Philosophy

An introductory study of some of the most important problems of philosophy, including knowledge and reality, ethics, religious belief, freedom and determinism. Some consideration is given to the development of the Western philosophical tradition from Plato to twentieth century existentialism. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

This course is designed to assist the student in learning the fundamental principles for distinguishing sound arguments from fallacious ones. Arguments are studied as abstract patterns of reasoning and as a particular use of ordinary language. The course is intended not only for the serious philosophy student, but also for students who wish to develop critical thinking skills needed to formulate sound arguments of their own and to evaluate the arguments of others. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Human Expression.

This course presents the various systems which philosophers in the Western World have devised for making ethical decisions. The course examines modern ethical problems, e.g. abortion, divorce, euthanasia, extramarital sex, war, and capital punishment in the light of these systems. It encourages the student to form reasoned solutions to the ethical problems of our day. Three class hours a week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.