Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics

Introduction to critical thinking through inquiry into fundamental aspects of philosophy; methods of critical analysis applied to selected ethical, religious, and metaphysical problems. This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Understanding the Individual and Society.

Critical examination of main procedures for making moral decisions. Application of ethical ideas to contemporary moral issues. This course satisfies the proficiency requirement for Ethical Reasoning in the disciplines.This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Understanding the Individual and Society.

Examination of the development of philosophical ideas from 5th century B.C. through Middle Ages; emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Interpreting Texts.

Development of philosophical ideas as seen in writings of selected thinkers from Renaissance through 19th century. Hobbes, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, and Hegel.This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Interpreting Texts.

Analysis of the philosophical issues that arise in sport, investigation of the function and value of sport in society, and consideration of ethical dilemmas arising from participation in sport. This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Interpreting Texts.

An examination of ethical questions related to medicine and biomedical research. Special emphasis on patient autonomy, informed consent, medical paternalism, research on animals and human subjects, and allocation of scarce medical resources. This course satisfies the proficiency requirements for Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning in the disciplines.

This course explores a variety of ethical questions regarding the environment and our relationship to it, including but not limited to what obligations we have to animals and wildlife, how those obligations weigh in designing policy, what individual decisions we ought to make regarding our interaction with the environment, and what obligations we have to future generations. This course satisfies the proficiency requirement for Ethical Reasoning and Quantitative Literacy in the disciplines.

Introduction to techniques of sound reasoning in written and verbal communication. Formulation and testing of arguments; means of identifying and correcting fallacious reasoning. Practical applications. This course satisfies the proficiency requirements for Critical Thinking and Oral Communication in the disciplines.

Major works from the history of political philosophy with emphasis on the development of major ideas in political philosophy, debates between major thinkers, and the relevance of great works of political philosophy to human self-understanding and major political issues of our time. This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Interpreting Texts.

The development of philosophy in the 20th century; logical positivism, ordinary language analysis, existentialism, pragmatism, and process philosophy.

Examination of contemporary issues in philosophy of art: definition of a work of art, the nature of aesthetic experience, standards of aesthetic evaluation. Application to painting, sculpture, music composition and performance, drama, acting, film, and dance.

Critical examination of philosophical problems of religion: nature of religion, religious experience, theistic proofs,religious knowledge, religious language, alternative views of God, problem of evil, relation of religion and value experience.

Examination of contemporary political philosophy and its application to key questions of justice in contemporary political life. This course satisfies the Modes of Inquiry requirement for Understanding the Individual and Society.

Selected topics in philosophy chosen by the instructor in response to student interests.

Intensive study of a selected philosophical topic.

Advanced independent research in a specific area of philosophy, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Individually-designed reading and research program, developed in consultation with faculty in the department, requiring the senior philosophy major to apply acquired analytical skills in attempting to solve a particular philosophical problem.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Advanced study of selected topics in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics, including team-teaching and student presentations of senior projects. Open to senior PPE majors or by permission of instructors.