A writing-intensive seminar that provides an in-depth exploration of philosophical approaches and ideas in the context of a specific topic
in philosophy. Possible topics include the philosophy of sex, death, film, media, and the meaning of life. Open to first-year and
sophomore students only.
An examination of philosophical methods, problems, and ideas from Ancient philosophies, such as those of the Presocratics, Plato,
Aristotle, Epicureans and Stoics. Issues addressed include the human good, the relation of the human to the cosmos, the nature and role
of reason, and the relation between reason and pleasure.
An examination of major representatives of Early Modern Philosophy, focusing on the works of Descartes, Hume, and Kant. Issues to be
considered include such things as the nature and role of rationality, the relation of the sensuous and the rational, the exercise of freedom,
and the existence of God.
An examination of argumentation, with emphasis on identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. Issues to be considered include categorical, propositional, and predicate logic.
A survey of major views in Western Political thought, including contractarianism, liberalism, libertarianism and anarchism. Focus is on
the tension between state power and individual freedom. Discussion topics include citizenship, authority, the death penalty,
imprisonment, war, immigration, and animal rights.
An examination of the historical development of philosophical conceptions of nature and their influence on contemporary environmental
issues, including global warming, pollution, sustainability, population growth, animal welfare, and the relationship between the human
and the natural. (Course offered in alternate years; scheduled for 2019-2020.)
An exploration of central problems in contemporary philosophy of religion, such as the arguments for the existence of God, the problem
of evil, the meaningfulness of theological language, and the relationship of faith and reason. (Course offered in alternate years; scheduled
for 2019-2020.)
A seminar in which topics of current interest are presented and discussed. Topics may involve both classical and contemporary
philosophical texts. Typically, topics focus on issues that raise significant moral questions in contemporary society.
An examination of the advent and evolution of the concept of “race,” how it has been treated philosophically, and its application to
ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, scientific methodology, and politics. (Course offered in alternate years; scheduled for 2018-2019.)
A philosophical examination of education with attention to issues in ethics (what values should guide education?), metaphysics (do we
educate the whole or only part of the person?), and epistemology (what is knowledge and is it the goal of education?). (Course offered in
alternate years; scheduled for 2018-2019.)