Philosophy
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PHIL& 101 Introduction to Philosophy • 5 Cr.
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 BC.
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& 115 Critical Thinking • 5 Cr.
An informal, non-symbolic introduction to logic and critical thinking emphasizing real-life examples, natural language applications, and the informal logical fallacies.
PHIL& 120 Symbolic Logic • 5 Cr.
Introduction to modern symbolic logic emphasizing sentence logic with translation and proofs and quantificational logic with translation and proofs.
New description starting Summer 2013
Introduction to modern symbolic logic emphasizing sentence logic with translation and proofs and quantificational logic with translation and proofs. Prerequisite: Placement by assessment into MATH 099, or completion of MATH 098 with a C or better.
PHIL 122 Environmental Ethics • 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 BC.
PHIL 145 Eastern Philosophy • 5 Cr.
Introduces the philosophical traditions of India, China, and Japan. Students explore concepts of value, self, reality, social/political philosophy, aesthetics, and religion in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and other traditions.
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 194 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 195 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 196 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 197 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
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. Either PHIL 201 or POLS 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 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. Either PHIL 248 or CJ 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. Either PHIL 260 or 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 294 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 295 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 296 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
PHIL 297 Special Topics in Philosophy • V1-5 Cr.
Covers supplemental or unusual topics related to Philosophy. Topics are announced in the quarterly class schedule.
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.
Examine ethical issues that arise in healthcare, such as provider-patient relations, death and dying, reproductive issues, human and animal experimentation, and bioethics and public policy. Offers the knowledge and skills needed to research, analyze, and evaluate positions taken on these or related issues. Special attention is paid to the practical use of ethics in clinical practice and in public society. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program or permission of instructor.
