PHLU 101 Introduction to Philosophy
Through the exploration of some of the subject's central questions and issues, this course will introduce students to the subject of philosophy. At least three of the following topics will be discussed in detail: free will and determinism; belief in the existence of God; the nature and standards of human knowledge; the nature of the good and the foundations of morality. The major positions held on each topic will be defined, and the arguments for the various positions as well as objections raised against them will be presented and evaluated. Students will be asked to assess the cogency of the positions and to explain which they think are true or closest to the truth. 3 credits.
PHLU 104 Introduction to Ethics
Students examine some of the most urgent contemporary moral problems based on the insights of major thinkers in the history of philosophical thinking about morality. Practical topics may include abortion, the death penalty, world hunger, and the environment. 3 credits.
PHLU 120 Global Ethics and Religion
(Same as RELU 120) An introduction to ethical issues from the perspective of world religions: What is the relationship between religion and ethics? Why do people suffer? How do the religions differ on ethics? Are there universal religious ethical values? 3 credits.
PHLU 125 Philosophy of Religion
(Same as RELU 125) An introduction to philosophical issues in the world religions. Comparisons and contrasts between Western and Asian philosophy of religion are emphasized: What is the meaning of life? How do resurrection and reincarnation differ? Does God exist? How could a good God allow evil? Could only one religion be right? 3 credits.
PHLU 203 Logic
An introduction which teaches the skills necessary for distinguishing between correct and incorrect reasoning. Methods will be taught which can help one to reason more persuasively and to write more clearly. A focus on interpreting arguments in everyday English plus a study of conclusive methods for testing the correctness of reasoning. 3 credits.
PHLU 301 History of Political Philosophy I
(Same as POSU 301) An introduction to the early political thoughts that shaped and dominated Western European development. This course traces the concepts of power, social order and proper governance from Plato to the Enlightenment. It places special emphasis on examining and understanding the growing debate of separation of church and state and the rising voice of individual, social and civil liberties through this period. 3 credits.
PHLU 302 History of Political Philosophy II
(Same as POSU 302) An introduction to the later political thoughts that shaped and dominated Western European development. This course traces the concepts of power, social order and proper governance from the Enlightenment until today. This course places special emphasis on examining and understanding Fascism, Communism, Democracy, Anarchism and the rising voices of previously under-represented populations. 3 credits.
PHLU 304 Multicultural Ethics
An inquiry into the promises and perils of a multicultural society. Main topics include ethical theory from international perspectives, the nature of prejudice, and the culture wars. 3 credits.
PHLU 308 God, the Good Life, and Sex
(Same as RELU 308) An interdisciplinary course focusing on the relation between Ultimate Reality and the Good. Questions in cross-cultural metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics (especially sexual ethics) are addressed. 3 credits.
PHLU 310 From Socrates to Aquinas
(Same as RELU 310) An interdisciplinary study of philosophical and religious thinkers from the earliest Greek philosophers through the Middle Ages. The ideas of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas are examined to see how they change over time, and how they are relevant to our contemporary search for moral and religious values. 3 credits.
PHLU 311 Descartes to Kierkegaard
(Same as RELU 311) An interdisciplinary study of the great philosophical and religious thinkers from the Reformation to the 20th century whose ideas form the basis for modern thought. Prominent works of Martin Luther, John Calvin, René Descartes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and Søren Kierkegaard are critically examined. 3 credits.
PHLU 314 Medical Ethics
A systematic examination of ethical principles as applied to moral dilemmas in health care. Topics include euthanasia, abortion, truth-telling, informed consent, the professional/patient relationship, experimentation on human and animal subjects, allocating scarce medical resources. Of special interest to those seeking careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, social work, and related fields. 3 credits.
PHLU 315 Voluntary Service
An exploration of volunteering and philanthropy (voluntary giving for public purposes). This interdisciplinary course serves as an introduction to ethics at the upper-division level. Topics include the moral aspects of caring and helping, and of responsibilities concerning world hunger, and case studies of people like Albert Schweitzer. 3 credits.
PHLU 319 Philosophy of Women/Women of Color
A study of philosophical issues concerning sex roles and gender, focusing on women of color — especially on African American, Mexican American, and Asian American women. Topics may include stereotypes; beauty; women as 'Other'; the colonized self; affirmative action; and moral values such as autonomy, empowerment, equality, and justice. 3 credits.
PHLU 320 Belief, Truth, and Knowledge
An examination of fundamental issues about the origin, nature, and validity of knowledge. Topics include the nature of truth, the problems which arise concerning the reliability and objects of perception, how our beliefs can be justified, whether skepticism can be avoided, and whether there can be certain knowledge. 3 credits.
PHLU 323 Philosophy in Literature
A study of intriguing philosophical ideas and themes as dealt with by novelists, poets, and dramatists. The unifying theme of the course varies. The most recent ones were love, self-deception and achieving an authentic self, individual freedom and the authority of the state, and the concept of the self. 3 credits.
PHLU 329 Experimental Topics in Philosophy
An examination of selected topics in philosophy relevant to evolving areas of importance to the field. Syllabi must be approved by the Dean and announced to the Curriculum and Academic Committee prior to being offered. May be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. 3 credits.
PHLU 499 Independent Study
Prerequisites: Instructor's approval and approval of petition. Directed reading and/or research designed to meet specific needs of superior upper division students. 1-3 credits.