Courses
PHL 329K • Hist Of Ancient Philosophy
41950-41960 • Spring 2015
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM WAG 302
(also listed as C C 348)
This course is a survey of ancient Greek philosophy. It covers Presocratics, Plato, and Aristotle. The class will be conducted in three lectures and one discussion session every week.
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
41965-41975 • Spring 2015
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM WAG 302
This course is a survey of modern philosophy. It covers Descartes, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The class will be conducted in three lectures and one discussion session every week.
PHL 329K • Hist Of Ancient Philosophy
43355-43365 • Spring 2014
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 420
(also listed as C C 348)
This course is an introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. We’ll focus on three major philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; and we’ll examine their views and arguments on some central questions about the world around us, how to conduct our lives, and our knowledge or ignorance about both. We’ll also look briefly at some earlier figures known as Presocratics and Sophists, and at the influential later thinker, Epicurus. The emphasis throughout will be on analyzing both what these thinkers claim and their reasons for their claims. The main goal is not to memorize information but to develop a critical understanding of some issues and arguments that remain live options today.
Grades: weekly response questions 10%, 2 midterm exams 25% each, final exam 30%, participation 10%.
Texts:
- Baird & Kaufmann, Ancient Philosophy
- Plato, Protagoras
- Shields, Classical Philosophy
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
43370-43380 • Spring 2014
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM WAG 302
This course is an introduction to early modern philosophy. The objectives of the class are to identify and analyze arguments in philosophical texts of the early modern period, and to become familiar with central themes and problems. Topics include causation, substance, and the possibility of knowledge. The relationship of philosophical theories to contemporary science will be an ongoing theme.
PHL 329K • Hist Of Ancient Philosophy
42725-42735 • Spring 2013
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 420
(also listed as C C 348)
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.
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
42740-42750 • Spring 2013
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM WAG 302
This course is an introduction to early modern philosophy. The objectives of the class are to identify and analyze arguments in philosophical texts of the early modern period, and to become familiar with central themes and problems. Topics include causation, substance, and the possibility of knowledge. The relationship of philosophical theories to contemporary science will be an ongoing theme.
PHL 329K • Hist Of Ancient Philosophy
42520-42530 • Spring 2012
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 302
(also listed as C C 348)
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.
PHL 347 • Philosophy Of Law
42565-42575 • Spring 2012
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM WAG 420
E
This course, intended to introduce students to certain basic issues in philosophy of law, will be organized around the question: What should a legal system be? What are the fundamental features that are vital to a proper legal system, and what are some of the competing understandings of what these are?
By reading both historical and contemporary authors, we will examine the theoretical bases of proper law as well as the appropriate practical implementation of key ideals in legal systems today. Correspondingly, along the way, we will consider the meaning of several concepts that are arguably crucial to a proper legal system, such as rights, freedom, representation, popular sovereignty, democracy, and republic.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
42290-42300 • Fall 2011
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM WAG 302
This course is a survey of the philosophical texts in ancient Europe, India, and China. The weekly schedule will contain three lectures and one discussion session. The reading assignments for the lectures will be announced at the beginning of the semester. The discussion session will pick up the problems that arise from the reading assignments and lectures.
Textbooks:
Plato, the Republic
Bourke, The Essential Augustine
Hartshorne, Omnipotence and Other Theological Mistakes
Bhagavad Gita, translated by Mascaro
Confucius, the Analects, translated by Huang
Evaluation:
The semester grade will consist of four items: (1) the student’s contribution to discussion sessions (10%), (2) one-hour test (20%), (3) a short paper of about 1000 words (20%), and (4) the final exam (50%).
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
42530-42540 • Fall 2011
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM WAG 302
This course is a survey of modern philosophy. It covers Descartes, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The class will be conducted in three lectures and one discussion session every week.
Texts:
Descartes, Meditations
Berkeley, Principles of Human Knowledge
Hume, Enquiry concerning Human Understanding
Kant, Critique of Pure Reason (abridged edition)
Seung, Kant: A Guide for the Perplexed
Evaluation:
The semester grade will consist of four items: (1) class preparation and participation (10%), (2) one-hour test (20%), (3) a short paper of about 1000 words (20%), and (4) the final exam (50%).
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
43050-43060 • Spring 2011
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM WAG 302
This course is a survey of modern philosophy. It covers Descartes, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The class will be conducted in three lectures and one discussion session every week.
Texts:
Descartes, Meditations
Berkeley, Principles of Human Knowledge
Hume, Enquiry concerning Human Understanding
Kant, Critique of Pure Reason (abridged edition)
Seung, Kant: A Guide for the Perplexed
Evaluation:
The final grade will consist of three items: (1) class preparation and participation (10%), (2) two one-hour test (20% each), (3) the final examination (50%).
PHL 347 • Philosophy Of Law
43080 • Spring 2011
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM WAG 302
E
This is a general survey course on the basic issues in philosophy of law. Those issues are legal positivism, legal formalism, legal pragmatism, natural law, the legal authority, the question of justice. The class will be conducted in lectures and discussion sessions.
Textbook: D’Amato, ed., Analytic Jurisprudence Anthology
Evaluation:
The final grade will consist of three items: (1) class preparation and participation (10%), (2) two one-hour test (20% each), (3) the final examination (50%).
PHL 375M • Kant's Critique Of Pure Reason
42537 • Fall 2010
Meets TTH 3:30PM-5:00PM CBA 4.346
This course is an intensive study of Kant’s greatest work, Critique of Pure Reason. Because this is a very difficult text, we will go over it, paragraph by paragraph, sometimes line by line. The students will be given a reading assignment every week, and they will present their interpretations of the assigned texts in class and challenge the interpretations by other students.
Texts:
Kant, Critique of Pure Reason
Seung, Kant
Evaluation:
The final grade will consist of three items: (1) class preparation and participation (20%), (2) the mid-term paper (30%), (3) the term paper (50%).
The paper topics will be suggested when the time comes.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
42230-42240 • Spring 2009
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 214
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
PHL 347 • Philosophy Of Law
42445 • Spring 2009
Meets TTH 3:30PM-5:00PM WAG 302
This course, intended to introduce students to certain basic issues in philosophy of law, will be organized around the question: What should a legal system be? What are the fundamental features that are vital to a proper legal system, and what are some of the competing understandings of what these are?
By reading both historical and contemporary authors, we will examine the theoretical bases of proper law as well as the appropriate practical implementation of key ideals in legal systems today. Correspondingly, along the way, we will consider the meaning of several concepts that are arguably crucial to a proper legal system, such as rights, freedom, representation, popular sovereignty, democracy, and republic.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
43270-43280 • Fall 2008
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM WAG 302
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
43490-43500 • Fall 2008
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM WAG 420
This course is an introduction to early modern philosophy. The objectives of the class are to identify and analyze arguments in philosophical texts of the early modern period, and to become familiar with central themes and problems. Topics include causation, substance, and the possibility of knowledge. The relationship of philosophical theories to contemporary science will be an ongoing theme.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
44115-44130 • Fall 2007
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 420
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 329L • Early Mod Phl: Descartes-Kant
44335-44350 • Fall 2007
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM PAR 301
This course is an introduction to early modern philosophy. The objectives of the class are to identify and analyze arguments in philosophical texts of the early modern period, and to become familiar with central themes and problems. Topics include causation, substance, and the possibility of knowledge. The relationship of philosophical theories to contemporary science will be an ongoing theme.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
43870-43885 • Fall 2006
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM CBA 4.328
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 375M • Kant's Critique Pure Reason-W
44183 • Fall 2006
Meets M 3:30PM-6:30PM WAG 210
C2
In-depth examination of philosophical questions and issues in a seminar setting for advanced Philosophy students.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
41830-41845 • Spring 2006
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 302
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
PHL 318 • Introduction To Ethics
41995-42030 • Spring 2006
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:00PM CAL 100
Study of basic principles of the moral life, with critical examination of traditional and contemporary theories of the nature of goodness, happiness, duty, and freedom.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
41865-41880 • Fall 2005
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM GAR 215
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
40415-40430 • Spring 2005
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM GAR 311
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge & Valuation
41435-41450 • Fall 2004
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM GAR 215
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 381 • Kant's Moral Philosophy
41875 • Fall 2004
Meets M 3:30PM-6:30PM WAG 210
Past topics include major figures and movements in ancient, medieval, early modern, and nineteenth- and twentieth - century philosophy.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge And Valuatn
38920-38935 • Spring 2004
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM GAR 311
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge And Valuatn
39885-39900 • Fall 2003
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM GAR 311
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 375M • Kierkegaard And Nietzsche-W
40285 • Fall 2003
Meets M 3:30PM-6:30PM WAG 210
C2
In-depth examination of philosophical questions and issues in a seminar setting for advanced Philosophy students.
PHL 380 • Philosophy Of Culture
39545 • Spring 2003
Meets M 1:00PM-4:00PM WAG 210
Past topics include pragmatism; postmodernism; contemporary Marxism; critical theory.
PHL 375M • Nietzsche-W
39433 • Spring 2002
Meets M 3:00PM-6:00PM WAG 420
C2
In-depth examination of philosophical questions and issues in a seminar setting for advanced Philosophy students.
PHL 381 • Kant's Moral Philosophy
40465 • Fall 2001
Meets TH 12:30PM-3:30PM WAG 210
Past topics include major figures and movements in ancient, medieval, early modern, and nineteenth- and twentieth - century philosophy.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge And Valuatn
38685-38700 • Spring 2001
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WAG 420
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
PHL 610QA • Probs Of Knowledge And Valuatn
39585-39600 • Fall 2000
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM UTC 1.146
Methods and aims of selected sciences, arts, and philosophy in the attainment of knowledge and in providing the basis for valuation.
PHL 375M • Moral Realism And Relativism-W
40170 • Fall 2000
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM WAG 210
C2
In-depth examination of philosophical questions and issues in a seminar setting for advanced Philosophy students.
PHL 610QB • Probs Of Knowledge And Valuatn
38140-38155 • Spring 2000
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM UTC 1.146
The aim of this semester is to introduce topics in epistemology and metaphysics, initially through the works of two major philosophers, René Descartes (f. 1640) and David Hume (f. 1745). They will serve to introduce two main themes: the nature of knowledge and skepticism; and the nature of the human mind and action.
Descartes is known for two highly influential ideas. His skepticism arises from his reflection that we might be deceived by an “evil demon” who makes it seem as if our ordinary world exists whereas in reality there is nothing. Although Descartes hoped to defuse skepticism, it has lived on, inspiring not only generations of philosophers, but also leaving its mark in such movies as Matrix and Solaris.
Descartes’ dualism is his view that mind and body are entirely distinct. This view has been supported by religious thinkers, by many philosophers impressed by the distinctive character of consciousness, and by some defenders of free will.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is famous for supposedly arguing for a form of skepticism that Descartes did not explicitly consider: skepticism about whether the future will resemble the past. His discussion of this issue is closely intertwined with a remarkable theory of causation, a theory which led him to hold that an action can be free, and so can merit praise or blame, even though it is causally determined. We will also discuss some aspects of Hume’s philosophy of religion, notably his section on miracles, and his presentation of the problem of evil.
