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Philosophy
PH345 Philosophy of the Person 3 credits
This course critically examines some of the most influential conceptions of the human person (e.g.,
the Platonic, the Aristotelian-Thomistic, the Judeo-Christian, the Hobbesian and that of other modern
thinkers). It considers such fundamental issues as the existence and nature of the human soul; whether
human beings are innately good, innately evil, both or neither; in what sense, if any, human beings are
rational; and the nature and basis of human freedom.
PH346 Ethical Issues in the Sciences 3 credits
This course provides non-science as well as science majors the opportunity to examine key issues in
the sciences in the light of major ethical theories. Among the issues to be examined are: abuses and
uses of nuclear energy, behavior control and psychosurgery, chemical wastes and the environment,
computerized files of personal information, computerization and depersonalization, experimentation
with human subjects and animals, genetic engineering and screening, reproductive techniques, organ
transplants, physician-patient relationships, and euthanasia.
PH355 History of Modern Philosophy: Bacon - Kant 4 credits
In this course, the third of four history of philosophy courses students study the major philosophical
movements of the early modern period beginning with the rise of inductive natural science. Students
then examine rationalism, empiricism and conclude with Kant’s critical philosophy. The central
epistemological theme of the course reflects the modern conviction that before other sciences may be
studied with profit, the possibility and modes of human knowledge must be determined. Prerequisites:
PH253 and PH254.
PH358 History of 19th and 20th Century Philosophy: Hegel - Wittgenstein 4 credits
This course, the fourth of four history of philosophy courses, is an examination of the post-Kantian
philosophy focusing on selected major movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as idealism,
phenomenology, existentialism, and British analytic and ordinary language philosophy. Readings may
include Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, James, Foucault, Wittgenstein, Ryle, and John
Paul II, among others. Prerequisite: PH355.
PH360 Epistemology 3 credits
Epistemology is the study of how it is that humans come to know themselves and the world we inhabit.
This course is a survey of theories of knowledge that span the western tradition from the Greeks to
the present day. Issues raised include the definitions of certainty and truth, the reliability of sense
knowledge, the way in which we know ourselves and others, as well as other related issues raised by
our authors.
PH362 Business Ethics 3 credits
The course examines critically the major ethical or moral theories that are at the basis of decisionmaking
in the complex area of contemporary behavior we know as “the business world.” It is
recommended for business majors.
PH370 Philosophy of Art 3 credits
This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between philosophy of art or aesthetics and
developments in art history. The course involves a study of traditional and contemporary theories of art, an
examination of selected figures and movements in art history, and an analysis of the vital interrelationship
between the two disciplines of philosophy and art. Also offered as AR370. Offered fall semester.
PH380-389 Special Topics: Philosophy
3 credits
These courses give non-majors an opportunity to explore philosophical movements, figures, and issues.
Specific topics are determined by the department and student interest, and have included American
Philosophy, the rise of modern science, 20th century women philosophers, and philosophy of law.
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