An investigation of the epistemological questions that scientific change poses, beginning with historical examples, and moving to contemporary science and technology. The resulting insights are used to consider the ethical impact of science. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusion: AK/PHIL 2430 3.00.
An introduction to philosophy focusing upon traditional and contemporary views of human nature. The course focuses on the question of whether we are basically good or evil, rational or irrational, free or unfree, altruistic or egoistic. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2420 3.00.
An examination of some conceptual and normative questions about gender and the nature, forms and regulation of human sexuality.Course credit exclusions: None.Prior TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2250 3.00.
An introduction to metaphysical theories about the relationship between the mind and the body. We examine Descartes' mind-body dualism as well as 20th century theories including: behaviourism, the identity theory, machine and causal functionalism, instrumentalism, eliminativism, and emergentism.Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AS/PHIL 2240 3.00, AK/PHIL 2240 3.00.
A systematic study of practical argument, formal and informal fallacies, and the relationship between arguing well and winning an argument. Methods of identifying and undermining specious arguments will be explored as well as the question of when argument becomes propaganda.Course credit exclusion: AP/MODR 1770 6.00.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/MODR 1770 6.00, AK/MODR […]
An investigation of different concepts of freedom, and how they relate to arguments for free will and determinism, the adjudication of people's responsibility for their actions, the justification of punishment and some related moral problems.Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/PHIL 2170 3.00, AS/PHIL 2170 3.00.
An introduction to the study of human cognition and the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science. Questions covered include: What is artificial intelligence? Is it possible that we will someday build computers that think? Does language affect thought? Do we think in language or pictures? How is conscious experience related to the brain?Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR […]
An introduction to the philosophy of education, focusing on both traditional and contemporary theorists. Questions explored include how philosophies of education reflect theories of human nature, what counts as knowledge and who decides, whose interests education should serve, and what is required for education to be successful.Course credit exclusions: None.
Is truth relevant to art? What connections are there between art and morality? Are aesthetic judgments purely subjective or is there an objective basis for them? What is the artist's role in society?Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2130 3.00.
An introduction to some central themes of existentialism such as the individual, being, the absurd, freedom, moral choice. These themes are explored in the work of philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, Sartre, de Beauvoir.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/PHIL 2120 3.00, AS/PHIL 2120 3.00.