses

PHL 231: Introduction to Philosophy

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
A course introducing the students to philosophical vocabulary and to major philosophical issues, such as, the nature of reality, the possibilities of human understanding or knowledge, the relation of the mind to physical existence, the difference between right and wrong, the relation between the individual and society, and the existence of God. Spring alternative years.

PHL 232: World Philosophies

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a survey of the world’s major philosophical traditions about reality, time, the universe, the self and its place in nature, society and the universe; the causes of and solutions for human suffering, and the basic constitution of social tradition and process of change. The survey is inclusive of Africa, Native America, Arab, Asian, Egyptian, European, Greek, Indian, Mesopotamian, Persian, Roman, and North American philosophical systems that have shaped various cultures and conceptions of human identity.

PHL 331: Philosophy of Religion

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a study of the concepts and belief systems of religion as well as the prior phenomena of religious experience and the activities of worship and meditation on which these belief systems rest and out of which they have come, including the problems of religious language and the conflicting truth claims of different religions. Spring alternate years.
Prerequisites

PHL 231

PHL 332: American Philosophy

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a study of American philosophy, which is comprised of diverse intellectual traditions. The study is inclusive of Native American wisdom traditions, Puritanism, Enlightenment thought, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, naturalism, classical pragmatism, logical empiricism, realism, analytical philosophy, pragmatism, democratic theory, African American philosophy, feminist philosophy, and post-analytic/ neopragmatist thought. Specific content may vary with each offering of the course.
Prerequisites

PHL 231

PHL 434: Science, Technology and Human Values

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a study of the roots of scientific thought, methodology, demonstration, and the relationship between science, technology and human values. Offered upon request of faculty or students of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Prerequisites

PHL 231, PHL 331

PHL 435: Epistemology/Theories of Knowledge

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a critical survey and analysis of the theory of knowledge as developed by different schools of philosophy from the ancient past to the present. An examination of the relation between epistemology and revelation will be a major focus of the course. Offered as needed.
Prerequisites

PHL 231, PHL 331

PHL 436: Phenomenology/Psychology of Religion

Class Program
Philosophy
Credits 3
This course is a philosophical and psychological study of the mind with an emphasis on making meaning from the way things appear as opposed to how they really are. Attention will be paid to how tolerance of this ambiguity and complexity may positively help shape a person’s experience.
Prerequisites

PHL 231, PHL 331, PSY 230