Introduction, exploration and analysis of topics of selected basic philosophical issues and problems, including the origins of ideas which have shaped Western thought and thinking today: knowledge, belief and truth, causality, reality, the world and God, morality, the nature of persons, obligation, action and free will, the good life, the ideal community and the nature of the ultimate reality. Reading and critical discussion of both classical and contemporary texts. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement. Three lecture.
A candid approach to informal logic, and critical thought, designed to place in perspective the rational and emotive elements involved in creative problem solving as well as a systematic study and critical analysis of arguments. Students will participate in plenary and small group discussions. Prerequisite: ENL 101. Three lecture.
Introduction to moral and political theory and problems of practical ethics; philosophical analysis of the idea of the ethical life (problems of ethics and social/political philosophy: e.g. virtue and integrity, rights vs. social utility, nature of law and state). Reading and critical discussion from sources representative of moral and social philosophers of both the classical (historic) and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement. Three lecture.
Introduction to the historic concepts and philosophies of religion including the nature and justification of religious belief; arguments for the existence and nature of God or gods; mysticism; religion and meaning; values and knowledge of religion; theistic and pantheistic conceptions of God and creation in the world from animism to the modern religions; traditions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and others. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement. Three lecture.
valid xhtml
valid css