Winter term 2008 Philosophy courses from the OSU on-line catalog.
Spring term 2008 Philosophy courses from the OSU on-line catalog.
PHL 101 CRITICAL THINKING (4 credits)
Analysis of arguments, basic patterns of inductive and deductive reasoning, logical relations, and logical fallacies. Intended to improve analytical, critical and reasoning skills.
PHL 110 CRITICAL ANALYSIS (3 credits)
Development of a question-asking attitude for academic study. Enables students to explore issues and make informed decisions. OTHER PREREQS: EOP students only.
PHL 121 REASONING AND WRITING (3 credits)
Develops critical thinking skills to increase clarity and effectiveness of student writing; uses writing experiences to teach critical thinking skills. Subjects include identifying and evaluating arguments, analyzing assumptions, justifying claims with reasons, avoiding confused or dishonest reasoning, applying common patterns of reasoning in everyday contexts, and writing cogent complex arguments.
PHL 150 GREAT IDEAS IN PHILOSOPHY (3 credits)
Explores the assumptions and deeper meanings of familiar concepts and experiences. An introduction to some basic and famous ideas in Western thought. Topics may include truth, beauty, infinity, perception, freedom, pleasure, knowledge, mind and body, morality, justice, and political authority.
PHL 160 QUESTS FOR MEANING: WORLD RELIGIONS (4 credits)
A survey and analysis of the search for meaning and life fulfillment represented in major religious traditions of the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
PHL 170 THE IDEA OF GOD (4 credits)
Concepts and images of God and their connections to world-views, experience, science, gender, society, self-understanding, and religions.
PHL 199 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-16 credits)
Courses may be repeated as appropriate.
PHL 201 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
An in-depth introduction to the methods and ideas of Western philosophy, concentrating on such great figures as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant and Nietzsche and such topics as the nature of reality, the existence of God, knowledge and doubt, the relation of consciousness to the world, free will and determinism, good and evil, and minds and machines. Philosophers and ideas covered will vary by the section. Written assignments are required.
PHL 205 ETHICS (4 credits)
Introduction to ethical theory and to the evaluation of ethical issues in society such as sexual ethics and euthanasia. Includes the study of philosophical theories of moral responsibility and moral virtue, and the philosophical ideas behind ethics debates in society. Students are encouraged to develop their own positions on ethical issues, through discussion projects and term papers.
PHL 207 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
Introductory study of the philosophical justifications of political systems and philosophical theories about the rights and obligations of citizens and governments.
PHL 220 WORLD-VIEWS AND VALUES IN THE BIBLE (4 credits)
A study of central portions of the Bible (in the Old Testament: Torah, prophets, psalms, and wisdom; in the New Testament: Jesus, gospels, and letters) from the perspective of the academic discipline of biblical scholarship, exploring the philosophical questions of the relationships between story, myth, thought, values, and understandings of life.
PHL 251 KNOWERS, KNOWING, AND THE KNOWN (4 credits)
An introduction to the major debates in Western philosophy concerning the nature of reality, and the ways we come to know about that reality. One example concerns debates about the problem of skepticism: Is it possible that humans could be completely mistaken about the way the world is? Another example concerns debates about human identity and free will. Beginning with historical figures such as Descartes and Hume, the course also provides an introduction to more contemporary thinkers.
PHL 280 ETHICS OF DIVERSITY (4 credits)
Uses moral philosophy to examine difference-based discrimination and prejudice in the human community.
PHL 299 SELECTED TOPICS (1-16 credits)
PHL 301 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
A study of the history of Western philosophy from the early Greeks into the twentieth century. Designed to give an appreciation and understanding of the Western philosophical tradition and the philosophical foundations of Western civilization. May be taken independently. PHL 301: Greek and Roman philosophy. PHL 302: The rise of modern philosophy through Hume. PHL 303: Kant and the nineteenth century. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy recommended.
PHL 302 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
A study of the history of Western philosophy from the early Greeks into the twentieth century. Designed to give an appreciation and understanding of the Western philosophical tradition and the philosophical foundations of Western civilization. May be taken independently. PHL 301: Greek and Roman philosophy. PHL 302: The rise of modern philosophy through Hume. PHL 303: Kant and the nineteenth century. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy recommended.
PHL 303 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
A study of the history of Western philosophy from the early Greeks into the twentieth century. Designed to give an appreciation and understanding of the Western philosophical tradition and the philosophical foundations of Western civilization. May be taken independently. PHL 301: Greek and Roman philosophy. PHL 302: The rise of modern philosophy through Hume. PHL 303: Kant and the nineteenth century. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy recommended.
PHL 308 BUDDHIST TRADITIONS (4 credits)
Survey of the historical development of Buddhism in India and its spread throughout Asia and beyond by investigating the literature, rituals, history and social structure of the Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, Tibet and the Himalayan region, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and finally its growth in the West.
PHL 312 ASIAN THOUGHT (4 credits)
Familiarizes students with key figures in the history of Asian religious ideas and philosophy. While the emphasis will be on the philosophical traditions of Asia, it will quickly become apparent that philosophy and religion are not so easily distinguishable in many Asian traditions. Areas of thought studied will include Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist.
PHL 316 INTELLECTUAL ISSUES OF MEXICO AND MEXICAN AMERICANS (4 credits)
The philosophical, social, cultural, and political reality of Mexican Americans and their historical roots in Mexico since the Spanish Conquest. Analysis of internal colonialism, racism, machismo, fatalism, alienation, cultural identity, as well as more contemporary including NAFTA, immigration, and U.S.-Mexican relations.
PHL 321 DEDUCTIVE LOGIC (4 credits)
Development of formal language and deductive systems for first-order, quantificational logic. Emphasis on translation of ordinary English statements into formal language. Discussion of the contrast between semantic and syntactic treatment of logical concepts. OTHER PREREQS: Upper-division standing or PHL 101.
PHL 325 SCIENTIFIC REASONING (4 credits)
Introduction to and analysis of scientific reasoning. Emphasis on understanding and evaluation of theoretical hypotheses, causal and statistical models, and uses of scientific knowledge to make personal and public decisions.
PHL 340 SCIENCE, POLICY, AND SOCIETY (4 credits)
Examination of the use of scientific knowledge in the setting and evaluation of policy. Includes study of risk assessment, advocacy and expert knowledge. Topics vary but include nuclear power, global warming, hazardous waste, and biotechnology.
PHL 342 CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (4 credits)
A study of significant ethical developments and issues in contemporary society, including ethical principles and concepts behind social debates on such matters as sexual ethics, abortion, discrimination, the uses of animals in scientific research, and responsibilities of corporations. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: PHL 205 recommended.
PHL 344 PACIFISM, JUST WAR, AND TERRORISM (4 credits)
An examination of the philosophical and theological issues pertaining to pacifism, justified war, and forms of terrorism in Islamic and Western traditions. Special attention is given to concepts of jihad, justifications of war, and restraints on conduct in war.
PHL 360 PHILOSOPHY AND THE ARTS (4 credits)
Major philosophical theories about art and its meaning, from ancient to modern times. How philosophers have understood beauty, the imagination, art and knowledge, art and pleasure, art and emotion. Offered every other year. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy, or upper-division standing recommended.
PHL 365 LAW IN PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE (4 credits)
A study of philosophical issues in the law through the examination of legal cases and major essays in jurisprudence. Special attention given to concepts of justice, responsibility, liberty, law, and legal ethics. Offered every other year. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy or upper-division standing.
PHL 371 PHILOSOPHIES OF CHINA (4 credits)
A study of the traditional philosophies of China, including Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, Legalism, and Buddhism. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of philosophy or upper-division standing.
PHL 380 THE BODY, MEDICINE AND CULTURE (3 credits)
An examination of philosophies of the body as reflected in medical practices and cultural ideologies. Special attention is given to the experiences of women, the disabled, and the aging confronting bodily-based inequalities.
PHL 390 MORAL THEORIES (3 credits)
Examines the evolution of moral philosophy from the beginning of Western, Greek-based philosophy through contemporary moral theory, and will include philosophical questions about moral philosophy generally, virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, environmental ethics, animal rights, and feminism and ecofeminism. ENFORCED PREREQS: PHL 205
PHL 399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY (1-4 credits)
Examination of the work of a philosopher or of a specific philosophical problem; e.g., Wittgenstein, determinism, perception, philosophy of mind. Course may be repeated as appropriate. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 3 credits of upper-division philosophy recommended.
PHL 402/502 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-16 credits)
OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 403/503 THESIS (1-16 credits)
OTHER PREREQS: Departmental approval required.
PHL 405/505 READING AND CONFERENCE (1-16 credits)
OTHER PREREQS: Departmental approval required and sophomore standing.
PHL 407/507 SEMINAR (1-16 credits)
OTHER PREREQS: Two upper-division philosophy courses or the equivalent and sophomore standing.
PHL 410/510 INTERNSHIP (1-12 credits)
OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 411/511 GREAT FIGURES IN PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
Study of the works of a major philosopher such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, or Marx. Each course normally devoted to the work of a single figure. Need not be taken in sequence. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy and sophomore standing.
PHL 412/512 GREAT FIGURES IN PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
Study of the works of a major philosopher such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, or Marx. Each course normally devoted to the work of a single Need not be taken in sequence. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy and sophomore standing.
PHL 417/517 FEMINIST PHILOSOPHIES (3 credits)
Diverse forms of feminist philosophy, including a variety of critiques, especially those based on race and class, with in-depth consideration of selected social issues such as rape and pornography. CROSSLISTED as WS 417/WS 517. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy or sophomore standing.
PHL 421/521 MATHEMATICAL LOGIC (3 credits)
Rigorous definition of a formal logic and investigation of its characteristics. Emphasis on the distinction and relation between semantic and syntactic methods (model theory and proof theory) and on the meta-mathematical analysis of axiomatic theories. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: PHL 321 or 6 credits of 400-level mathematics or computer science and sophomore standing.
PHL 430/530 HISTORY OF BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY (4 credits)
Examination of the major philosophical schools, texts, and thinkers in Buddhist history, emphasizing its Indian origins, but looking beyond to the various Buddhist traditions throughout Asia.
PHL 436 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION (3 credits)
Examination of significant philosophical issues or movements and their relationship to theology and religion. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy and sophomore standing.
PHL 439 PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE (3 credits)
Intensive one-week field course taught in the Cascade Range. What is nature? What is the relation of humans to the rest of the natural world? How are our concepts of nature and decisions about land use shaped by the words and metaphors we use? What is the value of wild places? What can we learn from a close study of the natural world about right ways of acting in communities, both civic and biotic? The course will draw on many ways of knowing--philosophical analysis, close observation, and especially writing. Camping required. OTHER PREREQS: Admission by application, departmental approval required.
PHL 440/540 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS (3 credits)
Philosophical ideas about our ethical relationships to the land, with applications to current environmental issues. Includes a study of different conceptions of environmental ethics; philosophical problems in environmental ethics, such as the rights of animals and plants; the uses of environmental ethics by environmental groups; and selected contemporary issues on the environmental front. OTHER PREREQS: PHL 205, PHL 342, PHL 365 or 6 credits of philosophy and sophomore standing.
PHL 443/543 WORLD VIEWS AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
(3 credits)
A comparative study of world-views (secular and religious, Western and Eastern, modern and ancient) and how they affect concepts of nature, environmental values, and selected environmental issues. OTHER PREREQS: One introductory-level science course and sophomore standing.
PHL 444/544 BIOMEDICAL ETHICS (4 credits)
Application of ethical principles and decision-making processes to selected problems in medicine, health care, and biotechnology. Special attention given to end-of-life choices, reproductive rights and technologies, organ transplantation, research ethics, genetic engineering, and allocating scarce resources. An interdisciplinary focus that draws on social, legal, economic, and scientific issues in ethical decisions in medicine. OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 447/547 RESEARCH ETHICS (3 credits)
An examination of the interrelationship between ethical values and scientific practice. Topics include professionalism in science; scientific integrity, misconduct, and whistleblowing; the ethics of authorship; conflicts of interest between academic science and commercial science, and social responsibilities in science. OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 448/48 NATIVE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHIES (3 credits)
Native American perspectives on ways of knowing, sources of meaning and ethics, the nature of reality, self, community, and cosmos. Includes lectures, scholarship, story-telling, poetry, theater, and music as forums for this exploration. Introduces ideas of leading Native American thinkers about the human relation to the natural world, sources of strength and wisdom, the nature of time and place and spirit, right ways of acting in communities, both civic and biotic, and the place of beauty in a well-lived life. CROSSLISTED as ES 448/ES 548.
PHL 450/550 TOPICS (1 credits)
Uses the IDEAS MATTER lectures as the focus for an exploration of ideas that make a difference in the world. Students read background materials, attend lectures, meet with the speakers, and write essays on the ideas they learn. OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 451/551 KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY (3 credits)
Examination of significant theories of knowledge, theories concerning the nature of reality, and their connections. Includes an analysis of important concepts and problems, such as perception, induction, belief, empiricism, rationalism, and skepticism. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy, sophomore standing.
PHL 455/555 DEATH AND DYING (3 credits)
A multidisciplinary study of cultural, philosophical, and religious perspectives on death, dying, and grieving. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy or sophomore standing.
PHL 461/561 ART AND MORALITY (3 credits)
The arts in the context of their connections to, and conflicts with, varied conceptions of the common good. Topics include free expression and community standards, museums and obligations toward cultural treasures, art in public places, public funding of art, the politics of taste. OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing.
PHL 470/570 PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (3 credits)
Examination of philosophical questions, classic and contemporary, about science and scientific knowledge. Scientific explanations, the structure of theories, the concept of a natural law, revolutions in science, influences of the sciences and philosophy on one another, science and values. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of philosophy (upper-division philosophy recommended), sophomore standing.
PHL 474/574 PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY (4 credits)
An introduction to some of the conceptual challenges engendered by contemporary evolutionary biology, including the nature of fitness, natural selection, adaptations, and species; identifying organisms, traits, and the units of selection; the evidence required to support particular adaptive or historical hypotheses; and others. OTHER PREREQS: Previous university-level course work in either philosophy or the biological sciences is strongly recommended.
PHL 491/591 SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY: MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES (3 credits)
Examination of social, biological, and philosophical factors in natural resource management; includes concepts of sustainability and their consequences for forests and human communities. REQ: Field trip, group/individual projects. CROSSLISTED as FS 491/FS 591. OTHER PREREQS: Sophomore standing, must include a total of 6 credits in forestry, sociology, or philosophy.
PHL 499/599 TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY (1-4 credits)
Examination of the work of a philosopher or of a specific problem; e.g., Wittgenstein, determinism, perception. Course may be repeated as appropriate. Not offered every year. OTHER PREREQS: 6 credits of upper-division philosophy, sophomore standing.
PHL 525 PHILOSOPHICAL METHODS (3 credits)
Required for students completing a MA in Applied Ethics.