Philosophy
Chair: Sarah K. Tyson, PhD
Program Assistant: Sulastri Carr
Department Advisor: Mark Tanzer, PhD
Office: Plaza Building, M 108
Telephone: 303-315-7223
Overview
The philosophy program offers a rigorous liberal arts education. It trains students to speak and write carefully, think and reason critically, and seek out creative connections between ideas of all kinds. Philosophy is an excellent preparation for almost any professional field. Philosophical inquiries can cover a wide range of subject matters including ethics and politics, art and literature, history and religion, technology, and the sciences. The benefits of a philosophy degree last a lifetime, setting students on a path toward self-development, intellectual sophistication, and the enrichment that comes from living a more reflective life.
Undergraduate Information
The philosophy program involves the study of three major periods: ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy.
Click here to learn about the requirements for the Major in Philosophy.
Click here to learn about the requirements for the Minor in Philosophy.
Click here to learn about the requirements for the Minor in Ethics.
Click here to learn about the requirements for the Minor in Philosophy of Science.
Honors Program
Requirements for honors are the following:
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Course Performance
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Cum laude, 3.4 GPA within the major, 3.3 overall GPA
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Magna cum laude, 3.6 GPA within the major, 3.5 overall GPA
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Summa cum laude, 3.8 GPA within the major, 3.7 overall GPA
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Thesis
Majors desiring to graduate with honors in philosophy must enroll in PHIL 4950 Honors Thesis for 6 hours (note that these hours are in addition to the 36 hours required for the philosophy major) and complete research that culminates in a thesis and oral examination. Majors must work with two faculty members during the project. Written proposals must be submitted and approved by the faculty committee prior to the beginning of the project. If the completed thesis and oral exam are deemed worthy of honors, the student will be awarded the honors consistent with his or her GPA. However, to receive the highest honors (summa cum laude), the faculty committee must designate the performance for both the written thesis and the oral defense as worthy of graduation with the highest honors. If the faculty committee makes no such designation, students will graduate magna cum laude.
Graduate Information
Please click here for more information about the 4+1 Philosophy to Master of Humanities well as the graduate program philosophy through the CU Denver Masters of Humanities Program’s Philosophy and Theory Track.
For admissions to the 4+1 Philosophy to Master of Humanities, the deadlines to apply to the program are as follows:
November 1 (for entering the spring semester)
April 1 (for entering the summer semester)
May 1 (for entering the fall semester)
Faculty
Professors:
David L. Hildebrand, PhD, University of Texas, Austin
Robert Metcalf, PhD, Pennsylvania State University
Candice Shelby, PhD, Rice University
Mark Tanzer, PhD, Stony Brook University
Associate Professors:
Sarah K. Tyson, PhD, Vanderbilt University
Gabriel Zamosc-Regueros, PhD, University of Michigan
Assistant Professors:
Boram Jeong, PhD, Duquesne University
Clinical Teaching Track:
Jeffrey Golub, PhD, The New School for Social Research
Senior Instructors:
Brian Lisle, PhD, Loyola University of Chicago
William (Darryl) Mehring, PhD, University of Colorado
Philosophy (PHIL)
PHIL 1012 - Truth, Reality, and the Good Life: Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credits)
We’re commonly told to “do the right thing,” and everybody seems to agree that we should. But what is right? What is wrong? How can we see and know the difference? This course helps students examine and analyze the ethical concepts, situations, and problems raised by these fundamental questions. Specific problems will vary with contemporary concerns, e.g., poverty, war, injustice, famine, abortion, punishment, and environmental sustainability. The course goal is to help students sharpen their ethical reasoning skills so they can better navigate and contribute to the ethical, social, and political arenas in which they will live their lives. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-AH3
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-AH3, Arts Hum: Ways of Thinking.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHIL 1020 - Right, Wrong, and Seeing the Difference: Introduction to Ethics (3 Credits)
We’re commonly told to “do the right thing,” and everybody seems to agree that we should. But what is right? What is wrong? How can we see and know the difference? This course helps students examine and analyze the ethical concepts, situations, and problems raised by these fundamental questions. Specific problems will vary with contemporary concerns, e.g., poverty, war, injustice, famine, abortion, punishment, and environmental sustainability. The course goal is to help students sharpen their ethical reasoning skills so they can better navigate and contribute to the ethical, social, and political arenas in which they will live their lives. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-AH3
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-AH3, Arts Hum: Ways of Thinking.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHIL 1111 - First Year Seminar (3 Credits)
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 1700 - Philosophy and the Arts (3 Credits)
Considers philosophical questions involved in the analysis and assessment of artistic expressions and of the objects with which the arts, including the literary arts, are concerned. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 2441 - Logic, Language and Scientific Reasoning (3 Credits)
Intro course in argumentation, critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Covers rules of logical inference, informal fallacies, problem solving, and probabilistic reasoning. Enhances analytical and critical thinking skills tested on LSAT and MCAT, central to advancement in sciences, and broadly desired by employers. Max Hours: 3 Credits. Term offered: spring, summer, fall. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-AH3.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-AH3, Arts Hum: Ways of Thinking.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHIL 2510 - Philosophy of Nature (3 Credits)
Critical comparison of different views of nature presupposed in science, art, religion, and environmental policy. Concepts of "natural" are examined in relation to such issues as animal rights, wilderness preservation, synthetic landscape, technology, pollution, and population control. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 2939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
Experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: 15 hours of 2.75 GPA. Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
PHIL 3002 - Ancient Greek Philosophy (3 Credits)
What is philosophy? What is the nature of reality? What is the difference between knowledge and opinion? What is the best kind of life for a human being to lead? Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western philosophy, and this course traces the history of ancient Greek thought, from Homer and Hesiod through the pre-Socratic thinkers (e.g. such figures as Thales, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Zeno of Elea, Empedocles, Anaxagoras and Democritus) to Plato, Aristotle and later Hellenistic thought. Cross-listed with PHIL 5002. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PHIL 3003 - From Buddha to #BlackLivesMatter: The Past and Future of Nonviolence (3 Credits)
Why is "Nonviolence" central to many of the religious traditions of South Asia? What has nonviolence looked like historically and how has its meaning and practice changed in the modern world? In traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the practice of nonviolence relates to ethics through concepts of "karma"-our actions. This course begins with an investigation of the theories of karma and the roles they play in these traditions' ideas about the self, the other, and the world. We will take a focused look at the way each tradition regards the idea and practice of ahimsa, nonviolence, as both an ethical and personal good. That is, how does each tradition consider what is proper social action and how do they relate it to the attainment of salvation (i.e. moksha, nirvana)? The course puts Indian thought in conversation with western philosophies to question how we might develop a critical vocabulary for the comparative study of ethics. Turning to the modern era, we will examine Gandhi's philosophy and practice of nonviolent action in the anti-colonial struggle for India's independence, as well as how Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King adapted Gandhi's ideas to the struggle for civil rights in the US. Finally, we will examine recent critiques of nonviolence from American philosophers, activists, and communities of color to see ways that nonviolence continues to play a role in rethinking major issues for fostering equality and equity in the US and global contexts, including policing and religious and ethnic nationalism. Cross-listed with ETST 3003, HIST 3003, INTS 3003, RLST 3003, and HIST 5003. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PHIL 3010 - Medieval Philosophy (3 Credits)
History of philosophy from Augustine through Scotus and Ockham, the 5th through the 14th centuries. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3022 - Knowledge, Perception, and the Search for Objectivity: Modern Philosophy (3 Credits)
How does physical matter relate to minds and the mental realm? How does objective reality related to what seems subjective — human knowledge, perception, and feeling, etc.? What is the role of logical thinking in connecting the objective and subjective areas of reality? Can philosophy ground knowledge so that scientific inquiry is safe from the challenges of skepticism? These are just a few of the problems posed by the “modern” period in philosophy, from roughly the end of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century. This course examines such epistemological questions and surveys key metaphysical themes that modern thinkers inherited from ancient and medieval philosophy. Figures typically include Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Hume, and Kant, among others. Cross-listed with PHIL 5022. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 3032 - Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy (3 Credits)
Surveys representative philosophers, methods, and problems in the 20th century analytic tradition. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3050 - Propaganda: Truth, Lies, and Freedom (3 Credits)
All who live in this world must choose what to do. Some of those choices can rely on first-hand experience, but most rely on information, facts, and descriptions from external sources. As every programmer will tell you, "Garbage in, garbage out." Thus, getting "good" information is critical to our ability to live freely, autonomously, and ethically. It is typical for philosophy classes to teach logic and reasoning -- and those are important. But reasoning is useless if its content (or information) is deceptive, misleading, or incoherent. What's more, since democratic countries are premised upon knowledgeable citizens, the short-circuiting of reasoning by propaganda may be the greatest danger democracy has. The question becomes: what is propaganda? How do we define it? How do we locate it? And finally, how do we spell out what's (possibly) wrong with it? Accordingly, this course is an inquiry into the epistemic, technological, and ethical dimensions of propaganda. It will define propaganda, identify how it works, and seek to understand the variety of agents and motives who use propaganda to achieve their ends. (It is not assumed that propaganda is always good or always bad, by the way.) In addition to understanding the logical and epistemic nature of propaganda, this course will examine how it is disseminated. How do technologies (text, video, social media, algorithms, etc.) influence and foment misinformation? The overarching goal will be to become more aware and critical of propaganda we encounter so we can avoid "garbage" information which can manipulate us and prevent us from reasoning logically and ethically. Cross-listed with PHIL 5050. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3150 - History of Ethics (3 Credits)
Surveys the ethical thought of major figures in the history of philosophy, beginning with Plato and ending with the 19th century. Examples: Aristotle, Hume, Kant and Mill. (Class readings of primary philosophical texts.) Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3200 - Justice, Freedom, and Power: Social and Political Philosophy (3 Credits)
What is justice? What justifies a government as moral? Why should individuals obey the state’s laws? Can anarchism work? Is private property necessary to a free society? Is social justice? What is freedom — and what is oppression? Is gender, ethnic, and religious diversity necessary for a just society? Why? This course will raise these kinds of questions as it examines basic issues in social and political philosophy (e.g. justice, freedom, individuality, power and community). Cross-listed with PHIL 5200. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 3250 - Business, Society, and Moral Responsibility (3 Credits)
Is business ethics an oxymoron? Of course not. But everyone in business, from the CEO to the new assistant, truly succeeds if they can address ethical problems with empathy and imagination. This course teaches students to deploy philosophical tools — logic and moral theory — to size up and solve contemporary moral issues in business. Topics may include corporate responsibility, advertising and manipulation, privacy and surveillance, equity and inclusion, and the tension between profit maximization and the duty to our fellow human beings. The larger meaning and purposes of work may also be addressed. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3280 - War and Morality (3 Credits)
Attempts to identify and analyze some of the major moral issues of war. When is a war just, when is it not? What are morally acceptable rules of engagement? What, if anything, justifies violating them? How does one evaluate terrorism and war against terrorism? What are moral alternatives to the violence of war? Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 3300 - Special Topics in Philosophy (1-3 Credits)
Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PHIL 3333 - Happiness and the Good Life (3 Credits)
Happiness is something we all want, but what is it? Happiness can be difficult to define, let alone to achieve. Is it a state? A feeling? An illusion? Is happiness something we can even control? Is it related to morality and ethics? This course will consider various philosophers' writings on happiness and the good life, and may include comparisons that range across time, culture, and other disciplines (such as economics and positive psychology). Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Humanities.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHIL 3340 - Investigating Nature: Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (3 Credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to the Philosophy of Science. (No background in philosophy is required.) Philosophy of Science is concerned with how best to use observation and experiment to learn about the world, whether we are investigating fundamental physical structures, the complex operations of biological organisms, or the social dynamics of human groups. Drawing on both historical and contemporary works, we will seek to understand, among other topics, what makes scientific inquiry distinct from other forms of human learning, what accounts for the credibility and objectivity of scientific claims, the influence of psycho-social biases on observation and theory formation, as well as whether accepting a scientific theory, explanation or hypothesis means that we think it is true. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 3350 - Metaphysics (3 Credits)
Studies major theories of reality, including topics such as the nature of substance, space and time, and universals and particulars. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3360 - Epistemology (3 Credits)
Study of major theories of knowledge, including such problems as perception and the distinction between belief and knowledge. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3410 - Asian Philosophies and Religions (3 Credits)
We in the Western world encounter a vastly different world, a radically different "universe of meaning," when we examine the traditions of the East. Even what we tacitly assume to be "real" is claimed by the Hindus and Buddhists of India to be a grand illusion. The world of China is, again, very different from India. An examination of Tibetan and Japanese religious forms will conclude our study of Asian thought. Cross-listed with RLST 3410. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.
PHIL 3430 - How to think green: Environmental Ethics (3 Credits)
Is it wrong to extinguish a species? What makes cruelty to animals wrong? Do trees have rights? Is the earth a resource we can use any way we want? Is vegetarianism a more ethical way to live — or just another lifestyle choice? As citizens of the world, we are bombarded by such questions. Understanding what is fundamental clarifies thinking and coordinates action. This course introduces ethical theories relevant to problems such as animal and species welfare, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and the sustainability of the planet. By examining multiple perspectives, students gain confidence judging which issues and data are significant and deciding what kind of world we should create with our actions and inactions. Cross-listed with PHIL 5430, HUMN 5430 and SSCI 5430. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3440 - Introduction to Symbolic Logic (3 Credits)
Covers truth functional and quantificational logic through polyadic first order predicate calculus and theory of identity. Attention is given to such problems in metatheory as proofs of the completeness and consistency of systems of logic. Prereq: A passing grade in PHIL 2441 or MATH 3000 or permission from the instructor is required in order for students to enroll in this course. Cross-listed with MATH 3440. Term offered: spring. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 3441 - Philosophical Reasoning Skills (3 Credits)
This course provides Philosophy majors and other philosophically interested students with the skills and tools necessary for effectively navigating philosophical discussions. In this course we will cover issues such as validity and soundness, as well as several systems useful for demonstrating validity. The course will in addition address important issues in the philosophy of language, including the very important question of definitions, as well as the use of thought experiments and avoidance of informal fallacies. Finally, since philosophical reasoning increasingly involves knowledge of the methods of scientific reasoning, those skills will also be included in the course. Cross-listed with PHIL 5441. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 3500 - Ideology and Culture: Racism and Sexism (3 Credits)
What is “racism” or “sexism”? What is oppression? How do these ideas become invisible so that they structure ways people think, act? How do they inform policies, laws, and institutions? And what modifies or overturns such ideas? By answering such questions, this course helps students reflect on the formation of their own lives, practices, beliefs, and values. Topics may include ideology theory, naturalism, the equal protection clause, recent scientific discussions, socio-legal history, and social constructionism. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHIL 3550 - Philosophy of Death and Dying (3 Credits)
Historical overview of the metaphysical question of whether there is life after bodily death, beginning with classical arguments through the current debate over such phenomena as near death experiences and deathbed visions. Also focuses on ethical controversies such as suicide, euthanasia, and capital punishment, and the efficacy of philosophical consolations for grief. Strongly Recommended: Three hours of philosophy; preferably PHIL 1012 but if the student does not have coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 3656 - Contemporary Religious Ethics: Jewish and Christian Traditions (3 Credits)
Historical and thematic introduction to ethics in Judaism, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. A study of selected ethical issues: bio-medical, social justice, sexuality, economic justice, business and personal ethics. Strongly Recommended: English Composition, Intro to Philosophy, World Religions, World History or junior status. If the student does not have coursework or standing, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3760 - Kant: Freedom, Reality, and the Mind (3 Credits)
Why do motives matter in ethics? What is an ethical duty? How do sensations and ideas combine to make reality unified and coherent? Kant's philosophy answers these questions by providing a profound synthesis of the philosophers before him. Kant's work still influences ethics, politics, metaphysics, epistemology, and science today. This course involves students in close study of Kant’s revolutionary thought as it appears in several of his major works. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of “C” in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5830. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 3833 - Existentialism (3 Credits)
Examines one of the most influential movements in recent European thought, beginning with existentialism's 19th century roots, and continuing on to the existentialist philosophers of the 20th century. Figures covered may include Dostoyevsky, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre and de Beauvoir. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5833, HUMN 5833, and SSCI 5833. Term offered: spring. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 3840 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PHIL 3939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
Designed experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: Students must have junior standing and at least a 2.75 GPA and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: Junior standing or higher and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA
PHIL 3981 - Chinese Philosophy and Culture (3 Credits)
China is a fascinating world with its own characteristic orientation to philosophical questions. Chinese thinkers produced the "Flowering of a Hundred Schools of Thought" in the Axial Age, the same period of time in which philosophy was coming to birth in ancient Greece. Covers some of the Chinese schools, including Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, Legalis, Chinese "logic," and the later schools of schools of Neo-Confucianism, Neo-Taoism and Chinese Buddhism. Cross-listed with RLST 3660. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 3995 - Global Study Topics (1-9 Credits)
This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Department consent required. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
PHIL 4000 - 19th and 20th Century Continental Philosophy (3 Credits)
PHIL 4040 - Skepticism (3 Credits)
Considers various forms of skepticism in the history of philosophy, as well as the ways that philosophers have responded to skepticism, especially in theories of belief. Note: PHIL 3002 or 3022 and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5040. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4101 - Pragmatism: Classical American Philosophy (3 Credits)
The most significant philosophical tradition born in the United States is pragmatism. Examines several of the most important classical works of this tradition, the influence of thinkers who have helped to shape pragmatism, and the contemporary relevance of this tradition. Figures who may be included are: Emerson, Pierce, Royce, James, Dewey, Mead and Rorty. PHIL 3002 or 3022 and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5101, HUMN 5101, SSCI 5101. Term offered: fall. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4150 - Twentieth Century Ethics (3 Credits)
Surveys representative philosophers, methods, and/or problems in 20th century ethics. PHIL 3002 or 3022 and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4200 - Philosophical Problems and Contemporary Culture (3 Credits)
Issues and controversies in contemporary culture, their relation to modern theories of society, and their manifestations in the arts, science and technology, education, religion and ethics. PHIL 3002 or 3022, and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4220 - Art, Beauty, and Aesthetic Criticism: Philosophy of Art (3 Credits)
What makes something a work of “art”? How should art be interpreted or evaluated? Can we really debate about “taste” or beauty? Why do we call some people "artists" or some experiences “aesthetic"? Where does creativity come from? This course investigates such questions, offering a range of historical and contemporary answers, and examines the social, political, and philosophical roles of art in contemporary society. Methods of engaging these questions may include multimedia technologies as well as individual and group field trips to local art venues. Cross-listed with PHIL 5220 and HUMN 5220. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4230 - Postmodernism (3 Credits)
Traces the history of a set of ideas collectively known as postmodern. Disrupting traditional frameworks of knowledge, these concepts have had an enormous impact on the social sciences, the humanities, and the arts. Course readings expose students to the cross-disciplinary impact of postmodernism on theory, content, and method. Upper division standing, PHIL 3002 or 3022 and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4242 - Medicine, Health Care, and Justice: Bioethics (3 Credits)
Anyone entering a medical profession must confront tough ethical issues and dilemmas. These often arise suddenly, so practitioners best preparation is to think ahead about what will likely occur. This course introduces students to a variety cases and philosophical theories useful to healthcare careers. For example, What is “health” and who determines it? Is there a right to health care? How should medical scarcity (vital organs, vaccines, supplies, etc.) be addressed? What duties are owed to patients by healthcare providers, and why? On what grounds may medical treatment be demanded — or refused? The goal of the class is to train students to be nimble and imaginative in how they reason about the difficult cases they will face in their career. Suggested prerequisite one or two previous courses in philosophy, and a minimum grade of C in each course are strongly recommended; if the student lacks this coursework, consult with the professor prior to registration. Cross-listed with PHIL 5242, SSCI 5242, HUMN 5242. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4260 - Why Obey the Law? Introduction to Philosophy of Law (3 Credits)
What is a legal “law”? What justifies its ability to force our compliance? How is law distinct from morality? What makes some laws immoral? Is ignorance of the law ever a valid excuse? We all find ourselves entangled with the law at some point. Sometimes we’re the victim and sometimes we stand accused; even beyond those special circumstances, we all have to live with the law and the many ways it regulates (or controls) our conduct. While this course is recommended for pre-law students, this course will every students to be intellectually critical of what law is, how it can and is justified, and how to assess it on grounds that reach beyond to law, such as logic or ethics. Both historical and contemporary sources will be used to survey theoretical positions on the nature of law. Figures may include (among others): Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Kant, Holmes, Mackinnon, Dworkin, Hart, Devlin, as well as more contemporary Supreme Court justices and case law. Suggested prerequisite one or two previous courses in philosophy, and a minimum grade of C in each course are strongly recommended; if the student lacks this coursework, consult with the professor prior to registration. Cross-listed with PHIL 5260. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4270 - Philosophy of History (3 Credits)
Examines critical and speculative theories of history, including the problems of methodology, explanation, values, and the relationship between history and social philosophy. PHIL 3002 or 3022 and a minimum grade of C in each previous philosophy course are strongly recommended, but if the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4300 - Mind, Body, and Consciousness: Philosophy of Mind (3 Credits)
Consideration of the problems in the philosophy of mind, such as the mind-body problem, the problem of our knowledge of other minds, the compatibility of free will and determinism, and discussion of such concepts as action, intention, motive, desire, enjoyment, memory, imagination, dreaming and self-knowledge. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5300. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4308 - Contemporary Feminist Thought (3 Credits)
This course explores contemporary feminist thought in philosophy and literature in the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics include lesbianism, black feminism, Chicana feminism, transgender identity, women and work and others. Cross-listed with ENGL 4308, ENGL 5308, PHIL 5308, WGST 4308, WGST 5308. Term offered: spring. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4341 - Latin American Philosophy (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to Latin American Philosophy by exploring its indigenous roots, its recurring themes of struggle against colonial domination, and the way this tradition works with and against European and Anglo-American philosophical ideas. Students will also learn about how questions of identity, especially those of ethnicity, have developed within this area of philosophy. Cross-listed with PHIL 5341. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PHIL 4350 - Philosophy of Science (3 Credits)
This course examines some of the central philosophical questions concerning the nature of scientific investigation, such as the logical relation of evidence to hypothesis, the objective adjudication of competing hypotheses, the logical function of modeling in empirical inquiry, the criterion for a classificatory system to underwrite induction and explanation, the explanatory relationships between the differing sciences, as well as the theoretical and pragmatic function of scientific law and its relationship to explanation. Cross-listed with PHIL 5350. Term offered: spring. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4360 - American Legal Process (3 Credits)
Introduces students to basic issues in American jurisprudence as well as to the elements and dynamics of the modern American legal system. Cross-listed with PHIL 5360. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4450 - Punishment and Social Justice (3 Credits)
We will use the critical tools of philosophy to think about how contemporary practices of punishment are justified, how they shape the world we live in and what alternative normative frameworks might be. Cross-listed with PHIL 5450. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4460 - Theories of Human Nature (3 Credits)
Consideration of such problems as the changeability and definability of human nature, and the possibility of a science of human nature. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4470 - Concepts of the Soul (3 Credits)
Asks the questions: What is the nature of the human being? What makes us "human?" Do humans have a "soul?" What is its nature? Is it different from the "spirit?" What is its ultimate fate? Examines the various theories put forward by philosophers of both Eastern and Western traditions. Cross-listed with PHIL 5470 and RLST 4440, 5440. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4480 - Perspectives on Good and Evil (3 Credits)
Examines "problem of evil" as formulated in the philosophical tradition. Presents classical formulation of the problem, traditional solutions & classical critiques of each answer. Considers perspectives of various religious orientations, which deal differently with the question of suffering. Cross-listed with PHIL 5480, RLST 4480/5480. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4500 - Feminist Philosophy (3 Credits)
Seminar on key debates & figures in historical & contemporary feminist philosophy. Topics may include: rights, embodiment, gender, sexuality, race, reason, & violence. Figures may include: Wollstonecraft, Stanton, Beauvoir, Judith Butler, and bell hooks. Cross-listed with PHIL 5500, WGST 4500 & 5500. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4600 - Questioning Religious Belief and Practice: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (3 Credits)
Does God exist? Can the existence of God be proved? When is believing on faith acceptable? How or why is there a “problem of evil”? What are the attributes of a "god" and how can they be known, if at all? What is the relation of God to the world we experience? How does morality relate to religious belief and practice? The goal of the course is to broaden and deepen our understanding of key philosophical debates within religious traditions as we study prominent thinkers in the history of philosophy. Cross-listed with HUMN 5600, PHIL 5600, RLST 4060, RLST 5060, and SSCI 5600. Term offered: summer. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
PHIL 4700 - Seminar in a Major Philosopher (3 Credits)
The major philosophical texts of one philosopher is studied in this course. Philosophers to be studied are major figures in the history of philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant and Hume. Note: May be taken for credit more than once. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Repeatable. Max hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.
PHIL 4720 - Eastern Religious Thought (3 Credits)
Parallels the course in Western religious thought. The great religious traditions of the East, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, are examined as they are presented in the writings of key philosophical representatives of each tradition. Cross-listed with RLST 4080. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4730 - Philosophy and Literature (3 Credits)
Considers the philosophical dimensions of literature. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, and a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5730, ENGL 4735 and 5735. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4735 - Rationalism (3 Credits)
Addresses the fundamental questions of truth and reality through natural reason. Topics vary and may include metaphysics and the rise of modern science; women and the enlightenment; historical problems and linguistic analysis. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5735. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4740 - Empiricism (3 Credits)
Considers the nature and importance of experience. Focuses on British Empiricism, but additional themes which vary may include: American pragmatism, logical positivism, scientific empiricism, phenomenology of experience. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5740. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4750 - Introduction to Phenomenology (3 Credits)
Examines the contribution of phenomenology to selected topics in the theory of meaning, philosophy of mind, ontology, and epistemology, through a study of such philosophers as Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5750. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4755 - Philosophical Psychology (3 Credits)
Explores debates about psyche and body, mind and world, self and others, and consciousness and nature. Examines the philosophical questions related to those debates that arise within theories of perception, affect and cognition offered by influential psychological models. Cross-listed with HUMN 5750, SSCI 5750 and PHIL 5755. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4770 - Hegel (3 Credits)
A systematic study of the thought of G.W.F. Hegel through his most important and influential works: The Phenomenology of Spirit; The Encyclopedia of Philosophical Sciences; The Science of Logic; Lectures on the Philosophy of History; and his lectures on the history of philosophy, art and religion. Focus of the course varies. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5770. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4780 - Heidegger (3 Credits)
Studies the thought of Martin Heidegger, one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. Includes texts from both Heidegger's early and later periods, and focuses on his analyses of human subjectivity and being. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5780. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4790 - Nietzsche (3 Credits)
A close study of Nietzsche's philosophical writings, with attention to his significance for philosophy in the 20th century and beyond. Cross-listed with PHIL 5790. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4795 - Marx and Marxism (3 Credits)
A close study of the most influential works of Karl Marx and subsequent theorists who provide either an influential interpretation of the works of Marx or contribute to an innovative application or elaboration of the basic tenets of Marxism. Cross-listed with PHIL 5795. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4800 - Plato (3 Credits)
A careful study of Plato's writings, emphasizing the dialogue form, and discussion of Plato's significance for the history of ethics, political theory, psychology, metaphysics and epistemology. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5800. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4810 - Aristotle (3 Credits)
Examines Aristotle's systematic philosophy and discusses its contributions to logic, epistemology, physics, psychology, metaphysics, ethics and political theory. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5810. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PHIL 4812 - Special Topics in Philosophy (3 Credits)
Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Repeatable. Max hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.
PHIL 4820 - Hume (3 Credits)
Considers the work of eighteenth century philosopher David Hume. Emphasis on unity of Hume's thought. Strongly Recommended: PHIL 3002 or 3022, a minimum grade of "C" in each previous philosophy course. If the student does not have this coursework, consulting with the instructor prior to registration is strongly recommended. Cross-listed with PHIL 5820. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4840 - Independent Study: PHIL (1-3 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
PHIL 4880 - Directed Research (1-6 Credits)
Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PHIL 4900 - John Dewey (3 Credits)
John Dewey was one of the most important of the American philosophers and public intellectuals of the twentieth century. Topics may include Dewey's philosophical naturalism, pragmatist epistemology, process metaphysics and philosophies of experience, aesthetics, religion, technology and democracy. Cross-listed with PHIL 5900. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4920 - Philosophy of Media and Technology (3 Credits)
A philosophical examination of interrelationships between contemporary media, technology, and their impacts upon character of contemporary life and values. Topics may include ethics, epistemology, democracy, advertising, media literacy and criticism. Cross-listed with PHIL 5920, HUMN 5920, SSCI 5920. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4933 - Philosophy of Eros (3 Credits)
What does it mean to understand philosophy as an erotic activity? This question will be examined, first by studying Plato's dialogues-such as Lysis, Symposium and Republic-and then by reading texts from Sigmund Freud, Michael Foucault and others. Cross-listed with PHIL 5933, WGST 4933/5933, SSCI 5933 and HUMN 5933. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PHIL 4950 - Honors Thesis (3-6 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
PHIL 4980 - Special Topics in Philosophy (1-3 Credits)
Repeatable. Max Hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.