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The complete 2008-09 Online Catalog will not be available until mid June. You can also you can download the printable version of the 2008-09 Course Catalog in PDF format.
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Philosophy

Arts & Humanities Division

The Philosophy Department offers a wide variety of courses. Students may take a selection of courses at the Main Campus, at the North Campus, and on-line. Philosophy courses are suitable for general education, for personal interest, and for transfer purposes. Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning fulfill the A.A.S. Basic Skills requirement for Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning. Students who wish to get an undergraduate philosophy degree can begin their work by completing a "Concentration in Philosophy" at BCC.

A diverse faculty having a wide range of specialties and fields of interest teach our courses. A philosophy tutoring service provides additional assistance for students

Philosophy students at BCC have formed a club to host debates, lectures, and other presentations on topics of current and ongoing interest. All BCC students are invited to take part in club activities. For more information about the BCC Philosophy club and the BCC Philosophy Department, visit the website at www.bcc.ctc.edu/philosophy.

Student Alert: 356 BCC courses renumbered and/or renamed starting summer 2008. For example, Speech 200 is now Communication Studies 210. If you have taken courses at BCC prior to summer 2008, visit our Common Course Number Advisory website to learn more and view a list of changed courses.

PHIL& 101 Introduction to Philosophy . 5 CR
Previously PHIL 100
Introduces some of the traditional problems in philosophy (e.g., reality, knowledge, existence of God, morality, aesthetic experience). Students examine works by the great philosophers and develop basic philosophizing skills such as critical reasoning, conceptual analysis, writing skills, and argument strategy and tactics.
PHIL 102 Contemporary Moral Problems . 5 CR
Provides philosophical consideration of some of the main moral problems of modern society and civilization such as abortion, euthanasia, war, and capital punishment. Topics vary. Fulfills social science or humanities credit at BCC.
PHIL& 106 Introduction to Logic . 5 CR
Previously PHIL 120
Provides a thorough study of the formal conditions of valid argumentation. Covers translations, truth tables, and natural deduction using propositional (sentential) and predicate logic. Fulfills science credit or quantitative or symbolic reasoning course requirement at BCC.
PHIL 112 Introduction to Social Philosophy . 5 CR
Introduces fundamental social and political theories, such as Mill's libertarianism and Rawls's social contract theory. Students also examine concepts of liberty, justice, civil disobedience, democracy, and political rights.
PHIL 114 Grassroots Activism . 5 CR
Explores the ethics and practice of effective non-profit, grassroots activism. Through lecture, group work, and Service Learning, students study strategies to achieve well-being in their communities. Topics include forming and maintaining activist groups, lobbying, civic responsibility, creative direct action, civil disobedience, and review of case studies.
PHIL 115 Critical Reasoning . 5 CR
Introduces concepts and methods useful for critical analysis of arguments in ordinary language. Topics include meaning, syllogisms, logical diagrams, inductive and statistical inference, scientific reasoning, informal fallacies, argument structure, and some beginning symbolic logic. Fulfills quantitative or symbolic reasoning course requirement at BCC.
PHIL 122 Philosophical Issues in Environmental Studies . 5 CR
Provides an introduction to the ethical and epistemological issues pertaining to our interaction with the environment. Students study the various conceptions of the value of the environment and how these bear on environmental policy debates. Topics may include the intrinsic and instrumental value of wilderness, animal rights, pollution, over-population and more specific applied topics such as global warming or saving salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Fulfills social science or humanities course requirement, not both, at BCC.
PHIL 125 World Logic . 5 CR
Introductory study of the logical principles, systems, and techniques of argumentation from Greece, Arabia, India, and China. Historical figures examined include Aristotle, Avicenna, Gautama, and Mo Tzu.
PHIL 160 Philosophy of Science . 5 CR
Surveys various approaches to scientific thought, using examples from the history of science and philosophy. Students look critically at concepts of scientific method, scientific laws, casualty, determinism, indeterminism, pseudo-science, and prediction/confirmation/induction.
PHIL 201 Introduction to Political Philosophy . 5 CR
Examines the values and assumptions underlying governments and political systems. Students discuss philosophical issues behind international conflicts and cooperation in the present world. Same as POLS 201 (prev POLSC 201). Either PHIL 201 or POLS 201 (prev POLSC 201) may be taken for credit, not both.
PHIL 225 Introduction to Aesthetics . 5 CR
Explores the nature of art and aesthetic experience. Students analyze the artistic theories and aesthetic principles underlying Eastern and Western art. Format includes several field trips. Same as ART 225. Either PHIL 225 or ART 225 may be taken for credit, not both.
PHIL 234/235/236/237 Global Philosophy . 5 CR
Surveys and assesses major philosophers and philosophical traditions of a specified world region or culture such as Latin America, Islam, China, India, Africa, or the United States. Emphasis is on an historical approach to the metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and social and political philosophy of these intellectual traditions. Selected region listed in quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 247 Philosophy in Literature . 5 CR
Study of philosophical issues expressed in works of world literature. Themes may include the possibility of knowledge, the nature of evil, aesthetic experience, the rationality of religious belief, contemporary moral problems, or identity.
PHIL 248 Ethics in Criminal Justice . 5 CR
Examines the philosophical, moral, and ethical bases of human behavior from a criminal justice perspective. Students discuss justice, law, and punishment, moral decision-making, and ethical and legal dilemmas in law enforcement. Same as CJ 248 (prev ADMCJ 248). Either PHIL 248 or CJ 248 (prev ADMCJ 248) may be taken for credit, not both.
PHIL 260 Business Ethics . 5 CR
Introduction to ethical theories relevant to issues and problems in business. Explores ethical concerns in marketing, race/gender bias, economics, the natural environment, employee-employer duties, and civic relations. Same as BUS 260 (prev G BUS 260). Either PHIL 260 or BUS 260 (prev G BUS 260) may be taken for credit, not both.
PHIL 265 Biomedical Ethics . 5 CR
Introduces ethical problems relating to medical practice and biological research. Students discuss ethical issues in euthanasia, abortion, animal experimentation, genetic engineering, and doctor-patient relationships. Designed for students entering medical and research fields, but applicable to moral problems in any field.
PHIL 267 Introduction to Philosophy of Religion . 5 CR
Studies philosophical issues affecting the understanding of religion. Students assess the rationality of religious beliefs, miracles, and the existence of God.
PHIL 299 Independent Studies in Philosophy . V1-5 CR
Covers directed reading, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PHIL 365 Biomedical Ethics: Theory & Practice . 5 CR
Investigates ethical problems relating to medical practice and biological research through ethical theory and case studies. Involves in-depth and original research and discussion of biomedical ethical issues including euthanasia, abortion, genetic engineering, stem cell research and provider-patient relationships. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program or permission of instructor.