PHI 101   INTRO TO PHILOSOPHY   3 Units

An introduction to philosophy as an activity of clarifying ideas, developing and evaluating positions and arguments, and thinking critically about the Big Ideas That Matter, such as right and wrong, free will, God, the good life, knowledge, truth, education, and rationality. Typically involves reference to the leading figures and schools of thought in the history of philosophy.

PHI 201   ASIAN PHILOSOPHY   3 Units

(PHI 201 & REL 201 are the same course.) An exploration of philosophically significant topics pertaining to the traditions of Asia. Typically includes the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Daoism, & Shinto. May include topics such as the nature of ultimate reality & its relationship to the self, liberation & enlightenment, ethical ideals & practices, social institutions, & the nature of government. Attention will be paid to arguments pertaining to these topics as well as careful analysis of such classic primary sources as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Analects, Daodejing, & Zhuangzi

PHI 241   ETHICS   3 Units

An exploration of philosophical ethics, with attention paid to the philosophical methods of analysis and argumentation used to drive and evaluate moral theories and judgments. Topics may include the nature of moral truth (e.g., absolute truth, relativism, pluralism), prominent moral theories (e.g., virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism), important figures from the history of philosophy (e.g., Aristotle, Kant, J.S. Mill), and contemporary moral issues (e.g., abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia).

PHI 244   ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS   3 Units

A philosophical examination of both traditional & recent concepts & values which structure human attitudes towards the natural Env.. Theories may include anthropocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism, Leopold's land ethic, deep ecology, & ecofeminism. Topics may include the ethics of using l& for large-scale agricultural purposes, factory farming, fishing, hunting, xenotransplantation, species depletion, ozone depletion, & climate change.

PHI 258   HUMAN NATURE, RELIGION AND SOCIETY   3 Units

Study and critique of the views of theistic and secular writers concerning religion and its relationship to individual and social problems.

PHI 299   INDEPENDENT READING IN PHILOSOPHY   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Program must be approved by chair of the department.
PREREQ: CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR

PHI 310   THINKING CRITICALLY: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND APPLICATIONS   3 Units

This is an advanced study of critical thinking, evidence assessment, and philosophical analysis. The course explores common logical errors and reasoning pitfalls due to human perception, cognition, and memory. It provides strategies and standards of evidence analysis, facilitating an awareness of the differences between science and pseudoscience. Specific topics may include (although not exclusively): confirmation bias, memory fabrication, probability, astrology, miracle cures, parapsychology, near-death experiences, alien abductions, and ancient astronauts.
PREREQ: PHI 101 OR PHI 210 RECOMMENDED. JUNIOR STANDING OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.