Professor McKay, Philip A. Gauss Chair in Philosophy
The program in philosophy provides an encounter with the major concepts of Western thought in both historical and contemporary perspectives. Eastern ideas and attitudes are related at crucial points of intersection.
The Minor in Philosophy
For a minor in philosophy, the student must complete PH201 or PH210 and 15 additional degree credits in philosophy, all with a grade of "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
210. Foundations of Western Thought I: The Ancient World 3 Credits
The first in a four-semester sequence which enables students to enter the "great conversation" of western civilization, debating ultimate, or philosophical, questions about science, religion, self-awareness, ethics, and politics. This course examines themes in the thought of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoic, Epicurean, and neo-Platonist philosophers of the ancient world. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
230. Logic 3 Credits
A study of the principles of valid reasoning and argument: how to analyze arguments, detect fallacies, apply logical rules, prove and refute conclusions from given premises. Both syllogistic methods of argument and modern systems of symbolic inference are studied.
303. Survey of Ethics 3 Credits
An introduction to critical thinking about the fundamental principles on which moral judgments and ethical conduct are based. Survey of major historical and contemporary positions.
305. Foundations of Western Thought II: The Middle Ages 3 Credits
This course considers the synthesis of Christianity with classical pagan philosophy achieved by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). What became of the ancients' ideal of human knowledge (of the universe, the soul, the divine, and the political community) in an age during which philosophy became the "handmaid of theology"? What were the underpinnings of the "natural law" conception of moral and political philosophy? How did this medieval synthesis break down, on the scientific side with Galileo's challenge to Arostotelian physics and astronomy, and on the moral and political side with Machiavelli's portrayal of a Renaissance prince? Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years.
306. Foundations of Western Thought III: 17th & 18th Centuries 3 Credits
This course follows the development of the European philosophical tradition through the age of religious upheaval, secular enlightenment, and scientific and democratic revolutions. Included is a discussion of Post-Aristotelian physical science-especially the concepts of space, time, motion and causation-from Galileo through Descartes to Newton and a consideration of the foundation of modern moral and political philosophy by Hobbes, and its continuation through Locke, Hume, Rousseau, and Kant. Includes Kant's Copernican Revolution in moral philosophy and philosophical theology. The Enlightenment ideal. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years.
307. Foundations of Western Thought IV, 19th and 20th Centuries 3 Credits
This course follows themes discussed in Foundations of Western Thought I, II, and III into the contemporary period. Works by Hegel, Kierkegaard, Marx, Mill, Nietzsche, Jaspers, Heidegger, Sartre, Russell, Weil, and Arendt. Offered spring semester of even numbered years.
340. Philosophy of Non-Violence 3 Credits
A study of permissible uses of force by individuals and nations. Topics include the theory of the just war, pacifism and non-resistance, conscientious objection, civil disobedience, and the moral problem of nuclear armaments. Prerequisite: one of the following: PH201, 303, or 304.
350. Medical Ethics 3 Credits
This course examines general ethics and professional ethics; patient rights and professional responsibilities; terminating and prolonging life; allocating scarce medical resources; human experimentation and informed consent; genetic intervention; and other issues.
360. Philosophy of Science 3 Credits
A course examining the basic principles of scientific reasoning, questions concerning scientific progress and scientific revolutions, and ethical issues in the technological application of scientific discoveries. Case studies are drawn both from the history of science and from contemporary controversies. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or above and one course in laboratory science.
400. Reading and Research 3 Credits
An inquiry into the pertinent literature and source materials of a specific area concerned with a special project to be agreed upon by instructor and student. Prerequisite: consent of instructor involved.
