Robert C Koons

Course Description

Critical examination of very recent arguments for the existence of God (a necessary, non-temporal, simple, purposeful, “perfect” being), including: the first-cause (cosmological) argument from contingency, the Kalām-style first-cause argument, epistemological arguments from naturalistic debunking, arguments from normativity and semantics, the argument from the nature of modality and mathematical objects, and the argument from apparent fine-tuning of the universe for life and for scientific knowledge. We will also consider whether the popular “skeptical theist” response to the problem of evil undermines any of the arguments. 

Grading Policy

One term paper (80%), plus a seminar presentation (20%).

Texts

Alexander R. Pruss, Infinity, Causation, and Paradox (OUP 2018)

Alexander R. Pruss and Joshua Rasmussen, Necessary Existence (OUP 2018)

Recommended:

Jerry Walls and Trent Dougherty (eds.), Two Dozen (or So) Arguments for God (OUP 2018)

Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes, A Fortunate Universe (CUP 2016)

Graham Oppy, Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity (CUP 2006)

Timothy O’Connor, Theism and Ultimate Explanation (Wiley 2012)

Selected articles and chapters

This seminar satisfies the M&E requirement?

Prerequisites

Graduate Standing and Consent of Graduate Advisor or instructor required.

Course Description

We will trace the history of the proposition from ancient times until today. Propositions have historically been supposed to play three roles: as the fundamental bearers of truth and falsity, as meanings or contents of assertions, and as objects of certain attitudes (including knowledge and opinion). We will begin with selections from Plato and Aristotle, consider the Stoic theory of lekta, cover major medieval theories from Abelard through Ockham, consider Bolzano’s theory, and then move on to early analytic philosophy (Frege, Moore, and Russell). We will conclude with some recent proposals, including those of Peter Geach, David Lewis, Jeffrey King, Scott Soames, Trenton Merricks, and Jeff Speaks.

Texts

Selections from Plato (Sophist and Theaetetus) and Aristotle (De Interpretatione, Categories, Prior Analytic, Metaphysics), Frege (“The Thought”), G. E. Moore (“The Nature of Judgment”), Bertrand Russell (“Philosophy of Logical Atomism,” Principles of Mathematics, “On the Nature of Truth and Falsehood”), Geach (Mental Acts), David Lewis (On the Plurality of Worlds).

Gyula Klima (ed.), Intentionality, Cognition and Mental Representation in Medieval Philosophy (2015)

Trenton Merricks, Propositions (2015)

Jeffrey C. King, Jeff Speaks, and Scott Soames, New Thinking about Propositions (2015)

Grading Policy

One term paper.

This seminar satisfies the History requirement.

We will examine recent work in philosophy that is written from a Christian point of view or that examines philosophical questions that arise within the framework of the Christian faith. The issues to be covered include the relationship between faith and reason, the possibility of demonstrating the existence of God, the problem of evil, the problem of reconciling divine foreknowledge and sovereignty with human responsibility, and the relation of God to time. Special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of Christian philosophy to foundational questions concerning reality, knowledge and ethics.

An examination of some central texts representing each of four modern political philosophies: Marxism, welfare-state or social democracy, libertarianism, and traditional or Burkean conservatism. We will try to uncover the metaphysical, epistemological, anthropological, and ethical commitments of each system and understand how the constitutional, legal, and economic framework recommended by each follows from their philosophical foundations. We will look at how each  deploys philosophical arguments and strategies against the other three, identifying the points of commonalty and tension with respect to each of the six pairings. Students will be encouraged to develop and defend their own understanding of the foundations of politics through in-class disputations and through written essays critiqued by their peers.

Proposed Readings:

The Marx-Engels Reader
G. A. Cohen, Why not Socialism?
John Rawls, A Theory of Justice
J. J. Rousseau, Basic Political Writings
Friedrich Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
Murray Rothbard, The Anatomy of the State
Roger Scruton, The Meaning of Conservatism
C. S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man

Proposed Grading Policy:

Attendance and Participation: 10%
In-class disputations: 20%
Eight short papers (300-500 words): 40%
Four 4-5 page (1000-1200 words) essays, critiqued by peers: 20%

An examination of the classic problems and questions of metaphysics (change, composition, time, space, existence, possibility, causation, universals), using the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy.

An introduction to the political ideas and theories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We will focus on primary texts by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine of Hippo, supplemented by some selections from the Greek historian Thucydides and the political school of thought known as the “Sophists”. About one-third of the course will be devoted to role-playing game, The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.  This game is part of a “Reacting to the Past” method developed at Barnard College. Students will be assigned different roles, e.g. Thrasybulus, a radical Democrat, Oligarch, Supporter of Socrates, Rich Athlete--derived from the historical setting, each role being defined largely by its game objective-exonerate Socrates, banish Socrates, condemn him to death. Students will determine on their own, however, how best to attain their goals, though they will receive guidance from important texts in the history of ideas.

The heart of each game is persuasion. For nearly every role to which you will be assigned, you must persuade others that your views make more sense than those of your opponents. Your views will be informed by the texts cited in your game objectives, and the more you draw upon these texts and the more cleverly you draw upon them, the better. You have two ways of expressing your views: orally and in writing. Both will be graded.

An examination of the classic problems and questions of metaphysics (change, composition, time, space, existence, possibility, causation, universals), using the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy.

Prerequisites

Graduate Standing and Consent of Graduate Advisor or instructor required.

Course Description

A look at contemporary metaphysics (late 20th century to the present) in a broadly Aristotelian setting. Topics to be covered: immanent universals vs. individual forms, Aristotelian approaches to the problems of material composition and persistence, causal powers and processes, time and change, final and formal causes, actuality & potentiality, finitism in physics & mathematics, and hylomorphic accounts of the mind/body relation, The seminar will be held jointly (via cyberspace) with a seminar on the same topic, taught by Prof. Alexander Pruss at Baylor.

Grading  Policy

Students will have a choice between a single term paper (20-25 pages, due at the end of the semester), or two 10 page papers, one due before Thansksgiving and the second at the end of the semester.

Texts

Articles and chapters by: Loux, Lowe, Haldane, Feser, K. Fine, Rea, Marmodoro, North, Cartwright, Koslicki, M, Johnston, Jaworski, Chisholm, Brentano, Mumford, Stump, Ellis, Cartwright, Bird, Heil, Aquinas, and (of course) Aristotle.

This seminar satisfies the M & E requirement.

An introduction to the political ideas and theories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We will focus on primary texts by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine of Hippo, supplemented by some selections from the Greek historian Thucydides and the political school of thought known as the “Sophists”. About one-third of the course will be devoted to role-playing game, The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.  This game is part of a “Reacting to the Past” method developed at Barnard College. Students will be assigned different roles, e.g. Thrasybulus, a radical Democrat, Oligarch, Supporter of Socrates, Rich Athlete--derived from the historical setting, each role being defined largely by its game objective-exonerate Socrates, banish Socrates, condemn him to death. Students will determine on their own, however, how best to attain their goals, though they will receive guidance from important texts in the history of ideas.

The heart of each game is persuasion. For nearly every role to which you will be assigned, you must persuade others that your views make more sense than those of your opponents. Your views will be informed by the texts cited in your game objectives, and the more you draw upon these texts and the more cleverly you draw upon them, the better. You have two ways of expressing your views: orally and in writing. Both will be graded.

We will examine recent work in philosophy that is written from a Christian point of view or that examines philosophical questions that arise within the framework of the Christian faith. The issues to be covered include the relationship between faith and reason, the possibility of demonstrating the existence of God, the problem of evil, the problem of reconciling divine foreknowledge and sovereignty with human responsibility, and the relation of God to time. Special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of Christian philosophy to foundational questions concerning reality, knowledge and ethics.

An examination of the classic problems and questions of metaphysics (change, composition, time, space, existence, possibility, causation, universals), using the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy.

An examination of the most significant and representative philosophers of medieval Europe and the Mediterranean, with a view both to their historical significance and their contemporary relevance. Topics include: faith and reason, proofs of God’s existence, free will, soul and body, and the problem of universals.

An introduction to the political ideas and theories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We will focus on primary texts by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine of Hippo, supplemented by some selections from the Greek historian Thucydides and the political school of thought known as the “Sophists”. About one-third of the course will be devoted to role-playing game, The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.  This game is part of a “Reacting to the Past” method developed at Barnard College. Students will be assigned different roles, e.g. Thrasybulus, a radical Democrat, Oligarch, Supporter of Socrates, Rich Athlete--derived from the historical setting, each role being defined largely by its game objective-exonerate Socrates, banish Socrates, condemn him to death. Students will determine on their own, however, how best to attain their goals, though they will receive guidance from important texts in the history of ideas.

The heart of each game is persuasion. For nearly every role to which you will be assigned, you must persuade others that your views make more sense than those of your opponents. Your views will be informed by the texts cited in your game objectives, and the more you draw upon these texts andthe more cleverly you draw upon them, the better. You have two ways of expressing your views: orally and in writing. Both will be graded.

Grading Policy:

Your grade will be based on the following:

(1) regular class attendance, careful preparation of the readings, and active participation in the games: 10%

(2) four analytical outlines: 10%.

(3) pop quizzes: 10%.

(4) points earned (as part of a group) in “Reacting to the Past” simulation: 10%

(5) approximately three writing assignments -- speeches, newspaper articles, poems, or whatever written expression that enables you to persuade your fellow students in the context of the “Reacting to the Past” simulation -- totaling about ten pages: 20%

(6) two exams (the first 15%, the second 25%).

Timely submission of all work is essential.

Texts:

• The Threshold of Democracy Athens in 403 B.C.  by Mark Carnes (Longman, 2005)
• Plato, The Republic (Penguin Classics, 2007)
• Thucydides, On Justice, Power and Human Nature: The Essence of The History of the Peloponnesian War (edited by Paul Woodruff, Hackett, 1993)
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (trans. David Ross, Oxford World Classics, 2009)
• Aristotle’s Politics and the Constitution of Athens (trans. Everson, Cambridge. 1996)
• Cicero, Republic and the Laws (trans. Rudd, Oxford World Classics, 2009)
• Cicero, On Obligations: De Officiis (trans. Walsh, Oxford World Classics, 2008)

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

This course is an overview of some of the central topics in metaphysics.
Metaphysics, generally speaking, is the branch of philosophy concerned
with the nature of reality; metaphysicians seek an understanding of the
fundamental sorts of things that constitute the world, as well as of the
structure of the world itself.
We will begin by focusing on issues surrounding one particular sort of
thing: persons. In particular, we will be considering different views
regarding what it is to be a person and for a person to persist through
change. This will lead to more general discussions of the nature and
structure of time and the persistence of things through temporal change.
From there we’ll take up the issue of composition. In particular, we’ll be
concerned with the following question: Under what circumstances do
some things (parts) compose another thing (whole)? We’ll then turn to the
problems of universals and individuation – how do we account for (i)
similarities among distinct things and (ii) the distinctness of exactly
similar things? We’ll conclude the course with a discussion of possible
worlds.

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

An introduction to the political ideas and theories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We will focus on primary texts by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine of Hippo, supplemented by some selections from the Greek historian Thucydides and the political school of thought known as the “Sophists”. About one-third of the course will be devoted to role-playing game, The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.  This game is part of a “Reacting to the Past” method developed at Barnard College. Students will be assigned different roles, e.g. Thrasybulus, a radical Democrat, Oligarch, Supporter of Socrates, Rich Athlete--derived from the historical setting, each role being defined largely by its game objective-exonerate Socrates, banish Socrates, condemn him to death. Students will determine on their own, however, how best to attain their goals, though they will receive guidance from important texts in the history of ideas

The heart of each game is persuasion. For nearly every role to which you will be assigned, you must persuade others that your views make more sense than those of your opponents. Your views will be informed by the texts cited in your game objectives, and the more you draw upon these texts and the more cleverly you draw upon them, the better. You have two ways of expressing your views: orally and in writing. Both will be graded.

Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on the following:

(1) regular class attendance, careful preparation of the readings, and active participation in the games: 10%,

(2) four analytical outlines: 10%.

(3) pop quizzes: 10%.

(4) points earned (as part of a group) in “Reacting to the Past” simulation: 10%,

(5) approximately three writing assignments -- speeches, newspaper articles, poems, or whatever written expression that enables you to persuade your fellow students in the context of the “Reacting to the Past” simulation -- totaling about ten pages: 20%,

(6) two exams (the first 15%, the second 25% ).

Timely submission of all work is essential.

Texts

The Threshold of Democracy Athens in 403 B.C.  by Mark Carnes (Longman, 2005)

Plato, The Republic (Penguin Classics, 2007);

Thucydides, On Justice, Power and Human Nature: The Essence of The History of the Peloponnesian War (edited by Paul Woodruff, Hackett, 1993)

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (trans. David Ross, Oxford World Classics, 2009)

Aristotle’s Politics and the Constitution of Athens (trans. Everson, Cambridge. 1996)

Cicero, Republic and the Laws (trans. Rudd, Oxford World Classics, 2009)

Cicero, On Obligations: De Officiis (trans. Walsh, Oxford World Classics, 2008).

This course is an overview of some of the central topics in metaphysics.
Metaphysics, generally speaking, is the branch of philosophy concerned
with the nature of reality; metaphysicians seek an understanding of the
fundamental sorts of things that constitute the world, as well as of the
structure of the world itself.
We will begin by focusing on issues surrounding one particular sort of
thing: persons. In particular, we will be considering different views
regarding what it is to be a person and for a person to persist through
change. This will lead to more general discussions of the nature and
structure of time and the persistence of things through temporal change.
From there we’ll take up the issue of composition. In particular, we’ll be
concerned with the following question: Under what circumstances do
some things (parts) compose another thing (whole)? We’ll then turn to the
problems of universals and individuation – how do we account for (i)
similarities among distinct things and (ii) the distinctness of exactly
similar things? We’ll conclude the course with a discussion of possible
worlds.

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

An introduction to the philosophical achievements of the ancient world, concentrating on Plato and Aristotle. 

This course is an overview of some of the central topics in metaphysics.
Metaphysics, generally speaking, is the branch of philosophy concerned
with the nature of reality; metaphysicians seek an understanding of the
fundamental sorts of things that constitute the world, as well as of the
structure of the world itself.
We will begin by focusing on issues surrounding one particular sort of
thing: persons. In particular, we will be considering different views
regarding what it is to be a person and for a person to persist through
change. This will lead to more general discussions of the nature and
structure of time and the persistence of things through temporal change.
From there we’ll take up the issue of composition. In particular, we’ll be
concerned with the following question: Under what circumstances do
some things (parts) compose another thing (whole)? We’ll then turn to the
problems of universals and individuation – how do we account for (i)
similarities among distinct things and (ii) the distinctness of exactly
similar things? We’ll conclude the course with a discussion of possible
worlds.

An examination of some of the classic problems and questions of metaphysics – including existence, ontology, similarity, universals, relations, number, change, possibility and necessity -- using the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy.

TEXTS:

Required text:

Robert Koons and Tim Pickavance, Fundamentals of Metaphysics (Wiley/Blackwell, under contract)

The Koons/Pickavance text will be available (in MS Word files) on the course Blackboard page.

Students will be expected to read relevant articles in philosophy journals, as needed.

EVALUATION:

Ten short (1-2 page) chapter reports                                                                           20%

Two in-class essay exams (20% for the first, 30% for second)                                   50%

Attendance and class participation                                                                               20%

In-class “disputations”                                                                                              10%

Optional term paper (10-20 pages) (rough draft due Nov. 23rd; final draft due Dec. 9th), which may be used to replace one or both of the exam grades.

More detailed instructions for the paper and for the disputations will be provided as the semester progresses.

Universals and Tropes

Prerequisites:

Graduate Standing and Consent of Graduate Advisor or instructor required.

Description:

An examination of some contemporary accounts of properties, with the aim (of course) of finding the One True Theory. We will begin by looking at the arguments for and against 'ostrich' and resemblance nominalism. We will then look at the following questions:

• Should we adopt universals, tropes, or both?

• What would universals or tropes have to be like? • Is any form of the Truthmaker principle true?

• In addition to universals and tropes, are there states of affairs or nexuses (instantial ties or trope-attachers)?

• Can realists avoid Bradley's regress, and if so, how?

• How do we account for the relation of determinate properties to determinables? What accounts for varying intensities and quantities?

• What is the correct theory of relations, especially non-symmetrical relations? How are things ordered in the world?

• Does realism lead to a 'problem of individuation'? If so, can it be solved?

Grading Policy:

A twenty-something page term paper, with a 4-5 page précis due by Thanksgiving. Texts: We will rely almost exclusively on recently published papers, available online. The Oxford anthology of classic papers, Properties, edited by D. H. Mellor and Alex Oliver, is recommended.

This course satisfies the M&E requirement

An introduction to the political ideas and theories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We will focus on primary texts by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine of Hippo, supplemented by some selections from the Greek historian Thucydides and the political school of thought known as the “Sophists”. About one-third of the course will be devoted to role-playing game, The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.  This game is part of a “Reacting to the Past” method developed at Barnard College. Students will be assigned different roles, e.g. Thrasybulus, a radical Democrat, Oligarch, Supporter of Socrates, Rich Athlete--derived from the historical setting, each role being defined largely by its game objective-exonerate Socrates, banish Socrates, condemn him to death. Students will determine on their own, however, how best to attain their goals, though they will receive guidance from important texts in the history of ideas

The heart of each game is persuasion. For nearly every role to which you will be assigned, you must persuade others that your views make more sense than those of your opponents. Your views will be informed by the texts cited in your game objectives, and the more you draw upon these texts and the more cleverly you draw upon them, the better. You have two ways of expressing your views: orally and in writing. Both will be graded.

Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on the following:

(1) regular class attendance, careful preparation of the readings, and active participation in the games: 10%,

(2) four analytical outlines: 10%.

(3) pop quizzes: 10%.

(4) points earned (as part of a group) in “Reacting to the Past” simulation: 10%,

(5) approximately three writing assignments -- speeches, newspaper articles, poems, or whatever written expression that enables you to persuade your fellow students in the context of the “Reacting to the Past” simulation -- totaling about ten pages: 20%,

(6) two exams (the first 15%, the second 25% ).

Timely submission of all work is essential.

Texts

The Threshold of Democracy Athens in 403 B.C.  by Mark Carnes (Longman, 2005)

Plato, The Republic (Penguin Classics, 2007);

Thucydides, On Justice, Power and Human Nature: The Essence of The History of the Peloponnesian War (edited by Paul Woodruff, Hackett, 1993)

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (trans. David Ross, Oxford World Classics, 2009)

Aristotle’s Politics and the Constitution of Athens (trans. Everson, Cambridge. 1996)

Cicero, Republic and the Laws (trans. Rudd, Oxford World Classics, 2009)

Cicero, On Obligations: De Officiis (trans. Walsh, Oxford World Classics, 2008).

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

This course is an overview of some of the central topics in metaphysics.
Metaphysics, generally speaking, is the branch of philosophy concerned
with the nature of reality; metaphysicians seek an understanding of the
fundamental sorts of things that constitute the world, as well as of the
structure of the world itself.
We will begin by focusing on issues surrounding one particular sort of
thing: persons. In particular, we will be considering different views
regarding what it is to be a person and for a person to persist through
change. This will lead to more general discussions of the nature and
structure of time and the persistence of things through temporal change.
From there we’ll take up the issue of composition. In particular, we’ll be
concerned with the following question: Under what circumstances do
some things (parts) compose another thing (whole)? We’ll then turn to the
problems of universals and individuation – how do we account for (i)
similarities among distinct things and (ii) the distinctness of exactly
similar things? We’ll conclude the course with a discussion of possible
worlds.

An introduction to the philosophical achievements of the ancient world, concentrating on Plato and Aristotle. 

Formulation, analysis, and criticism of philosophical ideas in selected literary works.

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

Past topics include basic issues in metaphysics; particulars and universals; identity and individuation; realism and antirealism; mind-body issues. 

This course is an introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. We’ll focus on three major thinkers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; and we’ll examine their views and arguments on some central questions about human conduct, the natural world, and our knowledge of both. We’ll begin with a brief look at some influential earlier figures known as Presocratics and Sophists, and we’ll end with a brief look at some enduring ideas of Epicurus. The emphasis throughout will be on analyzing both what these thinkers say and their reasons for saying it. The main goal is not to memorize information but to develop a critical understanding of some problems and arguments that remain very much alive today.

Past topics include basic issues in metaphysics; particulars and universals; identity and individuation; realism and antirealism; mind-body issues. 

An introduction to the philosophical achievements of the ancient world, concentrating on Plato and Aristotle. 

This is a first course in deductive symbolic logic. We'll study formal languages for representing sentences
in logically precise ways, we'll study algorithms for evaluating arguments as logically valid or invalid, and
we'll get an introduction to some of the surprising discoveries logicians have made about what tasks no
algorithm can possibly do.

This is a first course in deductive symbolic logic. We'll study formal languages for representing sentences
in logically precise ways, we'll study algorithms for evaluating arguments as logically valid or invalid, and
we'll get an introduction to some of the surprising discoveries logicians have made about what tasks no
algorithm can possibly do.

Past topics include contemporary ethical theory; theories of justice; philosophy of law; social contract theories; political philosophy. 

Theories of human nature, such as those of Plato, Christianity, Marxism, and existentialism. Modern phsychological and biological theories are included, as the interplay of nature and nurture in determining human conduct is explored. 

Prerequisites

This course is restricted to first year graduate students in philosophy

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

Formulation, analysis, and criticism of philosophical ideas in selected literary works.

Past topics include basic issues in metaphysics; particulars and universals; identity and individuation; realism and antirealism; mind-body issues. 

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

Theories of human nature, such as those of Plato, Christianity, Marxism, and existentialism. Modern phsychological and biological theories are included, as the interplay of nature and nurture in determining human conduct is explored. 

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.

Explores the currents of contemporary thought by focusing on philosophical areas, movements, or trends.