There are diverse views on how to improve one's understanding of research, even in the case of established natural or social sciences. This course investigates theories of scientific methodology that illustrate the conflict between truth and superstition.Course credit exclusion: AP/PHIL 2110 3.00 (prior to Fall 2012).PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2110 3.00.
Logic, in the philosophical tradition, is the study of what makes arguments valid. That is, it aims to distinguish correct reasoning from faulty reasoning. This course presents the basic elements of modern symbolic logic for the beginning student.Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 2640 6.00, GL/PHIL 2690 3.00.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/PHIL 2100 3.00 […]
Does God exist? Can religious belief be explained away? What is the relationship between faith and reason? Through a selection of classic readings, this course provides a survey of some central topics in the philosophy of religion.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2090 3.00.
An introduction to philosophical discussion about what exists, and how the most basic things interact with each other (the subject of metaphysics), and what we can truly know about such things (the subject of epistemology).Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2080 3.00.
An introduction to ethics focusing on the application of ethical theories to controversial public issues such as abortion, affirmative action and euthanasia, among others.Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 2615 3.00.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2075 3.00, AS/PHIL 2071 3.00 (prior to Summer 2006).
A basic introduction both to the major ethical theories in Western thought and to some basic metaethical questions concerning the possibility of moral truth.Course credit exclusion: AP/MODR 1760 6.00.Prior TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2070 3.00, AK/MODR 1760 6.00, and AS/PHIL 2071 3.00 (prior to Summer 2006).A basic introduction both to the major […]
An introduction to philosophy focusing on problems concerning the nature of society, the nature of the state, justice and human rights, freedom and censorship, etc.Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 2923 3.00.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 2060 3.00, AK/PHIL 2440 3.00.
What is law and what is a legal system? Is there anything special about judicial reasoning? What is the relationship between law and morality? What justifies the use of law? What, if anything, justifies punishing those who break the law?Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 2925 3.00.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/PHIL 3530 6.00 (prior […]
An introduction to some of the key figures, seminal texts, and main themes of Islamic philosophy in the classical period. Authors may include: al-Farabi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd (Averroes).Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusion: AS/PHIL 2550 3.00.
An introduction to the major philosophical traditions of India and China.Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusion: AS/PHIL 2035 3.00.