This course provides an introduction to basic notions of the philosophy of language. Questions to be discussed may include: How is communication in language possible? What is a language? What makes words and phrases meaningful? What is truth?Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2080 3.00 or AP/PHIL 2100 3.00 or AP/PHIL 2240 3.00. Course credit exclusion: GL/PHIL 3910 3.00.PRIOR […]
An exploration of a range of philosophical questions raised by the practice of legal punishment, including: What justifies imposing punishment upon those who break the law? What assumptions about the responsibility of individuals are implicit in our punishment practices?Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2050 6.00. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Prerequisite: AK/AS/PHIL 2050 6.00. Course credit […]
An exploration of philosophical issues in constitutional law. Among the topics covered are: the nature of constitutions; the value of written constitutions; theories of constitutional interpretation; judicial review and judicial activism; constitutional rights.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2050 6.00. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Prerequisite: AK/AS/PHIL 2050 6.00. Course credit exclusion: AS/PHIL 3190 3.00.
An examination of the development of African philosophy in the 20th century focusing on the debates among African philosophers regarding the nature of philosophical problems. The course studies the emergence of various schools of thought in ethics, epistemology and ontology.Prerequisite: At least six credits in philosophy. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit […]
An examination and critique of the history, fundamental assumptions and methodologies of science. Topics to be discussed may include the nature of scientific theories, the problem of induction, theories of probability, and the demarcation and growth of scientific knowledge.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2110 3.00 or at least six credits in philosophy. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL […]
A critical examination of the philosophic writings of the later Wittgenstein focusing on his most crucial work, The Philosophical Investigations.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2080 3.00 or AP/PHIL 2100 3.00 or AP/PHIL 2240 3.00. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/PHIL 3145 3.00 (prior to Summer 2007), AS/PHIL 3145 3.00.
An examination of Bertrand Russell's extensive contribution to philosophy along with that of the early Wittgenstein and the Vienna Circle Positivists such as Carnap, Schlick and Ayer.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2100 3.00 or at least six credits in philosophy.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 3140 3.00.
The views of such recent philosophers as Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, and de Beauvoir have had a great impact on contemporary society. This course explores their views on self, freedom, action and personal relations.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2120 3.0. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 3125 3.00.
A detailed study of the early existentialist thinkers such as Pascal and Kierkegaard. Emphasis will be on their views concerning knowledge and faith, God and humankind, freedom and self-deception.Prerequisite: AP/PHIL 2120 3.0. Course credit exclusions: None.PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/AS/PHIL 3120 3.00.
An exploration of major topics in political philosophy, such as the authority of the state, the justification of private property, the nature of rights, theories of justice, and political equality.Prerequisite: At least one of the following: AP/PHIL 2050 6.0, AP/PHIL 2060 3.0.