Course Descriptions

PHL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to the fundamental questions of philosophy, including such issues as determinism, freedom, and responsibility; the relationship of mind to body; the grounds and limits of human knowledge; and the existence and nature of God. 3 Credits.

PHL 102 - Introduction to Logic
A study of analytical problem-solving using the methods of symbolic logic for deductive and inductive inference. Includes converting problems stated in ordinary language into symbolic representation, finding relationships between symbolic quantities, using logical procedures to test validity and resolve conflicting evidence in ordinary language, professional and occupational settings, and in scientific reasoning. 3 Credits.

MCC level 4 placement or TRS 094 with a grade of C or higher

PHL 103 - Introduction to Ethics
An introduction to basic problems in ethics, emphasizing theories of the good life, the morally good person, and morally right action, and their application to the most significant ethical questions in contemporary society, such as abortion, euthanasia, human sexuality, social and economic justice, violence, and use of the environment. 3 Credits.

PHL 105 - Technology and Values
A study of the ways that the advance of technology relates to the development of values. The course will investigate how we evaluate and respond to technology and will examine technology's impact upon values, such as freedom, individuality, growth, work, and the political process. The course includes topics that computer science and engineering technology students need to understand, such as unique ethical problems in information technology; ethical practices to minimize computer misuse; ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Codes of Ethics and Professional Practice; the morality of software piracy; hacking and viruses; and a range of questions raised by globalization and climate change. Students will articulate problems and issues, identify, analyze, and evaluate ideas and arguments, acknowledge limitations of arguments, and make reasonable judgments. 3 Credits.

PHL 108 - World Religions: Western Traditions
An introduction to the academic study of religion through the exploration of some Western religious traditions. This course examines the historical development, the fundamental doctrines, practices, institutions, and cultural expressions of Western religions. The course also addresses differences and similarities between Western religions, and the differences and similarities between Western and non-Western religions. The course introduces students to study of the relations between religion and politics, economics, and social life. 3 Credits.

PHL 109 - World Religions: Eastern Traditions
This course introduces methods of the academic study of religion and the major Asian religions. The course examines the history, doctrines , practices, institutions, and cultural expressions of religions originating in Asia. The relationship between religions and economic and political life are examined. Religious views of cosmos and nature show the impact of religion on the environment. The course examines differences and similarities among religions originating in Asia, differences and similarities between Asian and non-Asian religions, and the effects of Asian and non-Asian religions on each other. 3 Credits.

PHL 210 - Democracy and Human Rights
This course introduces students to (i) the general conceptual and normative claims of democracy and the modern human rights movement and (ii) specific problems of democracy and human rights. General issues include the role and limits of national sovereignty and the moral and legal bases of human rights. Specific problems are drawn from among the following: genocide and humanitarian intervention, global poverty, religious liberty and religious tolerance, feminism and the roles of women, cultural differences in conceptions of democracy and human rights. We study both conceptual and practical issues in democracy and human rights. 3 Credits.

PHL 250 - Professional Ethics
A study of ethical problem-solving in the professional and workplace settings. The course provides students with the concepts, methods, and theories needed to analyze moral problems in a variety of professions and workplaces. The course includes lectures, discussions, case studies, the nature and formation of codes of professional ethics. Some analyses are performed in teams of students. Some sections are limited to specific majors, as indicated in the course title. The course may not be repeated for additional credit hours. 3 Credits.

PHL 255 - Professional Ethics for Science and Medicine
This course explores the professional ethics of science and health care and methods of satisfactorily resolving moral problems that arise in these fields. Students learn to cultivate the ability to recognize moral concerns and the elements necessary to competently understand a moral problem. Topics include patient and research subject safety, autonomy and consent, confidentiality, privacy, objectivity and uncertainty in clinical and scientific knowledge, professional codes of ethics, research integrity, conflicts of interest, issues of race, class, gender, and social justice, property rights, the problems associated with professionalization and professional roles in a global society. Students learn philosophical methods for engaging with these issues, apply these methods to case studies, and think broadly about the role of scientists in a liberal democracy. 3 Credits.

PHL 290 - Independent Study
See the Department Chairperson. Variable Credit.