An introduction to the methods and problems of philosophy, with special emphasis on topics pertaining to the nature of reality, the theory of knowledge, and value theory.
An introduction to ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral issues, such as human cloning, abortion, and physician-assisted suicide.
An introduction to informal logic, focusing on issues of logical form, standards of good and bad reasoning, and argumentative writing.
An introduction to the concepts and methods of modern symbolic logic. Emphasis is placed on problems of translating English expressions into logical symbols, on the development of skills in using the formal proof procedures of sentential and predicate logic, and development of the predicate calculus. Prerequisites: MATH ND0955, MATH ND0960, or placement test eligible for MATH 1010.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and number of credits authorized will appear on the student’s transcript.
A survey of the major philosophers and issues from the Presocratics to the beginning of the early modern period, covering such major figures as Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Aquinas.
An examination of central themes in Existentialism, including anxiety, dread, freedom, awareness of death, and the consciousness and meaning of existence. These themes will be traced through the writings of such writers as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Camus, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvior.
An examination of the ideals of and justifications for democratic institutions.
A selected study of one of the traditional questions of philosophy, such as the nature of knowledge and truth, the mind/body problem, free will/determinism, and the nature of moral/aesthetic value.
A survey of fundamental moral issues arising from the practice of medicine and from advances in medical science.
Selected study of the major works of a single central figure in philosophy. Philosophers whose works may be taught include, but are not limited to: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Mill, and Wittgenstein. May be taken twice with a different philosopher.
A survey of topics in the philosophy of religion, especially as they pertain to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
An examination of classic philosophical issues in Eastern religious thought, with a special emphasis on Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
An in-depth study of western ethical theories, including utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, virtue ethics, and social contract theory.
An examination of philosophical issues concerning the nature and importance of aesthetic experience and appreciation in the arts and the environment, including questions about the definition of art, artistic representation and expression, and aesthetic value.
An examination of central topics in the philosophy of law, including the relationship between law and morality, the justification of punishment, and legal reasoning.
PHIL 4510. Metaphysics (3)
A study of enduring topics concerning the nature of reality, such as the mind/body problem, free will/determinism, the problem of universals, and the existence of God. Historical and contemporary philosophers are discussed.
PHIL 4520. Epistemology (3)
A study of enduring topics in the theory of knowledge, such as the nature of justification; the relationship between knowledge, justification, and belief; the nature of truth; and sources of knowledge. Historical and contemporary philosophers are discussed.
Individually designed tutorial for philosophy minors and majors, intended to satisfy program requirements not available through scheduled class offerings.
A comprehensive review of the various areas of philosophy and an in-depth study of a single philosopher with the goal of producing a substantial thesis paper.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and number of credits authorized will appear on the student’s transcript.
Weber State University 2007-2008 Catalog