Ethics Courses

ETL 235 The Ethical Life: Moral and Social Responsibility - 3 credits

A sophomore level course providing students with the opportunity to study the major theories of ethics and social justice and explore their own values and beliefs, in context of an individual’s responsibility to the community. Designed to enhance the process of learning and self-exploration by enabling the students to put into immediate practice the ideas they discuss in the classroom. Composed of two interdependent elements: a once a week class that meets for one hour to discuss the theories of ethics, community and social justice and a 28-hour community partnership placement where students provide a needed service that benefits the community directly.

Philosophy Courses

PHI 100 Introduction to Philosophy - 3 credits

Examines the genesis and treatment of the major problems of Western philosophy. These problems include: what it means to be a human being; how knowledge is possible; and how human beings ought to act (ethics). Students read philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Mill, Kant and Sartre to understand the solutions they offered to these perennial questions.

PHI 105 World Philosophies - 3 credits

An examination of the major themes of philosophy in many different cultures and traditions. Themes include: What is reality? What is god? And what is freedom?

PHI 131 Introduction to Logic - 3 credits

Investigates the problems of ordinary language, fallacies and the assumptions underlying deductive systems.

PHI 141 Philosophy of Woman - 3 credits

A critical investigation of some of the major texts of Western philosophy, as well as some feminist texts, with regard to how they describe and define “woman.” At the same time, the present condition of women’s lives is explored to see how women have been and continue to be affected by the definition of “woman” provided by philosophers, theologians, advertisers and the media.

PHI 200 Ethics - 3 credits

Analyzes the major texts of moral philosophy, with particular attention to applying the theories of ethics to contemporary ethical issues.

PHI 201 Ancient Philosophy - 3 credits

An investigation of the historical, cultural and intellectual sources of philosophy in the ancient world. Readings include Homer, the Pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle.

PHI 250 Introduction to Professional Ethics - 3 credits

An introduction to the fundamental principles of ethical theory and their application to the professions. While individual professions will be discussed, the emphasis will be on the ethical principles and issues which apply to all professions.

PHI/BIO 320 Biomedical Ethics - 3 credits

Offers an investigation of ethical issues, using philosophical models and biomedical case studies, in areas of death and dying, human experimentation, reproductive manipulation, genetic engineering, behavioral control and health-care delivery. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

PHI 360 Special Topics - 1-3 credits

Students examine a selected topic for intensive study. Emphasis may be on certain philosophers, schools of philosophic thought, or a philosophic issue of concern to students.

PHI 390 Independent Study - 1-3 credits

Individual projects of one-term length under the guidance of the department.