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Philosophy
General Major: (10 courses)
• PHL-121; 122; 238; 245; 337;
• Two of PHL-230, 232, 234;
• One of PHL-321, 323, 340, 343, 345, 355, 366, 370, 385;
• Two PHL-300-level electives
Minor: (6 courses)
• PHL-121; 122; 337;
• One of PHL-230, 232, 234;
• One of PHL-238 or 245;
• One PHL-300-level elective
PHL-121 Introduction to Philosophy
(F/W)
Previously offered as PHL-201. An examination of philosophy and its
place in our culture, with special emphasis on ethics, the question of
the soul, the nature of truth, especially as it relates to science. Basic
distinctions and categories for dealing philosophically with created
reality are developed.
PHL-122 Logic
(W)
This course introduces students to logic - both deduction and
induction - and develops critical thinking skills in relation to arguments
and their evaluation. Students will examine the role of worldview in
relation to logic and arguments and learn to compose cogent written
arguments. The course will cover such topics as the importance of
language, logical fallacies, sources of authority, and elementary
philosophical concepts and categories.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
PHL-230 Ancient World Philosophy *
Ancient world philosophy concentrates on the emergence of Western
philosophy from Thales to Augustine while also taking account of
major ancient philosophies in the non-Western traditions such as
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
PHL-232 Medieval and Early Modern Philosophy
This course explores the development of Western philosophy
from Augustine to Aquinas and then through the Renaissance and
Reformation on to the emergence of early modern philosophy.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
(F)*
PHL-234 Late Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
(W)*
This course examines the development of Western philosophy
from the mid-eighteenth century (Bentham) until the present, with
close attention to the rise of postmodernism and the contemporary
resurgence of Christian philosophy.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
PHL-238 Metaphysics
(F)*
Students will study the nature, constitution, and structure of reality.
We will discuss grand theories of everything, such as metaphysical
materialism, idealism and metaphysical dualism. We will also
discuss the differences between existence and essence, and between
substance, properties, accidents and bundles. We will clarify important
distinctions between metaphysical realism and nominalism, and
between universals and particulars. Topics will extend to fundamental
issues about personal identity, the nature of eternity and time, necessity
and possibility, and others.
Prerequisite: PHL-121 and 122
PHL-245 Epistemology *
This course examines the development of epistomology in the
Western philosophical tradition with a particular focus on modern
epistomology. At a systematic level the focus will be on the theory
of theorizing in the Reformational tradition and the Reformed
Epistomology of Plantinga and Wolterstorff.
Prerequisite: PHL-121 and 122
PHL-248 Aesthetics
(F)*
A philosophical consideration of art and art criticism, drawing on both
classical and contemporary thinkers. Topics include beauty, expression,
representation, aesthetic distance, the identity of the work of art, the
relation of art to morality and the influence of art on perception.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
PHL-314 Philosophy of Science
(W)
Previously offered as PHL-342. A study of philosophical problems
arising out of the presuppositions, methods and results of the natural
sciences. The focus is on biology, with selected topics from physics
and chemistry. Topics include the role of religious commitments,
the nature and development of knowledge, perception, the nature of
science, the relation between theory and observation, and the sociology
of science.
Prerequisite: PHL-121 and HIS-313
PHL-321 Ancient and Medieval Political Theory (POL-321) *
PHL-323 Modern Political Theory (POL-323) *
PHL-337 Philosophical Ethics (Capstone)
(W)*
A consideration of the foundations of moral reflection, drawing on
sources in ancient and contemporary philosophical reflection in
both the Western world and Asia. The emphasis falls on the general
principles underlying good conduct and the good life (i.e. the notion of
autonomy) rather than on responses to specific moral issues of our day.
Prerequisite: Year 3 or 4 standing. PHL-337 is the Capstone Course for the Philosophy
Department and is required for all majors in the 3rd or 4th year.
PHL-340 Philosophy of Religion (REL-340) *
Previously offered as PHL-240. A treatment of philosophical issues
as they arise in religious experience and in theological thought, such
as the nature of religious language, the enterprise of proving God’s
existence, and the prospect of defining or circumscribing religion.
Prerequisite: PHL-121
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