Philosophy Course Descriptions
PH 101 Practical Reasoning. A course designed to improve one's ability to think clearly and critically by developing such skills as detecting and eliminating ambiguity and vagueness, determining validity of reasoning, formulating and confirming generalizations and hypotheses, and using analogies. Offered as required.
PH 103 Contemporary Moral Problems (H) (C) (R) (WC). A study and discussion of selected, contemporary moral issues such as capital punishment, sexual morality, pornography and censorship, discrimination, etc. Offered fall semester.
PH 202 Medical Ethics. An in-depth examination of some major moral issues arising out of or associated with the practice of medicine, such as abortion, euthanasia, human experimentation, behavior control, the justice of the distribution of health care, etc. The focus will be on acquiring a sophisticated grasp of the complexities of the problems, understanding the logic of the opposed positions, and coming to a critical appreciation of their weaknesses and strengths. Offered spring semester. of odd-numbered years.
PH 203 Ethics and Society. This course examines major topics and theories in social thought from both a traditional and contemporary philosophic perspective. Topics may include: democratic theory, social contract theory, and personal autonomy; equality, justice, and power; family, property, and gender. Offered as required.