(phi) Philosophy Courses


General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 102 - Introduction to Philosophy
A study of the basic problems and methods of philosophical inquiry. Topics include theories about knowledge, reality, human nature, ethics, religion and science, with consideration of the thought of such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, and Sartre. 3 lecture hours

course outline   current classes


General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 112 - Critical Thinking
Theory and practice of critical thinking through examples drawn from science, business, politics, media, literature, and art. Students apply logical techniques and attitudes of analysis and communication for constructive assessment, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving by evaluating definitions, facts, arguments, causes, rhetoric, differences, and plans while avoiding common errors and biases. 3 lecture hours

course outline   current classes


General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 113 - Logic
An introduction to the principles and methods of correct reasoning. A problem-solving approach to the nature and scope of different kinds of logic, identifying and evaluating arguments and fallacies, and crafting well-formed arguments. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 204 - Ethics
Prerequisite: ENG 101
An examination of the basic methods and problems of ethics. Consideration of the nature of moral terms, reasoning and action; conceptions of the good life and of right and wrong; free will; and major ethical approaches, including the theories of Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and others. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 205 - Moral Choices
Prerequisite: ENG 101
Examines contemporary moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, affirmative action, pornography, hate speech, gay rights, corporate responsibility, world hunger, global consumption, war, and terrorism. Stresses the critical application of moral theory, principles, and methods. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  PHI 209 - Business Ethics
Ethical concepts applied to business and government. Case studies and analysis of selected moral issues include the ethics of the marketplace, consumerism, the environment, advertising, job discrimination, distributive justice and world poverty. [occasional offering] 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Humanities, Diversity and Global Perspective
(3 credits)  PHI 210 - Eastern Philosophy
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor
Introduction to the major philosophical traditions of India, China and other non-Western traditions. Concentrating on the core issues of epistemology, metaphysics and ethics, study involves such major thinkers as Shankara, Ramanuja, Laozi and Confucius. Topics include indigenous and colonial influences as well as critical comparison with Western philosophies. 3 lecture hours

course outline   current classes


General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  PHI 220 - Philosophy of Politics
Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum C grade or permission of instructor
Exploration of the ideas which explain how politics works and how it should work. Surveys contrasting views on liberty and order, fairness and obligation, stability and change, pluralism and equality, liberalism and the state, law and anarchy, capitalism and socialism, and challenges of globalization. 3 lecture hours

course outline   current classes