Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a philosophy faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

A community service-based experience arranged interdepartmentally which focuses on the actual application of ethical frameworks in a job-related setting. Consent of instructor required. G3, G9

A study of the American national governing environment: the constitutional basis for our democratic evolution and the unique American political experience. Also, an investigation of the contemporary state of American government. SS Offered every Fall

This course examines the major themes and divisions in the development of philosophy from the late 19th century to the present. In exploring different positions on problems like the nature of language, the mind, and concerns over technology, the class shows students how many of the defining philosophical issues of the 20th century continue to influence, both directly and indirectly, how we understand and shape the world. PMI

This course will examine the concept of law as a directive human enterprise from a historical and philosophical perspective, focusing on the American legal tradition. Natural Law and Legal Positivistic approaches to law will be discussed. Philosophical questions to be addressed may include views on the propriety and impropriety of judges interpreting laws in terms of social values, the intent of legislators, particular moral codes, and/or the intentions of Constitutional authors. This may also include discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of approaches such as strict constructionism, judicial activism, and intermediate approaches to law. Some analysis of historically significant U.S. Supreme Court cases on a variety of subjects is likely. SJE, PMI

The goal of the course Philosophy of Science is to introduce students to many of the underlying assumptions, conceptual foundations, and implications of science as a distinctive approach to understanding the world. There is much contemporary debate on the different methodologies and types of reasoning used in science, and the extent to which science provides objective knowledge of the real world. Some of the specific themes the class will address are as follows: the presuppositions of scientific reasoning, the nature of scientific explanation, the problems of reductionism, induction and scientific realism, the question of how science progresses, the social character of science and whether science has any obligations to larger society. We will explore these themes both in a general way as well as through the lens of particular disciplines. For example: biology and the evolution/intelligent design debate, cognitive psychology and the nature of consciousness debate, physics (quantum mechanics) and the nature of reality debate, and astronomy/cosmology on the big bang and the question of fine-tuning. The aim of the course is to show students that although science is clearly seen as separable from philosophy, deep philosophical assumptions continue to shape the character of scientific investigation in virtually all its manifestations. PMI Offered as needed, every 3rd semester.

Introduction of the basic concepts and techniques of both Aristotelian syllogism and Modern symbolic logic, designed to equip students to analyze and evaluate arguments employed in scientific and non-scientific discourse. PMI

The ethical issues of health care are some of the most controversial and interesting of our day. In this course, ethical theory is critically examined and applied to moral problems in health care, sometimes using the medium of films and case studies. Moral problems in contemporary medical practice and public policy such as informed consent, euthanasia, confidentiality, termination of treatment, HIV/AIDS, genetics, the allocation of scarce resources, surrogate decision making, advance directives, paternalism, and research involving human and animal subjects are analyzed and discussed. The early part of the course is organized around the principles of respect and autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence, and beneficence. Recommended for non-health care professionals. PMI Offered every semester.

This course examines the major ethical and social responsibilities managers and business organizations face regarding owners, managers, non-management employees, local communities, the natural environment, and other important stakeholders. A clear understanding of what constitutes proper and ethical business practices will be employed to case studies and contemporary business operations. Areas of study will include but not be limited to: sexual harassment, affirmative action, outsourcing, employee privacy, and employer obligation to workers and local communities. PMI

What is the relationship between the good life and good food Between a society and a just food system Moving between the local and the global, the personal and the political, this course takes up the many and diverse ethical questions that attend to one of our most basic human activities: eating. PMI