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This course is designed to encourage the delightful art of wonder, while
acquainting students with the meaning of "philosophy." In this exploration
we will examine the thinking and contributions to human thought of Western
philosophers from the earliest times to the present. This course is not a
history of philosophy, but an introduction to, and an experience in, the
adventure of wondering about the meaning of life! Our journey will permit us
to examine such important human concepts as self, goodness, thinking,
knowledge, freedom, change, growth, love, tomorrow, death, and ultimate
concern.
PHI106 World Religions (H)
3 Credits
This basic survey course in comparative religions will provide students with
a setting to examine some foundational concepts of the belief systems, the
religious practices, and the ethical systems of the world's established
religious and wisdom traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism,
Islam, Judaism, Christianity as well as the oral/primal traditions of the
indigenous people of the Americas, Africa, Australia, and other countries.
Readings, lecture, films, guest speakers (when available), small group and
class discussions will provide opportunities to examine critically these
traditions and to gain clarity and understanding with regard to their
coexistence on our small planet.
PHI108 Human Nature in Contemporary Film (H)
3 Credits
This course focuses on philosophical, spiritual, sociological, and
psychological perspectives in the development of our concept of "self" as it
is expressed in contemporary movies and films. By viewing and analyzing a
prearranged collection of films (a list of films to be provided on the first
day of class), students will learn the skill of critical observation. By
studying underlying philosophical concepts revealed in films, students will
develop an understanding of the contributions various disciplines make in
the evaluation and explanation of the human self.
PHI110 Introduction to Contemporary Ethics (H)
3 Credits
This introductory course in the study of ethics will explore the historical
contributions to this important area of civilized thought. It will nurture
and affirm the student's appreciation of the need for a reliable perspective
and guidelines for responsible living in the complexities of a society and
world which looks forward to change and discovery in the next century. This
course will provide a rational framework by which students can evaluate
issues and make ethical choices. It is a goal of this course to facilitate
critical thought and examination of cultured opinion as we seek to discover
wholesome civility and meaning in a rapidly changing contemporary world.
Issues which will be explored are the taking of human life, mercy killing,
euthanasia, abortion, lying, cheating, breaking promises, marriage, human
sexuality, pornography, bioethics, and issues in medicine and the
professions, as well as ethics in business and sports and issues surrounding
the environment.
PHI201 Critical Thinking (H)
3 Credits
This course introduces the student to the principles of critical thinking
and provides practice in applying these principles to everyday decision
making. The student will learn to distinguish between rational thoughts and
feelings, evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, examine evidence,
clarify by asking questions, fair-mindedly analyze multiple viewpoints, and
make reasonable judgments.
Prerequisite: ENG101 or any 100-level Humanities course.
PHI220 The Philosopher Explores the “Good” Life (H) 3 Credits
This course is designed to be an interactive class in which various academic
disciplines coalesce in a composite of pragmatic philosophy which focuses on
living in the 21st Century. This course will dynamically combine content and
conduct to prepare and resource the student in the growth of personal
character and virtue. Altruism and civility will be explored and experienced
through the facilitation and implementation of the community
service-learning component requirement of the course.
Pre/Co-requisites: PHI101 or any 100 level humanities course or
permission of instructor.