This course introduces Philosophy by examining some of its major areas, including Metaphysics (theories concerning the nature of reality), Epistemology (theories concerning the nature of human knowledge). Ethics (theories of morality) and Logic.

3 Class Hours

Relation of religion and philosophy and an investigation of different concepts of God. Analysis of religions types and experiences, different attempts to justify religious beliefs. Investigation of the logic of religious experience through an analysis of the leading ideas in the philosophy of religion both as an historical and contemporary phenomenon.

3 Class Hours

To improve the student's ability in reasoning. Concentration on qualifications, symbols, ambiguity, analysis and semantics.

3 Class Hours

Main classical and modern ethical theories, including such theorists as Plato, Aristotle, Mill, Kant, Moore. Comparison and contrast of normative and meta-ethical theories, the good life and how one should act, the meaning of moral judgments and the criteria of validity, justification of moral beliefs and the ground of moral responsibility.

3 Class Hours

Analysis and practical application of the elements of logic as they apply to thinking on both a linguistic and formal level. Forms of argument, informal and formal fallacies, significance of the emotions on decision making, inductive and deductive processes. Symbolizing arguments and formal proofs of validity.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: Any Philosophy (PHI) course or MAT 136.

Educational problems which can be illuminated through philosophical perspectives: educational aims, conceptions of learning, nature of knowledge, ethics of teaching, theories of moral education, school and society, equal educational opportunity, freedom and authority, and curriculum. Philosophical background to educational policy issues of special interest to prospective teachers, but also to individuals (citizens) concerned about public schools

3 Class Hours

A philosophical study of the social/political organization of society through an examination of such topics as justice, authority, leadership, individual rights, and of the relationship between the state and various social institutions, such as family, business, church, and education.

3 Class Hours

Examines the nature of law, its connection to morality, and its inherent logic. Consideration will be given to the special problems that arise in legal theory: what is the nature of contract? What are the origins of legal rights? How should laws be interpreted, especially organic law? Do citizens have an obligation to obey the laws, and if so, why? Is there such a thing as international law, or is it a fiction? What is the rationale of punishment? Is the goal of law the establishment of order or social justices. All of the traditional schools of legal philosophy will be examined.

3 Class Hours

An individual student project concerned with advanced work in a specific area of philosophy. Conducted under the direction of a faculty member, the independent study is concerned with material beyond the scope and depth of ordinary course.

Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of college level work in philosophy.