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 the inductive and deductive processes of reasoning in the light of classical and contemporary thought, including the analysis of ordinary language and its pitfalls, and the relation of logic to scientific inquiry and method. 3 Credits.

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 such values 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: the 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 as well as questions raised by globalization. 3 Credits.

PHL 108 - World Religions: Western Traditions
An introduction to the academic study of religion through the exploration of some of the major Western religious traditions of the world. This course examines the historical development, the fundamental doctrines and beliefs, practices, institutions, and cultural expressions of Western religious traditions. This course also addresses some of the essential differences and similarities that exist among Western religious traditions, and points to the uniqueness of each of them. The course includes the examination of ancient religious culture, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 3 Credits.

PHL 109 - World Religions: Eastern Traditions
This course is an introduction to the major Asian religions and the methods of the academic study of religion. The course examines the history, doctrines and beliefs, practices, institutions, and cultural expressions of religions originating in Asia. This examination supports study of the differences and similarities among religions originating in Asia, and the mutual effects of Asian and non-Asian religions on each other in various parts of the world. Students have the opportunity to explore for themselves conceptions of humanity, duty, and virtue derived from the Asian religions. 3 Credits.

PHL 210 - Human Rights and Democracy in Domestic and International Contexts
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 principles and of ethical problems in the professional world. The course is intended to provide students with the ability to analyze ethical situations within a specific profession such as health care, business, and public administration. The course includes lectures, discussions, case analyses, the study of codes of ethics, and individual projects. The topic for each semester is indicated in the course title. The course may not be repeated for additional credit hours. 3 Credits.

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