Fall 2025 Course Offerings

FYS 100 – Philosophical Approaches to Social and Political Issues – Adrian Bardon
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A307

Covers a wide variety of social and political issues. We will use articles, editorials, and visual media to examine various subject areas on a week-to-week basis. Issues discussed may include immigration, genetic engineering, economic inequality, racism, public morality, and conspiracy theories. This seminar-style course emphasizes discussion and active engagement, along with peer review of written work.

PHI 111A – Problems of Philosophy – Amanda Corris
WF – 9:30-10:45 – Tribble Hall A306

This course will serve as an “intellectual workshop” of sorts: a place where we will learn how to use philosophical tools to explore ideas, questions, debates, worries, puzzles, and more. One of our main goals will be to craft our own sophisticated philosophical approaches to some of life’s most fundamental questions, as well as all of the little ones in between. Along the way, we will examine how to evaluate arguments from both classic and contemporary philosophers, how to determine what makes for a good argument in the first place, and how to apply philosophical thought to issues at the individual, community, and societal scale.

PHI 111B – Problems of Philosophy – Francisco Gallegos
TR – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A306

PHI 111C – Problems of Philosophy – Win-chiat Lee
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A304

The problems of philosophy covered by the course include: the foundation of knowledge, the existence of God, the existence of the external world, free will and determinism, the nature of causality, the mind-body problem, the self, the nature of value and moral judgments, right and wrong actions, the relation between the right and the good, the teaching of virtue, the duty to obey the law. The course is divided into three sections:

I. Ancient Greek Philosophy: Socrates and Plato

II. Modern Moral Philosophy: Kant and Mill

III. Early Modern Philosophy (Epistemology and Metaphysics): Descartes and Hume

PHI 111D – Problems of Philosophy – Matthew Shields
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Tribble Hall A304

Are there universal moral truths, or does morality vary from culture to culture? Is there a ‘self’ that persists through time? How do we know that we are free thinkers rather than victims of indoctrination? In this course, students will be introduced to the subject of philosophy through these and m any other questions. We will examine key themes from the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy in the following areas: ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. Students will learn how to think more carefully and critically about questions of deep theoretical and moral importance. Students will also practice how to construct and analyze sophisticated arguments.

PHI 111 – Problems of Philosophy – Bradley Griggs
Section E – TR – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A301
Section F – TR – 3:30-4:45 – Tribble Hall A306

What can we know? How should we act? Does God exist? Philosophy considers the answers offered by science, common sense, and religion and tries to push further. If science discovers truths about cause and effect, philosophy asks: what distinguishes causation from mere correlation? If common sense tells us to be good, philosophy asks: which actions are good, and why are they good? If religion says that God exists, philosophy asks: can that be proven, or is it just a matter of faith? This course explores these questions and more by focusing on some of the most powerful, influential, and surprising arguments philosophers have put forward over the centuries.

PHI 113 – Knowledge and Reality – Jonathan Dixon
Section A – MW – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A306
Section B – MW – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A306

This course concerns various unresolved mysteries regarding some of the deepest and most difficult questions humanity has ever posed about the nature of reality and knowledge. Regarding the nature of reality, we will consider such questions as: Are there non-physical objects? What are physical objects, really? What makes them what they are? Do they retain their existence through change(s)? What about my existence? What is it, if anything, that makes me the same person through experiencing change(s)? What is consciousness? And do we have free will? Regarding the nature of knowledge, we will consider such questions as: What is knowledge, and can we acquire it? Does science give us knowledge of the world? Do we have (any) knowledge of the external world? Is rational disagreement possible? Are you in, and how bad is it to be in, an epistemic echo chamber or to be indoctrinated? What is, and are you in the grips of, a conspiracy theory? And, what threat to deepfakes pose to your knowledge of the world? The aim of this class is to promote student’s overall critical thinking skills by having them grapple with some of the deepest philosophical questions/issues regarding our (supposed) knowledge of reality.

PHI 114 – Philosophy of Human Nature – Patrick Toner
Section A – TR – 9:30-10:45 – Tribble Hall A306
Section B – TR – 11:00-12:15 – Tribble Hall A306

PHI 115A – Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (FYO) – Christian Miller
MW – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A304

A study of some central issues in the philosophy of religion, such as arguments for and against the existence of God; faith and reason; the divine attributes; the nature and existence of the soul; the possibility of immortality; and religious diversity.

PHI 161 – Introduction to Bioethics – Ana Iltis
Section A – T – 3:30-6:00 – Tribble Hall A301
Section B – W – 3:00-5:30 – Tribble Hall A304

A study of ethical issues that arise in health care and the life sciences. Topics to be explored include questions about death and organ donation, regenerative medicine, genetic testing and research, and the allocation of healthcare resources, among others.

PHI 163A/PHI 163-A – Environmental Ethics – Alex Hortal
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Tribble Hall A304

PHI 164A – Contemporary Moral Problems – Tobias Flattery
Section A – TR – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A304
Section B – TR – 3:00-4:45 – Tribble Hall A301
Section C – MW – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A301

In this course we’ll equip ourselves with some of the tools of moral philosophy, and we’ll investigate several interesting and important moral questions in contemporary life, examples of which might include the following (or other) questions: is it morally ok to kill and eat animals? Is torture ever morally justified? Should we as a society encourage or allow genetic enhancements? Is it wrong for the state to administer the death penalty? How can we communicate via social media in ways that improve rather than erode human flourishing? And so on. We’ll have two main goals in this class: first, of course, we’ll aim to improve our understanding of the central philosophical questions essential for thinking coherently about the particular moral issues we’ll investigate. But second, and ultimately more importantly, we’ll aim to become clearer, more coherent, and more effective moral thinkers and communicators.

PHI 164D – Contemporary Moral Problems (FYO) – Emily Austin
TR – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A301

PHI 342-A – Topics in Modern Philosophy: Thomas Aquinas & the Moderns – Patrick Toner
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A306

This class is a study of selected modern philosophers in terms of their connection to the medieval thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.  It isn’t necessary for students to have taken Phi 241.  On the other hand, those who have taken that class will not find this one redundant.  We will begin with an investigation of certain key elements in the philosophy of St. Thomas, with particular emphasis on his quasi-Aristotelian epistemology and some of his metaphysical doctrines.  Then we will examine the corresponding approaches of selected moderns.  We will follow a line of thinking that originated in Descartes (in whom we will be particularly interested), and passed through Malebranche to Berkeley and Hume.  Themes will include God, human nature, and our knowledge of the material world–if, indeed, there is such a thing.  In short, this is a study of some of the most central and deep philosophical questions, which will illuminate some of the ways our thinking is dependent on what has come before us, whether we want it to be or not.

PHI 356A – 20^th-Century European Philosophy – Francisco Gallegos
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Tribble Hall A307

Surveys the work of important figures in this period, such as Max Weber, Martin Heidegger, Herbert Marcuse, Hannah Arendt, Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, and Angela Davis, addressing issues such as the ‘disenchantment’ and technological ‘rationalization’ of modernity and the challenges of multiculturalism. P-One PHI course of POI.

PHI 366A – Global Justice – Win-chiat Lee
TR – 3:30-4:45 – Tribble Hall A307

In this course, we are interested in discerning the extent to which national boundaries matter morally. This question has implications for many practical issues that involve the proper scope of humanitarianism and our concern for justice. We will pay special attention to the debate between cosmopolitanism and nationalism regarding whether we owe special duties to our fellow citizens and whether they should take precedence over our general duties toward fellow human beings. The justification and application of universal human rights (in the face of a plurality of cultural norms) will also be discussed. Other topics include national sovereignty and self-determination, Just War Doctrine, humanitarian intervention, international criminal law, global distributive justice, global environmental ethics, immigration and refugees policy.

PHI 370A/670AG–Philosophy and Christianity – Christian Miller
MW – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A307

This course will examine central claims of the Christian creeds from a philosophical perspective. In particular, we will consider in detail all of the following topics: the trinity, original sin, incarnation, atonement, grace, resurrection and life everlasting, and heaven and hell. Our readings will draw from medieval as well as contemporary analytic authors, with a major focus on work by the latter. Examples of medieval authors include Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas. Examples of contemporary authors include Peter van Inwagen, Trenton Merricks, Philip Quinn, Richard Swinburne, Eleonore Stump, Robert Adams, and Lynne Rudder Baker. Right now I envision 3 papers and a final exam.

PHI 371A – Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art – Amanda Corris
WF – 11:00-12:15 – Tribble Hall A307

Creating representational artifacts—works of art—is an ancient, core human practice. From cave paintings to pop concerts, we as a species delight in expressing ourselves through creative means. But what makes something a work of art in the first place? Can anything be art? What’s the difference between good art and bad art? How do we decide what makes something aesthetically pleasing, or beautiful? What is beauty, anyway?

This course will address some fundamental questions regarding aesthetic appreciation and value regarding works of art. We will begin by discussing two classic works on aesthetic response: Hume’s “Of the Standard of Taste” and Kant’s “Analytic of the Beautiful”. We will then go over several key debates and discussions in aesthetics, such as how aesthetic judgements are formed. After that point we will shift our focus to discuss art as an experience and as a practice. We will talk about the experience of perceiving art and creating art, as well as the fundamental relationship between art and human nature. There will be field trips.

PHI 376A – Epistemology – Matthew Shields
TR – 2:00-3:15 – Tribble Hall A307

What does it mean to know something? And how can we be sure that what we take to be true lines up with how the world in fact is? In this course, we will examine these questions in detail by delving into the philosophical tradition known as epistemology. We begin by surveying some of the main positions in this literature. We consider skeptical and other challenges to the idea that we can have knowledge of the world at all. We look at different ways of responding to these challenges and different accounts of the nature of knowledge. We will look closely at the role that expertise and experts play in generating knowledge of the world. Throughout the course, we will also consider epistemological questions that appear to be especially urgent in our social and political lives. We will look at what epistemologists have said about whether identity shapes knowledge, the nature of fundamental or deep disagreements, and the phenomena of conspiracy theories and fake news.

PHI 378A – Philosophy of Space and Time – Adrian Bardon
MW – 12:30-1:45 – Tribble Hall A307

A broad survey of philosophical thought about space and time, covering the Presocratics to the present. Topics include the reality of the passage of time, paradoxes of change and motion, puzzles about our awareness of time, spacetime and relativity, free will, cosmological questions, and the possibility of time travel. P—One PHI course or POI.

PHI 385A – Seminar: Epicurus and His Critics – Emily Austin
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Tribble Hall A307

PHI 385B/685BG – Seminar: Experimental Philosophy – Jonathan Dixon
MW – 5:00-6:15 – Tribble Hall A307

Experimental philosophy (x-phi) is a relatively new discipline which brings the methods of empirical psychology to bear on philosophical questions, theories, methods, and inquiry. But to what extent can these empirical methods contribute to philosophy? Some experimental philosophers argue that traditional questions and methods of philosophy are fundamentally flawed and/or should be abandoned for more empirical methods. For example, it is widely thought that philosophical inquiry largely involves appealing to thought experiments to “test” certain philosophical theses and theories against our “intuitive” judgments of these cases, e.g. Gettier cases, Frankfurt cases, trolley cases, teletransportation cases, twin-earth cases, etc. This “method of cases” is intended to be roughly analogous to the way that science tests scientific theses and theories against observations of the world (often via laboratory experiments). But proponents of x-phi often argue that intuitive judgments, unlike observations in science, are unreliable because x-phi studies show that many of the most often-cited thought-experiments in philosophy do not illicit the same intuitive judgements from various demographic groups (or that such intuitions are easily manipulated by presentation factors). Opponents of x-phi often argue this pessimism (against the use of intuitions in philosophy) is unwarranted and/or that philosophy cannot be reoriented toward such empirical methods since such methods themselves are seriously flawed. Ultimately, this class will be concerned with how does, and should, philosophical inquiry proceed? Along the way, we will consider such questions as: what are intuitions? To what extent do philosophers rely on them in philosophical inquiry? Can they (like observations in science) really provide evidence for/against philosophical theses? If not, should philosophers abandon using intuitions and the method of cases? What other ways (if any) can distinctively philosophical inquiry legitimately proceed? Does, or can, philosophy make progress? What is “progress” in philosophy?

FYS 100 – Sports and Society
MW – 2:00-3:15 – Adam Kadlac

In this course, we will examine a number of ethical questions that arise in the world of sports, ranging from the use of performance enhancing drugs to whether college athletes should be paid.  Along the way, we will think about the role that sports play in shaping our broader cultural norms as well as the ways that our broader cultural norms are reflected in the world of sports.  Assignments will include regular short essays and oral presentations.

FYS 100 – Freedom of Expression, Uncivil Discourse, and Censorship
MWF – 12:00-12:50 – Win-chiat Lee
MWF – 2:00-2:50 – Win-chiat Lee

PHI 111A – Problems of Philosophy
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Justin Jennings

PHI 111B – Problems of Philosophy (FYO)
MWF – 10-10:50 – Christian Miller

This course will be concerned with some of the most challenging and interesting questions in all of human experience. For example, we will consider some of the arguments for the existence of God, whether God would allow evil to exist, whether faith is compatible with reason, whether there is an objective morality, whether we should be moral at the expense of self-interest, whether the death penalty is morally permissible, and what we should do about famine. In each case, we will examine particular questions not only with an aim at arriving at the truth, but also with an aim at determining what relevance these questions have to our ordinary lives. The text will be Joel Feinberg and Russ Shafer-Landau, Reason and Responsibility (Wadsworth Press, most recent edition) and our readings will be drawn from both classic and contemporary sources.

PHI 111C – Problems of Philosophy (FYO)
MWF – 10:00-10:50 – Amanda Corris

This course will serve as an “intellectual workshop” of sorts: a place where we will learn how to use philosophical tools to explore ideas, questions, debates, worries, puzzles, and more. One of our main goals will be to craft our own sophisticated philosophical approaches to some of life’s most fundamental questions, as well as all of the little ones in between. Along the way, we will examine how to evaluate arguments from both classic and contemporary philosophers, how to determine what makes for a good argument in the first place, and how to apply philosophical thought to issues at the individual, community, and societal scale.

PHI 111D – Problems of Philosophy
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Justin Jennings

PHI 111E – Problems of Philosophy
MWF – 1:00-1:50 – Adrian Bardon

PHI 111F – Problems of Philosophy (FYO)
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Matthew Shields

PHI 111G – Problems of Philosophy
TR – 2:00-3:15 – Francisco Gallegos

PHI 111H – Problems of Philosophy
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Bradley Griggs

PHI 111I – Problems of Philosophy
TR – 3:30-4:45 – Bradley Griggs

PHI 113A – Knowledge and Reality
MW – 12:30-1:45 – Jonathan Dixon

PHI 113B – Knowledge and Reality
MW – 2:00-3:15 – Jonathan Dixon

PHI 114A – Philosophy of Human Nature
WF – 9:30-10:45 – Patrick Toner

PHI 161A – Intro to Bioethics
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Adam Kadlac

In this class, we will examine a number of ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine. The questions we will consider include: How do we go about deciding who is a reliable source of medical information? Is vaccine skepticism irrational, and should vaccines be mandated? Is unhappiness a medical problem? What is disability, and does having a disability necessarily make one’s life worse? What obligation do doctors have to simply carry out the wishes of their patients? Assignments will be an assortment of short written reflections, papers, and quizzes.

PHI 161B – Intro to Bioethics
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Adam Kadlac

In this class, we will examine a number of ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine. The questions we will consider include: How do we go about deciding who is a reliable source of medical information? Is vaccine skepticism irrational, and should vaccines be mandated? Is unhappiness a medical problem? What is disability, and does having a disability necessarily make one’s life worse? What obligation do doctors have to simply carry out the wishes of their patients? Assignments will be an assortment of short written reflections, papers, and quizzes.

PHI 161C – Intro to Bioethics
T – 3:30-6:00 – Ana Iltis

PHI 163A – Environmental Ethics
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Alex Hortal

PHI 164A – Contemporary Moral Problems
MW – 12:30-1:45 – Tobias Flattery

PHI 164B – Contemporary Moral Problems
MW – 2:00-3:15 – Tobias Flattery

PHI 164C – Contemporary Moral Problems
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Emily Austin

PHI 220A – Logic
MW – 5:00-6:15 – Jonathan Dixon

PHI 232A – Ancient Greek Philosophy
TR – 9:30-10:45 – Emily Austin

PHI 241A – Modern Philosophy
TR – 3:30-4:45 – Justin Jennings

PHI 360A/660AG– Ethics
MW – 12:30-1:45 – Christian Miller

Ethics is concerned with the way we should live our lives and the type of person we should become.  This course will focus, not on applied topics in ethics like famine relief, abortion, or the death penalty, but rather on ethical theory itself.  We will look at such questions as: Which actions are right and which are wrong?  Which outcomes should we promote?  What kind of character should we attempt to cultivate? Our approach will be both historical and contemporary, and will focus on the four major ethical traditions:

Divine Command Theory, where the commands of a loving and just God are central to ethical theorizing.  Authors will include Robert Adams and Philip Quinn.

Kantian Deontology, where categorical imperatives and respect for others are central to ethical theorizing.  Authors will include Kant, Christine Korsgaard, and Fred Feldman.

Utilitarianism, where maximizing good outcomes is central to ethical theorizing.  Authors will include Mill, Michael Stocker, and Robert Nozick.

Virtue Ethics, where virtuous character traits are central to ethical theorizing.  Authors will include Aristotle, Rosalind Hursthouse, and Robert Louden.

I envision requiring 4 moderately sized papers and no exams.

PHI 361A – Topics in Ethics: Philosophy of Food
WF – 11:00-12:15 – Patrick Toner

PHI 361B – Topics in Ethics: Technology Ethics
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Tobias Flattery

PHI 363A – Philosophy of Law
TR – 12:30-1:45 – Win-chiat Lee

PHI 367A – Philosophical Theories in Bioethics
M – 5:00-7:50 – Ana Iltis

PHI 369A – Philosophy and Psychology
MWF – 2:00-2:50 – Adrian Bardon

PHI 373A/673AG – Philosophy of Science
WF – 2:00-3:15 – Amanda Corris

What does science tell us about the world? What does it aim to tell us about the world? How can we judge whether or not it is successful in its aims? Can science be done in a purely value-neutral manner, or is science “value-laden” by nature? This course will investigate these questions by exploring how the enterprise of science has developed, how philosophical inquiry has shaped scientific inquiry, and how science both influences and is influenced by issues in contemporary society.

We will begin by surveying some of the main themes in the philosophy of science, situated within a historical context. In the second half of the course, we will shift gears to read Science, Policy, and the Value-Free Ideal by philosopher Heather Douglas. We will examine the role of science in policymaking today, and will evaluate arguments for and against the “value-free ideal” in science. Examples will be drawn from the environmental and biomedical sciences. We will conclude by discussing the role of public participants in scientific research.

PHI 380A – Philosophy of Emotion
TR – 11:00-12:15 – Francisco Gallegos

This course examines the nature of emotions and their relationship to meaning, knowledge, morality, and justice. Special focus will be given to the politics of emotions: How do social and political forces shape our emotional lives—for better and for worse? And how, in turn, do emotions sustain or change what is possible from a social and political perspective? Diverse philosophical perspectives on these topics will be considered. Assignments include writing regular reading reflections, participating weekly small group discussions outside of class, a midterm, and a final project in which you craft a piece of public philosophy that applies the course material to real-world issues of your choice.

PHI 385A – Knowledge, Power, and Politics
TR – 2:00-3:15 – Matthew Shields

In recent years, questions about knowledge and truth have moved to the center of our political lives, with many worrying that these crucial concepts no longer play any substantive role in our politics. But are false beliefs, misinformation, and propaganda in fact more widespread than ever? And what is the relationship between power and knowledge exactly? Should we, for example, rely mainly on our own judgment to navigate politics or defer to experts? But what about when experts are compromised? In this course, we will examine these and related questions in-depth. We start by considering philosophers’ contrasting views on how beliefs that are radically at odds with the evidence gain traction and whether this phenomenon is primarily a product of failures of rationality or failures of our political systems. We will consider the crucial role that trust plays in our political lives and how it can be compromised, and we will also consider whether democracy has a unique relationship to truth or whether we should pursue alternative political arrangements. The course’s largest unit will apply these ideas and turn to recent discussions from various researchers on the nature of propaganda, examining this concept in-depth and the unique challenges propaganda poses in a formally open society.

FYS 100 EE (26230) Philosophical Approaches to Social and Political Issues
T & R – 12:30-1:45 (Tribble Hall A104)
Adrian Bardon

Covers a wide variety of social and political issues. We will use articles, editorials, and media to examine various subject areas on a week-to-week basis. Issues covered may include immigration, genetic engineering, economic inequality, racism, public morality, and conspiracy theories. This seminar-style course emphasizes discussion and active engagement, along with peer review of written work.

PHI 111 – Problems of Philosophy
Section A (26493) – T & R 9:30 – 10:45 (Tribble A306)
Section B (25754) – T & R 11:00 -12:15 (Tribble A306)
Justin Jennings

Examines the basic concepts of several representative philosophers, including their accounts of the nature of knowledge, persons, God, mind, and matter.

PHI 111 – Problems of Philosophy
Section C (25758) – M & W – 12:30 – 1:45 (Tribble A304)
Section E (25778) – T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble C216)
Francisco Gallegos

 This course will introduce you to philosophy, the love of wisdom, a discipline that grapples with some of life’s biggest questions, such as: What matters most? What is the meaning of life? How can I know what’s really going on? What does it mean to be happy? To be a good person? To be free? How can I be true to myself despite all of the pressure others put on me? We’ll explore how these philosophical questions relate to pressing issues in our own lives and in our communities, while becoming acquainted with a diverse array of historical and contemporary philosophers. Participants should be prepared for a learning experience that is intellectually, emotionally, and physically engaging. You should plan to spend around 6 hours outside of class each week reading, writing, and talking to people (including your friends and family) about ideas from the course. You will also be invited to engage in experiential learning activities in order to test out some philosophical ideas for yourself, and to reflect on, and even react emotionally to, the personal relevance of our course material.

PHI 111D (25769) Problems of Philosophy
T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 (Carswell 019)
Win-chiat Lee

Examines the basic concepts of several representative philosophers, including their accounts of the nature of knowledge, persons, God, mind, and matter.

PHI 111F (28892) – Problems of Philosophy (Freshman Only)
T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble A306)
Alex Hortal 

In this course, students will embark on an exploration of philosophy, guided by the wisdom of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche, Heidegger, or Foucault. Throughout this journey, students will learn to identify and articulate fundamental philosophical concepts, establishing a solid foundation for deeper philosophical inquiry. As we delve into various philosophical theories, students will develop the ability to distinguish the unique nuances that make each theory special. This in-depth study will enable participants to apply philosophical theories to real-world issues, drawing from the insights of authors like Amartya Sen and Rachel Carson, and gaining a profound understanding of their practical implications. We will become proficient in recognizing key points and arguments within philosophical essays allowing them to engage more effectively with philosophical texts. Additionally, students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate and critique philosophical arguments, building on the legacy of thinkers we examine. We will also cultivate the ability to express philosophical insights imaginatively, creatively, and reflectively. Lastly, this course will help participants develop the skill of asking probing questions, much like Socrates, enriching their ability to explore and clarify philosophical problems.

PHI 111 – Problems of Philosophy
Section G (30270) M & W – 2:00 – 3:15 (Wingate A306)
Section H (30271) W & F – 11:00 – 12:15 (Tribble A301)
Brad Griggs

What can we know? How should we act? Does God exist? Philosophy considers the answers offered by science, common sense, and religion and tries to push further. If science discovers truths about cause and effect, philosophy asks: what distinguishes causation from mere correlation? If common sense tells us to be good, philosophy asks: which acts are good, and why are they good? If religion says that God exists, philosophy asks: can that be proven, or is it just a matter of faith? This course explores these questions and more by focusing on some of the most powerful, influential, and surprising arguments philosophers have put forward over the centuries.

PHI 161 – Introduction to Bioethics
Section A (28873) T & R – 9:30 – 10:45 (Tribble A304)
Section B (28880) T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 (Tribble A304)
Adam Kadlac

In this class, we will examine a number of ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine. The questions we will consider include: How do we go about deciding who is a reliable source of medical information? Is vaccine skepticism irrational, and should vaccines be mandated? Is unhappiness a medical problem? What is disability, and does having a disability necessarily make one’s life worse? What obligation do doctors have to simply carry out the wishes of their patients? Assignments will be an assortment of short written reflections, papers, and quizzes.

PHI 161C (29773) Introduction to Bioethics
W – 4:00 – 6:30 (Winston 124)
Ana Iltis

A study of ethical issues that arise in health care and the life sciences. Topics to be explored include questions about death and organ donation, regenerative medicine, genetic testing and research, and the allocation of healthcare resources, among others.

PHI 163 Environmental Ethics
Section A (28879) T & R – 9:30 – 10:45 (Tribble A301)
Section C (29766) T & R – 12:30 -1:45 (Tribble A306)
Alex Hortal

This course delves into the ethical intricacies of environmental issues, exploring the interplay between human actions, nature, and moral frameworks. It provides a foundation in philosophy and ethics, enabling critical analysis of environmental concerns. Students will assess pressing topics, from animal rights to climate change, uncovering ethical implications. Key philosophers like Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Rachel Carson, and Peter Singer will be studied for their contributions to environmental ethics. The course embraces diverse global perspectives on environmental ethics, including ecofeminism and racial ecology, challenging traditional paradigms. Ethical theories (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and deep ecology) will be applied to contemporary environmental challenges. Beyond theory, students will examine the impact of ethics on policy-making, conservation, and activism, culminating in a vision of a just and sustainable future inspired by ethics and history. By course completion, students will possess a profound understanding of environmental ethics, fostering critical thinking skills for responsible decision-making. Throughout the semester, students will: Gain a foundation in philosophy and ethics. Analyze the ethical dimensions of key environmental issues. Study the contributions of influential philosophers. Explore global perspectives on environmental ethics. Apply ethical theories to contemporary ecological challenges. Assess the role of ethics in policy-making, conservation, and activism. Understand the interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystems, and ethical responsibilities. Develop a vision for a just and sustainable future.

PHI 163B (29764) Environmental Ethics
T & R – 12:30 – 1:45 (Tribble A304)
Amanda Corris

“There is no Planet B”, climate activists say. For now, at least, Earth is our only home. But what do we owe the natural world? And what do we owe the other forms of life that also call it home? As the effects of human-induced climate change continue to result in devastating wildfires, historic drought, biodiversity loss, and social displacement and disparity, we might wonder about these questions, among others. What is our relationship with the environment? What is humanity’s place in nature?

This course will explore conceptualizations of the environment and the many environmental issues that we face today. We will begin by considering whether humankind is in some way distinct from nature, before going on to examine issues such as animal rights, the value of nature, ethical consumption, and climate justice.  Course activities will be based around evaluating your own stances on these issues and the impact they have on our everyday lives.

PHI 164 Contemporary Moral Problems
Section A (29756) T & R – 09:30-10:45 (Tribble C216)
Section E (29770) T & R – 2:00-3:15 (Tribble A304)
Tobias Flattery

A study of pressing ethical issues in contemporary life, such as abortion, euthanasia, animal rights, affirmative action, marriage, cloning, pornography, and capital punishment.

PHI 164 Contemporary Moral Problems
Section B (29761) M & W – 12:30 – 1:45 (Tribble A306)
Section D (29768) M & W – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble A306)
Jonathan Dixon

This course provides a general introduction to moral philosophy by having students grapple with some of the most profound and quintessential moral questions, problems, and paradoxes.  Specifically, we will examine the following core issues and questions within ethics: What is the nature of morality? Are we obligated to follow the law? What are our duties to help others in need? What are our duties to non-human animals? When, if ever, is abortion morally permissible? When, if ever, is euthanasia morally permissible? We will also grapple with some relatively new moral conundrums, such as: What, if any, obligations do we have to future generations? What is “oppression,” why is it wrong, and who is oppressed? What is “privilege,” who is privileged, and what obligations do they have? Is it permissible to genetically enhance one’s offspring? Is it wrong to prefer attractive partners? What is the role of luck in our moral lives? What are “assholes,” and what makes them morally reprehensible? What makes someone’s actions “awesome” or “suck”? And do we, and is it permissible to, only aim our moral behavior to be as good as, or only slightly better than, our peers? In addressing these questions, students will not only learn about moral philosophy but also gain the ability to think more philosophically and further develop their critical thinking skills. All of this is in the service of aiding students in becoming better people.

PHI 164C (29767) – Contemporary Moral Problems (Freshman Only)
M & W – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble A304)
Emily Austin

In this course, we will read and critique philosophical arguments regarding important moral problems, especially those surrounding life and death.  Topics will include euthanasia, abortion, healthcare, capital punishment, war, animal rights, and world hunger.

PHI 235A (29758) Main Streams of Chinese Philosophy
T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 (Tribble A301)
Win-chiat Lee

Survey of the main streams of Chinese philosophical thought from their ancient beginnings to their development and influence on one another in later eras.

PHI 241A (28878) Modern Philosophy
M, W & F – 1:00 – 1:50 (Tribble A307)
Adrian Bardon

Study of the works of influential 17th- and 18th-century European philosophers such as Rene Descartes, Elisabeth of Bohemia, John Locke, Francis Bacon, Emilie du Châtelet, and David Hume, with a concentration on theories of knowledge and metaphysics.

PHI 280A (29755) Topics: Consciousness
T & R – 9:30 – 10:15 (Tribble A307)
Amanda Corris 

Philosopher Thomas Nagel wrote, “Without consciousness, the mind–body problem would be much less interesting. With consciousness it seems hopeless.” Consciousness remains a perennial issue in philosophy of mind. How do we explain the subjective character of experience, especially if we want to be able to do it solely in physical terms?

This will be a seminar-style course, with much of our time dedicated to careful reading of key articles and in-depth discussion. We’ll work through both classic views on consciousness and current debates involving philosophers and scientists. Students will have the opportunity to craft their own research projects, with the option to work in research groups over the course of the semester.

PHI 333A (29771) Hellenistic Philosophy: Stoics, Skeptics, and Epicureans
T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble A208)
Emily Austin

 The Hellenistic Age, traditionally dated from the death of Alexander in 323 BCE to the birth of Augustus’ Roman Empire in 31 BCE, gave the world three of its most innovative and influential schools of philosophy: Epicureanism, Skepticism, and Stoicism. This course investigates the central features of their thought. We will focus on Hellenistic theories of mind, free will, moral psychology, wisdom, happiness, friendship, death, and politics.

PHI 359A (29951) / ENV 301A (29961) – Environmental Ethics
T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 (Tribble A307)
Francisco Gallegos 

What moral obligations do we have to the environment, if any? Where do these obligations come from? What ethical ideals should guide us, personally and collectively, as we seek to address climate change, environmental justice, and other challenges related to human beings’ relationship with nature? In this course, you will examine how these questions have been addressed by a diverse array of historical and contemporary philosophers, while actively investigating their relevance to pressing issues in your own life and in your community. Participants should be prepared for a learning experience that is intellectually, emotionally, and physically engaging. You should plan to spend around 6 hours outside of class each week reading, writing, and talking to people (including your friends and family) about ideas from the course. You will also be invited to engage in experiential learning activities in order to test out some philosophical ideas for yourself, and to reflect on, and even react emotionally to, the personal relevance of our course material.

PHI 360A (29762) Ethics
T & R – 12:30 – 1:45 (Tribble A307)
Tobias Flattery

Systematic examination of central ethical theories in the Western philosophical tradition. Such theories include Kantian deontology, utilitarianism, Aristotelian virtue ethics, and divine command theory.

PHI 361A (25763)/661AG (25764) Topics: Disability, Justice, and the Good Life
M & W – 2:00 – 3:15 (Tribble A307)
Adam Kadlac

Many people likely assume that being disabled automatically makes one’s life worse than it would otherwise be. However, the precise impact of disability on one’s quality of life depends on many factors, ranging from the nature of the disability in question (and perhaps its cause) to the way in which any given person interacts with their broader environment. This course will examine the relationship between disability and our conceptions of human flourishing and will be organized around the following questions: What is disability? How do disability-related identities relate to identities involving our conceptions of gender, race, and class? How does being disabled affect one’s ability to live a happy and fulfilling life? How do artistic portrayals of disabled people shape our conceptions of both disability and the nature of happiness? What does society owe people with disabilities, and what does an answer to this question tell us about the nature of justice more generally?

PHI 365A (28882) – Philosophy of Love and Friendship
W & F – 11:00 – 12:15 (Tribble A304)
Stavroula Glezakos

In this class, we will examine historical and contemporary philosophical investigations of love and friendship. Among the questions that we will consider are: What is love exactly? Is there, or should there be, an ethics of love, sex, and friendship? What happens to sex when it is associated with “scoring” (the conquest model of sex)? Are love and friendship necessary for happiness? Are they sufficient?

PHI 373A (28883) Philosophy of Science
M & W – 5:00 -6:15 (Tribble A307)
Jonathan Dixon

The aim of this class is to provide an introduction to some of the central issues in the philosophy of science. We will address such questions as: What is science and what makes it different from pseudoscience? How are scientific theories supported and/or confirmed by evidence? Is scientific reasoning well-founded or irrational? What are scientific explanations? How does science progress? Is science a purely objective enterprise or in what ways is it value-laden? And, do scientific theories provide true accounts of the world or merely adequate empirical descriptions? In addressing these questions, students will not only learn about the philosophy of science but also gain the ability to think more philosophically about science and further develop their critical thinking skills.

PHI 385A (26987)/PHI 685AG (29890) – Topics: Existentialism
T & R – 3:30 – 4:45 (Tribble A307)
Justin Jennings

The course will focus on the relationship between thought and lived experience. How should the two be combined in a life? Are there aspects of the world inaccessible to us when we merely think about or observe phenomena that are accessible to the present, involved, first-personal, acting subject? What is the right relationship between theory, whether philosophical, scientific, aesthetic, or theological, and practice or experience? What is gained and what is lost in our capacity for reflection? Is something essential to being there? Can reflection involve us in certain dangers? Are these dangers nonetheless necessary? We will investigate these and other questions through the study of the major works of a few principal thinkers often classed as “existentialists”, namely, Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Martin Buber.

FYS 100 – The Good Life
Section B (61775)- W & F – 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Location: Tribble A301
Session BB (63291) – W & F – 12:30-1:45 – Location: Tribble A207
Emily Austin

Everyone wants to live a ‘good life.’ But what does that really mean, and how do we accomplish it? According to many ancient philosophical traditions, our greatest chance of living well lies in developing and implementing a coherent ‘philosophy of living.’ Absent such a philosophy, we will find ourselves unable to articulate our values, much less actually live by them. In this course, we will focus on some of the major schools of ancient philosophy that explored how we can best navigate life—Stoicism, Scepticism, Epicureanism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Each of these schools weighed in on important questions, including: Do we need to be virtuous to live well? Does living well depend on luck and good fortune? Should we aim for tranquillity, or does the good life require struggle? How, if at all, can we make sense of suffering and death? Do we need knowledge to live well, and if so, of what kind? What makes a tradition valuable? When, if ever, is expressing anger appropriate? Do we need money to live well, and if so, how much? Do we need friends, and if so, why and of what kind? Does living well require concern for the wider community, and if so, why and to what extent? We will explore competing answers to such questions not merely for their academic interest, but also in the service of developing and refining our own principled account of living well.

PHI 111A (62726) – Problems of Philosophy
M, W & F – 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. – Location: TRIB A306
Amanda Corris

This course will serve as an “intellectual workshop” of sorts: a place where we will learn how to use philosophical tools to explore ideas, questions, debates, worries, puzzles, and more. One of our main goals will be to craft our own sophisticated philosophical approaches to some of life’s most fundamental questions, as well as all of the little ones in between. Along the way, we will examine how to evaluate arguments from both classic and contemporary philosophers, how to determine what makes for a good argument in the first place, and how to apply philosophical thought to issues at the individual, community, and societal scale.

PHI 111B (62730) – Problems of Philosophy – Freshmen Only
T & R – 11:00-12:15 – Location: TRIB A304
Francisco Gallegos

This course will introduce you to philosophy, the discipline that grapples with some of life’s biggest questions, such as: How can I know what’s really going on? What does it mean to be happy? To be a good person? To be free? How can I be true to myself despite all of the pressure others put on me? What is the meaning of life? We’ll explore how these philosophical questions relate to pressing issues in our own lives and in our communities, while becoming acquainted with a diverse array of historical and contemporary philosophers. Participants should be prepared for a learning experience that is intellectually, emotionally, and physically engaging. You should plan to spend around 6 hours outside of class each week reading, writing, and talking to people (including your friends and family) about ideas from the course. You will also be invited to engage in experiential learning activities in order to test out some philosophical ideas for yourself, and to reflect on, and even react emotionally to, the personal relevance of our course material.

PHI 111C (62738) – Problems of Philosophy
W & F – 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. – Location: SFAC 9
Matthew Shields

Are we motivated exclusively by self-interest, or are we able to act selflessly? Is there a ‘self’ that persists through time? Do moral norms exist exclusively within particular cultures and historical moments, or are they binding on everyone at all times? Can we act freely, and what would it mean to do so? What forms of political resistance are justified? In this course, students will be introduced to the subject of philosophy through these and other questions. We will examine key themes from the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy in the following areas: ethics, philosophy of mind, epistemology, and political philosophy. Students will learn how to think more carefully and critically about questions of deep theoretical and moral importance. Students will also practice how to construct and analyze sophisticated arguments.

PHI 111D (62739) – Problems of Philosophy
T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 – – Location: TRIB A301
Win-chiat Lee

Examines the basic concepts of several representative philosophers, including their accounts of the nature of knowledge, persons, God, mind, and matter.

PHI 111 – Problems of Philosophy
Section E (64746) – T & R- 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.- -Location: TRIB A306
Section F (64747) – T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 – Location: TRIB A306
Justin Jennings

Examines the basic concepts of several representative philosophers, including their accounts of the nature of knowledge, persons, God, mind, and matter.

PHI 111G (65436) – Problems of Philosophy (Freshmen Only)
T & R – 2:00-3:15 – Location: TRIB C216
Alex Hortal

Examines the basic concepts of several representative philosophers, including their accounts of the nature of knowledge, persons, God, mind, and matter.

PHI 160 – Intro to Political Philosophy
Section A (64737) – M, W, & F – 12:00-12:50 p.m. – Location: TRIB A306
Section B (64739) – M, W, & F – 1:00-1:50 p.m. – Location: TRIB A306
Adrian Bardon

An overview of major issues in social and political thought, beginning with some historical accounts relevant to present day debates. The study of political philosophy is the study of questions about justice. What could justify claims to political authority? Is the proper purpose of organized society to promote the general welfare or to protect individual rights? Is there a natural right to property? Is there a right to equal opportunity? How are answers to these questions implicit in real world policy?

PHI 161 – Intro to Bioethics
Session A (62748) – T & R – 9:30 – 10:45 – Location: TRIB B13
Session B (64736) – T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 – Location: TRIB B13
Adam Kadlac

In this class, we will examine a number of ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine. The questions we will consider include: How do we go about deciding who is a reliable source of medical information? Is vaccine skepticism irrational, and should vaccines be mandated? Is unhappiness a medical problem? What is disability, and does having a disability necessarily make one’s life worse? What obligation do doctors have to simply carry out the wishes of their patients? Assignments will be an assortment of short written reflections, two 1600-word dialogue papers, and quizzes.

PHI 161C (64743) – Intro to Bioethics
T – 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Location: Winston 124
Ana Iltis

 A study of ethical issues that arise in health care and the life sciences. Topics to be explored include questions about death and organ donation, regenerative medicine, genetic testing and research, and the allocation of health care resources, among others.

PHI 161 – Intro to Bioethics
Section D (65419) – W & F – 9:30 – 10:45 – Location: TRIB A304
Section E (65420) – W & F – 12:30 – 1:45 – Location: TRIB A304
Nicholas Colgrove

A study of ethical issues that arise in health care and the life sciences such as informed consent, experimentation on human subjects, truth-telling, confidentiality, abortion, and the allocation of scarce medical resources. (D)

PHI 163 – Environmental Ethics
Section A (65442) – T & R – 9:30 – 10:45 – Location: TRIB C216
Section B (65444) – T & R – 12:30-1:45 – Location: TRIB C216
Alex Hortal

An examination of ethical issues concerning the environment as they arise in individual lives and public policy.

PHI 164 – Contemporary Moral Problems
Section A (65381) – T & TR – 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. – Location: TRIB A304
Section D (65393) – T & TR – 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Location: TRIB A304
Tobias Flattery

Study of pressing ethical issues in contemporary life, such as abortion, euthanasia, animal rights, affirmative action, marriage, cloning, pornography, and capital punishment.

PHI 164 – Contemporary Moral Problems
Section B (65383) – T & TR – 12:30 – 1:45 – – Location: TRIB A306
Section C (65382) – W & F – 2:00-3:15 – Location: TRIB A306
Jonathan Dixon

 Study of pressing ethical issues in contemporary life, such as abortion, euthanasia, animal rights, affirmative action, marriage, cloning, pornography, and capital punishment.

PHI 220A (65380) – Logic
T & TR – 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. – Location: TRIB A306
Jonathan Dixon

Elementary study of the laws of valid inference, recognition of fallacies, and logical analysis.

PHI 221A (64738)– Symbolic Logic
W & F – 12:30-1:45 p.m. – Location: TRIB C216
Stavroula Glezakos

 Symbolic logic is the application of formal methods to the study of reasoning. In this course, we will learn techniques for constructing arguments in a symbolic language and for evaluating arguments as valid or invalid. No prior study of logic or mathematics will be assumed.

PHI 232A (63956) – Ancient Greek Philosophy
T & R – 9:30 – 10:45 – Location: TRIB A307
Emily Austin

A study of the central figures in early Greek philosophy, beginning with the Presocratics, focusing primarily on Plato and Aristotle, and concluding with a brief survey of some Hellenistic philosophers.

PHI 239A (64741) – Latin American & Latinx Philosophy
T & R – 2:00 – 3:15 – Location: TRIB A307
Francisco Gallegos

This course surveys some of the central ideas and texts of the Latin American and Latinx philosophical traditions. Beginning with pre-colonial indigenous philosophy, and with a special emphasis on the work of Mexican phenomenologist Jorge Portilla and Chicana philosopher Gloria Anzaldúa, we will examine topics including human nature, freedom, justice, nationality, normativity, aesthetics, identity, and immigration. Philosophical texts will be supplemented with an introduction to the history of Latin America, as well as videos, films, and podcasts that can help bring the course material to life.

PHI 343A (63906) – Topics: Kant – Practical Philosophy
T & R – 3:30-4:45 – Location: TRIB A307
Justin Jennings

PHI 361A (65392) – Topics in Ethics: Technology
T & TR – 12:30-1:45 p.m. – Location: TRIB A307
Tobias Flattery

It’s hard to think of an aspect of our society that isn’t being changed — or won’t soon be changed — dramatically by new digital, information, and robotics technologies. Robots are beginning to deliver our food, drive us to work, and care for our grandparents. AI-powered systems will soon diagnose diseases and search for suspects of crimes, and are already raising worries about taking over intellectual and creative tasks in writing and the arts. We’re all familiar with Zoom, but we may soon be conducting business meetings in VR. And it’s easy to forget that, in recent years, many of us have begun to use social media technologies as our primary methods of giving and receiving information, and even for maintaining our relationships. These are just a few examples of how recent and emerging technologies are changing, or will change, the ways we live, communicate, do business, share our lives with loved ones, and even think.

In this course, we’ll think together about technologies like these, and how we might live flourishing lives — as individuals, but also as a society — in our current and near-future technological contexts. Of course, many of these technologies are coming inexorably, like it or not! So we’ll also be sure to consider how we might shape these technologies before they’re already here and settled, so that we’re more likely to use our technologies to help us to flourish, rather than, without thinking, to mold our own lives to suit our technologies.

PHI 364A (64744) – Freedom, Action, and Responsibility
M & W – 5:00- – 6:15 – Location: TRIB A307
Adam Kadlac

The first part of this class will provide an overview of some key positions in contemporary discussions of free will with a particular focus on what conceptions of freedom are required to preserve moral responsibility. In the second part of the class, we will consider some more “practical” issues concerning agency such as addiction, criminal punishment, moral luck, and what norms should govern making promises.

PHI 366A (64735) – Global Justice
T & R – 11:00 – 12:15 – Location: TRIB A307
Win-chiat Lee

In this course, we are interested in discerning the extent to which national boundaries matter morally. This question has implications for many practical issues that involve the proper scope of humanitarianism and our concern for justice. We will pay special attention to the debate between cosmopolitanism and nationalism regarding whether we owe special duties to our fellow citizens and whether they should take precedence over our general duties toward fellow human beings. The justification and application of universal human rights (in the face of a plurality of cultural norms) will also be discussed. Other topics include national sovereignty and self-determination, Just War Doctrine, humanitarian intervention, international criminal law, global distributive justice, global environmental ethics, immigration and refugee policy.

PHI 369A (64740) – Philosophy and Psychology
M, W, & F – 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. – Location: TRIB A306
Adrian Bardon

A wide-ranging examination of the philosophy and psychology of bias, motivated reasoning, self-deception, and denial. We will discuss the roles of ideology, personality, and identity in science denial, in political economy, in racism, and in religious belief.

PHI 374A (64254) – Philosophy of Mind
M & W – 11:00 – 12:15 – Location: TRIB A307
Amanda Corris

Our mental lives are unfathomably rich and complex, yet our brains are nothing more than lumps of meat. But is the mind even the same thing as the brain? Are humans the only beings with minds, despite the fact that other beings have brains? And how exactly is conscious experience possible in the first place?  Questions about the mind span the history of the discipline of philosophy, and persist despite their extensive treatment. One of the most fundamental of these is the relationship between the mind, brain, and body. If the mind is something distinct from the brain, then how does it interact with our physical selves? If it’s identical to the brain, how can we explain phenomena like conscious experience, or the sensation of “what it’s like” to see the color red, or hear a trumpet? These are key issues in the field of philosophy of mind, and these issues will structure the course.

PHI 376A (64742) – Epistemology
W & F – 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. – Location: TRIB A307
Matthew Shields

What does it mean to know something? And how can we be sure that what we take to be true lines up with how the world in fact is? In this course, we will examine these questions in detail by delving into the philosophical tradition known as epistemology. We begin by surveying some of the main positions in this literature. We consider skeptical and other challenges to the idea that we can have knowledge of the world at all. We look at different ways of responding to these challenges and different accounts of the nature of knowledge. We will look closely at the role that expertise and experts play in generating knowledge of the world. Throughout the course, we will also consider epistemological questions that appear to be especially urgent in our social and political lives. We will look at what epistemologists have said about whether identity shapes knowledge, the nature of fundamental or deep disagreements, and the phenomena of conspiracy theories and fake news.