Department of Philosophy
Dr. Daniel Murphy, Chair
The Philosophy Department offers a major and minor in Philosophy, with three major concentrations: the Ethics and Moral Philosophy concentration, the Ethical Leadership concentration, and the Traditional concentration. Philosophy as part of a double-major is especially encouraged.
Requirements for Philosophy Major - Traditional Concentration
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
| PL-130 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3.00 |
| PL-140 | Introduction to Ethics | 3.00 |
| PL-153 | Logic | 3 |
| Capstone Experience 1 | 0 | |
| PL-xxx | Electives in Ethics, History of Philosophy, and Topical Areas | 21 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Ethics and Moral Philosophy Electives | ||
| PL-252 | Justice and Human Rights | 3 |
| PL-253 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| PL-254 | Contemporary Issues in Bioethics | 3 |
| PL-256 | Food Ethics and Justice | 3 |
| PL-259 | Technology Society and Values | 3 |
| PL-258 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 |
| PL-241 | Environmental and Climate Change Ethics | 3 |
| History of Philosophy Electives | ||
| PL-448 | Plato's Dialogues | 3 |
| Topical Area Electives | ||
| PL-200 | Rhetoric Speech and Argument;Rhetoric Speech and Argument | 3 |
| PL-201 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| PL-301 | Latinx Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-306 | Existentialism: Dostoevsky to Sartre | 3 |
| PL-320 | Asian Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-353 | Philosophy of Mind | 3 |
| PL-390 | Special Projects Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-425 | Symbolic/Mathematical Logic | 3 |
| PL-495 | Exploring Philosophy Overseas | 3 |
| 1 | Normally satisfied in an upper division Philosophy course during the senior year. |
Requirements for Philosophy Major - Ethical Leadership Concentration
| PL-130 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-140 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PL-153 | Logic | 3 |
| PL-200 | Rhetoric Speech and Argument;Rhetoric Speech and Argument | 3 |
| PL-252 | Justice and Human Rights | 3 |
| PL-490 | Capstone: Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| One Additional PL Course in Ethics and Moral Philosophy | 3 | |
| Electives (Chosen in consultation with Faculty advisor) | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Requirements for Philosophy Major - Ethics and Moral Philosophy Concentration
| PL-130 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-140 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PL-153 | Logic | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | 0 | |
| Electives in Interdisciplinary Ethics and Moral Philosophy (at least 4 PL courses) | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Interdisciplinary Ethics and Moral Philosophy Electives | ||
| PL-252 | Justice and Human Rights | 3 |
| PL-253 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| PL-254 | Contemporary Issues in Bioethics | 3 |
| PL-258 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 |
| PL-259 | Technology Society and Values | 3 |
| CU-255 | Ethics in Communication | 3 |
| TH-484 | Christian Medical Ethics | 3 |
| TH-486 | Morality in the Marketplace | 3 |
Special Notes on Philosophy Major Requirements
| 1 | Except for the Ethical Leadership Concentration, up to 6 credits of the required Philosophy Electives may be taken in other departments, in cognate courses approved by the Philosophy Department Chair. |
| 2 | Required Philosophy electives are not always offered every year, so they should be taken as soon as possible after completing the core courses. |
Requirements for a Minor in Philosophy
| PL-130 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-140 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PL- | Philosophy Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Courses
PL-130. Introduction to Philosophy. 3.00 Credits.
This course is an introduction to philosophy. The course will cover major areas of philosophical concern, including an analytical and historical introduction to logic, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophical anthropology, and philosophy of God. Many of the perennial problems of philosophy such as the nature of knowledge and reality, the mind-body problem, free will vs determinism, reason vs faith, as well as an introduction to major philosophers in the tradition, including, but not limited to, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, and Hume, will be covered.
PL-140. Introduction to Ethics. 3.00 Credits.
This course is an introduction to moral philosophy, including Natural Law ethics, Kantian deontology, Utilitarian consequentialism, virtue-based ethics, and modern rights theory. These normative theories will be applied to select moral issues, which may include sexual morality, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, economic justice, discrimination, just war theories, and/or animal rights.
PL-151. Contemporary Ethical Issues. 3.00 Credits.
A philosophical examination of contemporary moral issues, which may include sexual morality, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, economic justice, discrimination, just war theories, and/or animal rights. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-153. Logic. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of the basic principles of human reasoning, with emphasis on traditional logic and critical thinking. Prerequisites: PL-130 PL-140.
PL-200. Rhetoric Speech and Argument;Rhetoric Speech and Argument. 3.00 Credits.
This course studies and practices the art and process of persuasion. Students will learn to develop good arguments, identify fallacies, present a position in a convincing manner, and develop ethos or ethical appeal. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values, Oral Communications.
PL-201. Philosophy of Science. 3.00 Credits.
This course addresses some fundamental questions about the nature and development of scientific knowledge. What is science and does it work? What kind of knowledge does it provide? Is there a scientific method? How do experiments provide evidence for theories? What is the nature of scientific explanation? What does science value, and how should we interpret what it values? How does the social organization of science contribute, if at all, to its success? Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-241. Environmental and Climate Change Ethics. 3.00 Credits.
Basic theories of environmental and climate change ethics and philosophy are examined with contemporary issues and problems involving the environment and climiate change. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-247. Philosophy of Law. 3.00 Credits.
A philosophical investigation of both analytic and normative jurisprudence. An examination of the debate between "higher law" theory and legal positivism, the nature of law and morals, theories of rights, constitutionalism, crime and punishment, law and economics. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-252. Justice and Human Rights. 3.00 Credits.
A philosophical investigation of what constitutes a fair distribution of benefits and burdens, rights and duties, within a truly just society. Discussion of historical and contemporary theories of justice and individual rights, including Rawls and Nozick. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-253. Business Ethics. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of contemporary moral issues in business, including the nature of economic justice, the rights and duties of economic agents, and the nature of a just society. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-254. Contemporary Issues in Bioethics. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of contemporary issues in biomedical ethics, including abortion, euthanasia, the doctor-patient relationship, confidentiality, truth-telling, genetics, cloning, reproductive technologies, the just allocation of scarce medical resources. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-256. Food Ethics and Justice. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of the ethical and moral issues pertaining to food production, distribution, consumption, and justice as it relates to the human right to food. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-258. Criminal Justice Ethics. 3.00 Credits.
The course examines the justice system from the ethical point of view: the human treatment of human beings. It is concerned with such matters as police procedures, the conduct of trials, operations of correctional institutions, and how they might justly achieve their ends. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-259. Technology Society and Values. 3.00 Credits.
This course is a study of ethical considerations related to technology and its impact on society. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-301. Latinx Philosophy. 3.00 Credits.
This course aims to offer an overview of Latinx Philosophy. In light of this, we will be concerned throughout the course with discussing a number of central questions regarding the nature, the history and the scope of Latin American Philosophy as well as some of the central issues, values, and problems addressed by Latin American philosophers. In particular, we will address during the course the following questions: What is Latin American philosophy? Can Pre-Columbian ways of thinking be categorized as philosophy? Is Post-Columbian Latinx Philosophy just an off-shoot or reflection of Western Philosophy or is it an original form of thinking? Can we meaningfully talk of Latinx Philosophy given the huge ethnic and national diversity as well the widespread social and economic disparities that Latin America exhibits? How have events such as the Spanish Conquest or the Independence wars influenced philosophical thinking in Latin America? What views do Latinx philosophers have on feminism and women's rights? Is there such a thing as a Latinx identity? What role should philosophy have according to Latinx philosophers in the struggles for liberation? Prerequisites: PL-130 OR PL-140; Course Type(s): Pluralism.
PL-306. Existentialism: Dostoevsky to Sartre. 3.00 Credits.
A study of the philosophy of Existentialism. Existential values as mirrored in selected texts, including Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Kafka, Jaspers, and Camus. Values course Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-311. Philosophy and Bob Dylan. 3.00 Credits.
An investigation of the philosophical, ethical and cultural themes in Bob Dylan's lyrics. Philosophical ideas such as appearance versus reality, truth and knowledge, and good and evil will be explored through a comprehensive study of Dylan's music. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-320. Asian Philosophy. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of the philosophies of India and China, including a text-based study of the Upanishads, the philosophy of Yoga, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values, Pluralism.
PL-329. Art Music and Human Values. 3.00 Credits.
An exploration of the fundamental topics of aesthetics. Questions to be studied include, What is art? What is beauty? What is the intersection between art and morality. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-342. Philosophy of Race and Gender. 3.00 Credits.
A study of the philosophical theories pertaining to race and gender. Prerequisites: PL-130 OR PL-140.
PL-353. Philosophy of Mind. 3.00 Credits.
This course examines mind and consciousness, with key topics including the mind/brain problem and dualism, AI, intentionality, free will, the soul and its possible immortality, normativity, issues in philosophy of language, and personal identity. The course also covers materialism, behaviorism, identify theory, functionalism, and related areas. Course content focuses on contemporary and 20th century positions, applications, and issues in philosophy of mind. It also treats the connections that relate contemporary philosophy of mind to other fields. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-360. Ethics of War and Peace. 3.00 Credits.
This course will examine the ethics of waging war and peace - building from a variety of religious and philosophical perspectives. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-390. Special Projects Philosophy. 3.00 Credits.
Able students and willing teachers may design special courses or other projects for credit in philosophy. Proposals are to be submitted, for review, through the chairperson of the Philosophy Department. Credit is also available to students who wish to enroll in the Cooperative Education Program. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-393. Modern Moral Theory. 3.00 Credits.
A study of the moral theory and philosophical principles found in the works of Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Bentham and others. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-425. Symbolic/Mathematical Logic. 3.00 Credits.
A systematic investigation of mathematical and logical structures. The primary areas of study are the logic of connectives, the logic of quantifiers, and key issues in metalogic. Prerequisites: PL-130 OR PL-140.
PL-448. Plato's Dialogues. 3.00 Credits.
Through close study of selected longer dialogues, students will examine Plato's philosophical world-view, including the theory of value and meaning he conveys in his writings as a way of further exploring moral theory. Values course. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-450. Plato's Republic. 3.00 Credits.
An in-depth study of Plato's "Republic", focusing on the nature of the human soul, the good life for us, the education that best promotes the good life. The role of virtues, and the metaphysics & epistemology that underlies those answers. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
PL-490. Capstone: Ethical Leadership. 3.00 Credits.
An examination of the moral foundations and ethical considerations of leadership. Key questions to be explored include: What is leadership? What are the ethical consequences of poor leadership? How should ethical leadership be cultivated? Prerequisites: PL-130 OR PL-140; Course Type(s): Capstone.
PL-495. Exploring Philosophy Overseas. 3.00 Credits.
This course explores various philosophical concepts as they relate to foreign intellectual traditions and cultures. Topics to be explored include the origin and/or development of philosophical ideas in other countries, the relationship of those ideas to past and contemporary philosophical traditions, and the role of culture in the development of philosophical ideas. Additional travel course fee of $50. Prerequisites: PL-130 OR PL-140; Course Type(s): International (Travel).