Introduces the student to reasoning in a language-centered context. Students will learn how to identify arguments and distinguish them from other types of discourse. Some topics covered will be: evaluating claims, recognizing informal fallacies, problem solving, evaluating media. Students will also learn how to cast issues in a neutral manner to recognize and appreciate a variety of perspectives, and to argue for and against more than one perspective on an issue. The focus of this course is on everyday practical reasoning. IAI H4 906

Introduces the student to formal symbolic logic. After an introduction to the concept of argument, students will learn both Aristotelian and modern symbolic logic. Applications to the real world include contracts, legal arguments, and computer languages.

Principles and problems of philosophy as seen in different schools of thought. Topics: validity of human knowledge; nature of reality; mind and body; free will and determinism; moral and aesthetic values; and religious belief. IAI H4 900

Consideration of problems of value and conduct, including the question of the "good life" or happiness; and contemporary moral issues such as war, violence, drugs, racism, crime and punishment. IAI H4 904

Focuses on the ideas of justice, liberty, equality, law and order, rights and privileges. This includes discussion of such issues as democracy, communism, nuclear war, capital punishment, sexual equality, hunger and drugs. IAI H4907

Examines central ethical questions posed by the design and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Students draw on leading ethical frameworks and perspectives to navigate challenges posed by the introduction of AI to a variety of morally significant contexts, such as public safety, medicine, and criminal justice.

Introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to business decisions. Considers theories of economic justice, social responsibility, hiring practices and rights of employees and employers.

Introduces selected philosophical concepts and value systems of several non-Western cultures. Gives attention to the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and other Hindu texts, Confucius, the Tao Te Ching and other Chinese classics and key texts from at least two other traditions. IAI H4 903N

Introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to environmental issues. Explores the roots of Western ideas about nature (Biblical, Greek, early Modern), the American environmental discussion and current positions including development, conservation, preservation and restoration. Considers issues including human-centered vs. life-centered views, whether species or habitats have value, appreciation vs. cost/benefit approaches, and bioregionalism.

Considers the ethics of the professional-patient relationship (confidentiality, informed consent, paternalism, truth-telling), the ethics of life and death (abortion, euthanasia, suicide), and the ethics of medicine on a social scale (the right to health care, the distribution of medical resources).

Introduces philosophical thinking and its application to issues concerning women. Explores a variety of theories by and about women. Considers a number of issues including images of women, biological vs. social conditioning, the relation of gender to class and race, women's spirituality, education, family, work, violence and pornography. Men are welcome to take the course.

Introduces the teachings, practices, social structures and histories of the religions of India (mainly Buddhism and Hinduism), and China and Japan (mainly Confucianism, Shinto and Taoism), and of the Middle East (mainly Christianity, Islam and Judaism). IAI H5 904N

Surveys the contribution of religion to American culture including the differences between rural and urban society, the development of religious freedom and the rise of a "secular religion." Examines the emergence of new forms of belief and practice and the variety of religious issues confronting American society today. IAI H5 905

Examines the nature and presuppositions of Western religions, especially the reasons which can be given for and against the existence of God. Selected further topics: the problem of evil, life after death, the nature of religious experience, language, knowledge, and authority, religion and science, major philosophical theories on the nature of religion. IAI H4 905

Surveys the major figures and schools in Western philosophical tradition from the pre-Socratic Greeks through the 14th century. Emphasis on interpreting philosophical reflection in light of the social, political, religious and cultural context from which it arises. IAI H4 901

Surveys the major figures and schools in Western philosophical tradition from the 15th to the 20th century. Emphasizes interpreting philosophical reflection in light of the social, political, religious and cultural context from which it arises. IAI H4 902