PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy (4)
An examination of the major figures, subfields, topics, and questions of western philosophy. The emergence of philosophy in Ancient Greece is almost synonymous with the emergence of Western Civilization. Furthermore, many developments in Western civilization have been founded on and/or enabled by developments in philosophy. This course will explore the major figures and issues of western philosophy. It will survey the major subfields of philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics) by examining their historical and intellectual development. In addition, philosophical figures and issues will be introduced by discussing their place within the larger historical context of Western Civilization. Finally, developments in western philosophy will be related to developments in non-western philosophy. Topics might include: knowledge and certainty, the mind/body problem, reality and being, the existence of God, freedom and determinism, the notion of the self, the good, justice, the state, beauty, and the nature of art. Meets General Education Western Civilization requirements.
PHI 120 Introduction to Asian Philosophy (4)
An examination of the major traditions, foundational texts, and key figures in Asian philosophy. The practice and concept of philosophy in a non-western context will be explored, and fundamental ontological, epistemological, ethical, and political questions will be addressed. Geographic regions to be discussed include India, China, and Japan, and traditions to be studied could include Vedanta, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Moism, Legalism, and Zen. Meets General Education Other World Civilizations requirement.
PHI 130 World Religions (4)
An examination of the origins, philosophies and development of the major religions of the world. Ways of knowing other than western, science-oriented ones will be explored, and a fundamental knowledge of religious answers to questions about ultimate meaning will be pursued. Religions to be studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. Meets new General Education Other World Civilizations requirement.
PHI 201 Ethical Theories and Problems (4)
An examination of the major ethical theories and contemporary ethical problems of western philosophy. The basics of moral reasoning will be discussed, and both classic and modern ethical theories will be studies. Ethical theories to be examined could include Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, Deontology, Moral Sentiment, Contractarianism, Existentialism, and Feminism, and these ethical theories will be applied to ethical problems, which could include abortion, euthanasia, famine, torture, capital punishment, terrorism, etc. Meets General Education Humanities requirement.
PHI 350 Technology and Ethics (4)
Traditional ethical theory and the problems in applying theory to contemporary technological situations. Ethics in communication receives special emphasis. Meets new General Education Humanities requirement.
PHI 360 Environmental Philosophy and Technology (4)
An examination of the complex role that technology plays in philosophical and ethical questions concerning the natural environment. While technology promises numerous solutions to the current environmental crisis (e.g., clean energy, geoengineering, bioremediation, etc.), it also undeniably contributes to the destruction of the environment (e.g., global warming, species extinction, pollution, etc.) This course will explore the ethical and philosophical issues that emerge from the intersection of technology and the natural environment. It will also examine the influence that technology’s impact on the environment has on human society. Topics may include: anthropocentrism vs. ecocentrism, genetically modified organisms, animal rights, resource inequality, subsistence vs. luxury emissions, asymmetrical distribution of the effects of global warming, geoengineering, and ecological restoration. Meets new General Education Humanities requirement.
PHI 361 Climate Change Ethics (4)
An examination of some of the most pressing and complex ethical issues raised by climate change. Topics could include: climate policy; climate justice; differing levels of responsibility (global, national, regional, local, individual); economic responsibility; intergenerational obligation; resource inequality; inequalities created by differing geographic impacts of climate change; subsistence vs. luxury desires; geoengineering. Meets General Education Humanities Requirement.