Philosophy

A study of the formal validity of deductive inference and the bases of inductive reasoning.

A study of major ethical theories and their application to specific moral issues.

An historical survey with emphasis upon the thought of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.

An historical survey with emphasis upon Continental Rationalists, British Empiricists, and Immanuel Kant.

An exploration of selected philosophical issues, including the mind/body problem, free will versus determinism, personal identity, and human dignity.

A study of classical and contemporary texts on the relation between morality, justice, and the law.

This course introduces students to contemporary ethical discussion regarding health care issues. Topics may include: medical professionalism, the nature of the patient-provider relationship, beginning and end of life issues, the just distribution of medical resources, and caring for public health communities.

An examination of recent trends in Western thought, including philosophical analysis and existentialism.

Philosophical analysis of the central problems of religious belief.

A study of major moral philosophers, ethical theories, and the structure of moral reasoning.

This course is framed around the central question of how gendered conceptions of the human person have been used as a tool for individual, collective, and structural power. The course will examine biological and social constructions of gender identity; investigate the historic and contemporary intersection of gender with religion, economics, and politics; and listen to voices, fictional and real, speak to their experiences in relation to gender and gender identity. Ongoing writing assignments will build toward a final portfolio that includes a gender autobiography, a book review, and a gender manifesto.

If, as Socrates reportedly proclaimed, “the unexamined life is not worth living”, then how ought we to live examined lives? This course invites students to consider the qualities and activities of a genuinely examined life. Students will read autobiographical examples of the examined life, develop practices of self-reflection, engage in a community project, and craft a portfolio that articulates their own understanding of the examined life.

A single topic of interest to faculty and students will be selected. Examples include: Existentialism. Environmental Ethics, Epistemology, Philosophy of Aesthetics.

An intensive study of a selected philosophical issue or an individual philosopher.

Open only to juniors and seniors of demonstrated ability majoring or minoring in Religion and Philosophy. Subject to Independent Study rules and regulations..

A project requiring scholarly research and culminating in the public presentation of a formal paper. Subject to Senior Essay rules and regulations.