The Philosophy programs are devoted to providing a learning environment in which students broaden their perspectives, stretch their thinking, and learn to reason and communicate in a critical, clear, and consistent manner. Major areas of philosophical inquiry are explored with reference to both historical and contemporary thought. Together, students and faculty pursue answers to the perennial questions involved in the common search for meaning, truth, and values. Through dialogue, disciplined thinking and writing, and mutual concern and respect, an attempt is made to articulate God’s truth as it relates to these basic questions. Emphasis is placed on the integration of philosophy with other disciplines and the development of Christian perspectives.
A minor in philosophy is of special value for most disciplines in that it provides a framework for the integration of study and learning, as well as an emphasis on the basic tools of language and reasoning. Students with a major in philosophy often seek further study in theology, law, biblical studies, and history, in addition to graduate work in philosophy. Philosophy provides an excellent background for careers in the business world, government service, the legal profession, and medicine and related health fields, as well as in teaching or ministry. Not only does philosophy enhance professional credentials, it also aids students in becoming liberally educated people with a variety of interests to pursue throughout the rest of their lives.
PHI 110 • Introduction to Ethics 2 Credits
A philosophical analysis of relevant ethical issues in contemporary society, which may include: abortion, euthanasia, medical ethics, animal rights, sexual ethics, and distribution of resources. Traditional ethical theories will be used to evaluate different moral positions on issues. Emphasis on moral-decision making.
Offered: Fall, January, Spring.
PHI 125M • Introduction to Logic 4 Credits
A study of standard forms of deductive and inductive logical reasoning, critical thinking, and informal fallacies. Rules for evaluating arguments and ways to distinguish good arguments from bad ones, with the goal of problem solving and making reasonable decisions about beliefs and actions.
Offered: Spring.
PHI 210L • The Modern Mind 4 Credits
Themes and movements that have shaped European and American culture in the last 200 years, drawing on significant works in philosophy, literature, and art. Reflection on the personal and cultural meanings of living in the modern age.
Prerequisites: GES 130 and GES 160 (may be taken concurrently) or GES 149 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Fall.
PHI 220L • Philosophies of Race and Gender in America 4 Credits
Investigates the impact of theories of race and gender on life and thought in contemporary America. Analyzes the philosophical concepts and arguments underlying the historical development of these theories. Critically evaluates the philosophical commitments inherent in the moral and religious language used in discussions of race and gender in America.
Prerequisites: GES 130 and GES 160 (may be taken concurrently) or GES 149 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Fall.
PHI 223L • Introduction to Gender Studies 4 Credits
Provides a philosophical grounding in the field of Gender Studies. Introduces a broad spectrum of theories and ideas about gender, and explores key debates within the field. Examines how theories of gender emerge as well as shape and influence individual lives and social contexts in America and beyond.
Prerequisites: GES 130 and GES 160 (may be taken concurrently) or GES 149 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Spring.
PHI 228L • Philosophies of Love and Sex 4 Credits
Examines different perspectives on the nature of love and sexuality. Defines and distinguishes features associated with different types of love and sexuality. Explores norms and critically examines their role in contemporary American society.
Prerequisites: GES 130 and GES 160 (may be taken concurrently) or GES 149 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Fall.
PHI 230U • Medieval Islamic Philosophy 4 Credits
From A.D. 800-1200, Arabic civilization was the world’s center of intellectual, cultural, and economic developments. A study of the philosophical and theological thought developed in the Arabic world during the medieval period, and its influence on later intellectual traditions, including the Western Christian tradition.
Prerequisites: GES 130 (may be taken concurrently) or GES 149 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: January, Spring.
PHI 305G • Philosophy of Religion 4 Credits
Study of issues central to religious belief. Explores different approaches to the relation of faith and reason, the sources of religious knowledge, the nature of God, the problem of evil, religious diversity, and the afterlife.
Prerequisites: [GES 130; GES 160 or GES 149]; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or World Cultures (U) course. Offered: Spring, even # years.
PHI 310 • Aesthetics 4 Credits
Problems and perspectives concerning the nature of art and aesthetic experience. Questions such as “What is art?” “What is good art?” and “What good is art?” in the context of the visual arts, music, literature, and film. The relationships among aesthetic, moral, and religious values are explored.
Prerequisites: GES 125. Offered: Fall, even # years.
PHI 316 • Consciousness: Psychology and Philosophy in Dialogue 4 Credits
A team-taught investigation of ancient, medieval, and modern philosophies of consciousness and the historical roots of contemporary psychology. Shows how philosophical and psychological theories of consciousness transcend disciplinary boundaries. Focus on interaction between philosophy and psychology, emphasizing the origins of cognitive science in philosophy of mind and consciousness.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or One philosophy course. Offered: Spring, odd # years. Special Notes: This course carries cross-credit in psychology.
PHI 320 • Advanced Topics in Ethics 4 Credits
An advanced study of principle ethical theories and their application to relevant problems concerning the individual and society. Readings in classical and contemporary sources focus on questions such as the nature of justice, the common good, and the moral responsibilities of citizens.
Prerequisites: Two philosophy courses or Consent of instructor. Offered: Spring. Special Notes: This course carries cross credit in political science.
PHI 335K • Environmental Ethics 4 Credits
Examines the intersection of science, society, and technology as it pertains to issues in environmental ethics. Moves from theory—considering science, society, and technology philosophically—to application by concluding with a major research project on an applied issue in environmental ethics involving scientific data and technological choice.
Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) Course and Mathematics (M) course. Offered: Fall, January. Special Notes: This course carries cross-credit in environmental studies.
PHI 345 • Modern Political Thought 4 Credits
In-depth examination of selected political thinkers such as Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Nietzsche, Kuyper, Rawls, and Taylor. Concentrates on primary sources.
Prerequisites: One course in political science, philosophy, or history and Sophomore standing. Offered: Fall, even # years. Special Notes: This course carries cross credit in history and political science.
PHI 346G • Theories of Human Nature 4 Credits
A comparative study of different theories of what it means to be human. A variety of theories from different historical, cultural, and religious perspectives is explored, giving special attention to the relationship between a theory and the norms and systems of the culture in which the theory emerges.
Prerequisites: [GES 130; GES 160 or GES 149]; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or World Cultures (U) course. Offered: Fall, even # years.
PHI 360 • Classical Political Thought 4 Credits
In-depth examination of selected political thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, and Hobbes. Concentrates on primary sources.
Prerequisites: One course in political science, philosophy, or history and Sophomore standing. Offered: Fall, odd # year. Special Notes: This course carries cross-credit in political science and history.
PHI 491 • Applied Humanities Seminar 4 Credits
An interdisciplinary, experiential capstone course in which students draw on their studies in history, philosophy, political science, or the digital humanities in order to study a major challenge in contemporary society, analyzing causes, effects, and existing responses, and then work to propose new responses to it.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and Major in one of the following programs: business and political science, history, international relations, applied philosophy, political science, or social studies education 5-12. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: This course carries cross-credit in political science and history.