PHL 103. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 Hours

Introduction to philosophical reflection and study of some central philosophical questions in the Western intellectual tradition, including questions of ethics, human knowledge, and metaphysics. Readings from major figures in the history of philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, and Kant.

PHL 1HC. CAP Humanities Commons Philosophy - Transfer Course Only. 3 Hours

This is an equivalency for transfer courses ONLY. Intro to Ethics courses may be equated to this course in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) after review by a transfer specialist in the College of Arts and Sciences. Functionally, the course will both fulfill the Humanities Commons requirement of the Common Academic Program (CAP) and function as a pre-requisite for any courses requiring PHL 103.

PHL 240. Research Methodologies & Technologies. 1 Hour

Development of research skills appropriate for the major. Students submit papers carefully selected from written work required for major classes. Required for all Philosophy majors. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 301. Practical Logic. 3 Hours

Study of reasoning, judgment, and decision making in everyday-life as well as in the professional contexts of academia, the natural and social sciences, politics, and business. Students will be introduced to the principles of correct reasoning; techniques for the evaluation of arguments; common fallacies in argumentation (including self-deception, emotional bias, ambiguity, and groupthink); and applications to current issues in ethics and other areas. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 302. Symbolic Logic. 3 Hours

Concentrated study of the valid forms of deductive argument and proof in propositional logic and in predicate logic; study of formal systems and of logic and language. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 304. Philosophy of Human Nature. 3 Hours

Examination of humanist, religious and scientific perspectives regarding what defines our 'human nature?' These perspectives include: Western and non-Western philosophical and spiritual traditions, social psychology, cultural anthropology, and evolutionary biology. Throughout the focus is on primary-source texts rather than on summaries and surveys. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 306. Philosophy of Knowledge. 3 Hours

Various criteria, origins, and definitions of knowledge proposed by common sense, science, philosophy, and mysticism; questions of evidence, consistency, and validity pertaining to the problem of truth and belief. Prerequisite(s): (ASI 110, ASI 120) or PHL 103.

PHL 307. Philosophy and Feminist Thought. 3 Hours

Philosophical examination of major concepts and selected issues in feminist thought. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 308. Metaphysics in Context. 3 Hours

The course explores major metaphysical topics such as appearance and reality, essence and existence, mind-body relation, and facilitates a critical and comparative study of alternative methods of metaphysical inquiry within secular and religious contexts. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 309. Philosophy of Mind. 3 Hours

Critical examination of the structure and functions of the human mind, drawing on the history of philosophy and contemporary science. Topics include consciousness, self-deception, bias, emotion, and self-control. Consideration of practical applications. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 310. Social Philosophy. 3 Hours

The concepts of liberty, justice, and equality as they relate to social problems such as autonomy, responsibility, privacy, common good, power, economic justice, and discrimination. This course also addresses how the obstacles to justice can be overcome. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 311. Philosophy of Religion. 3 Hours

Philosophical examination of religious belief and practices, including the nature of religion; concepts of God; arguments concerning God’s existence; faith and reason; revelation and miracles; science and religion; the problem of evil; and religious pluralism. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110; REL 103.

PHL 312. Ethics. 3 Hours

Ethics is a stand-alone branch of philosophic inquiry that examines the internal coherency of various ethical systems as well as their applicability to solving personal dilemmas, social injustices and real-world problems. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 313. Business Ethics. 3 Hours

Review of major ethical theories and concepts such as justice, human flourishing, rights, virtues, common good, and examination of their implications for today's business world. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110 or PHL 1HC.

PHL 314. Philosophy of Law. 3 Hours

This is a course in the philosophy of law and jurisprudence that is designed for upper-level work in law, philosophy and law-related fields. The course includes the topics of rule of law, natural law theory, critical approaches to law, international law and human rights, distributive justice and material equality, privacy and sexual equality, and the function and limits of punishment. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 315. Medical Ethics. 3 Hours

Introduction to ethics in general and inquiry into the main ethical problems tied to medical practice and research, and the moral approaches for resolving them. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 316. Engineering Ethics. 3 Hours

Introduction to ethical issues in engineering by studying theories of moral justification and codes of ethics for engineers, and by applying these theories and codes to moral issues in engineering. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 317. Ethics of War. 3 Hours

Study of the ethics of war and the Just War Tradition. Students will be expected to apply the principles of this tradition to ethical issues such as the ethics of torture and the ethics of humanitarian intervention. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 318. Family Ethics. 3 Hours

Introduction to the development of the concept of a family in the tradition of Western philosophy and the philosophic analysis of contemporary ethical problems in marriage and in parenthood. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 319. Information Ethics. 3 Hours

Examination of ethical principles, codes, cases, incidents, and issues in the creation, use and distribution of information in and through various media. This includes issues in the ethical design, implementation, and use of computerized information systems. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 320. Philosophy of Art. 3 Hours

This course will critically evaluate advanced philosophical and art-historical texts pertaining to understanding and appreciating such arts as painting, sculpture, architecture, comedy, literature, theatre, music, dance, and street art. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 321. Environmental Ethics. 3 Hours

Study of the principal ethical perspectives on the treatment of animals and nature including such issues as agriculture, energy, pollution, and economics; assessment of political responses to current environmental problems. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 323. Philosophy & Literature. 3 Hours

Critical examination of philosophical concepts in selected literary masterpieces, ancient and modern. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 324. Philosophy & Film. 3 Hours

This course will critically evaluate texts in philosophy, film criticism, popular culture and other areas that are related to the philosophical study of movies and film. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 325. Philosophy of Music. 3 Hours

Philosophical investigation of the nature and value of music with emphasis on the varied attributes and purposes of music in relation to art, language, emotion, spirituality, and culture. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 326. History and Philosophy of Tragedy. 3 Hours

Examination of the history and philosophy of tragedy from its ancient origins in the Mediterranean through its Hellenistic and Roman revisions. We will read classical texts in their historical specificity as ancient texts as well as the revival of tragedy in Modernity. Prerequisites: (PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110) and (ENG 100 or ENG 100B or ENG 114 or ENG 198).

PHL 327. Philosophy of Peace. 3 Hours

Examination of human violence and ethical justifications for war and exploration of resolutions for human conflict in processes such as pacifism, peacemaking, democratic world governance, nonviolent caring, and a sustainable economy. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 328. Philosophy of Punishment. 3 Hours

Critical examination of punishment, through an analysis of various forms of punishment and what they imply about human nature, power, social norms, and moral principles. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 329. Genocide, Mass Atrocity and Transitional Justice. 3 Hours

Study of the causes of mass atrocities, the moral and legal challenges involved in responding to them, and the steps individuals can take to raise awareness of these urgent issues. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or HST 103 or ASI 110 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 330. Philosophy of Science. 3 Hours

Critical examination of the underpinnings of scientific knowledge, and how it differs from other systems of belief and knowledge, through an analysis and evaluation of various scientific concepts such as scientific laws, explanation, observation, experiment, and theory, with an exploration of the methods, social organization, and values involved in the production of scientific knowledge, as well as the interaction between science and society. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 331. Science, Values & Society. 3 Hours

Study of four interrelated issues: the acceptable and unacceptable roles of values in scientific research, the nature of scientific objectivity, the influence of social structures on scientific research, and the role of science in promoting a just and inclusive society. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110.

PHL 332. Technology & Values. 3 Hours

Study of the social impact of technology-scientists' responsibility; technological change and social change; the 'technological fix'; democracy and the new technological elite; counter-culture critiques of technology. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 333. Philosophy & Cognitive Science. 3 Hours

Philosophical introduction to recent research in cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience regarding human, animal, and machine intelligence; the relation between mind, brain, and personhood; and the biology of conscious states. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110.

PHL 334. Philosophy & Ecology. 3 Hours

An examination of the epistemological, methodological, ontological, and value issues of ecology, with a focus on how these issues affect the debates in philosophy of science. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 335. Philosophy of Sustainability. 3 Hours

Critical examination of the conceptual foundations of sustainability science, and how it differs from other domain specific sciences, through an analysis and evaluation of the various concepts of sustainability, its relationship to economics, ecology, society, moral, political and religious values, with an examination of the nature of sustainability problems and of the methodology required to study and solve them. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 340. Special Problems in Philosophy. 1-3 Hours

Examination of perennial and contemporary problems of philosophy. May be repeated when topic changes. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 341. Hip Hop and Philosophy. 3 Hours

Exploration of various theories of what hip hop is, at a basic level. It also investigates how we know what kind of phenomenon hip hop is, at a fundamental level. The course critically evaluates the political, ethical, and aesthetic significance of hip hop. By thinking through hip hop we will work to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between race, gender, class, religion and other variables of difference. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 342. Latina Philosophy. 3 Hours

This course critically investigates the interweaving metaphysical, epistemological, ethical and political issues grappled with in the Latina philosophical tradition. This course will introduce and expand students’ knowledge of various figures within this intellectual tradition. Students will also critically evaluate the various internal debates within Latina philosophy and identify the continuities and ruptures within this tradition of thought. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 347. Japanese Philosophy. 3 Hours

Introduction to Japanese thought through the study of Japanese philosophers, texts, sects, philosophical schools, and concepts. Comparisons of various Japanese philosophies and religions with each other as well as with Western traditions. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110 and REL 103.

PHL 348. Comparative East-West Philosophy. 3 Hours

Advanced study of problems of social justice approached through significant texts of Western and Asian philosophies and religions. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110 and REL 103.

PHL 350. Classical Greek Philosophy. 3 Hours

Critical exploration of the history of ancient Greek philosophy from the Presocratics to Aristotle. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 351. Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy. 3 Hours

A critical examination of theological arguments by major thinkers representing the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions in the Middle Ages, with close attention to common philosophical underpinnings, and the cross-fertilization of ideas. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 352. Modern Philosophy. 3 Hours

Survey of developments of Natural Philosophy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and how strands of Christian and Jewish religious traditions influenced the philosophical beginnings of modern science. Prerequisite(s): (ASI 110, ASI 120) or PHL 103.

PHL 353. Kant & Nineteenth-Century Philosophy. 3 Hours

Development of philosophy beginning with Kant through the nineteenth century including Kant and philosophers such as Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, James, Peirce, and Frege. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 354. Twentieth-Century Philosophy. 3 Hours

Study of some of the major philosophical movements in the twentieth century including phenomenology, existentialism, critical theory (Frankfurt School), hermeneutics, and analytic philosophy. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 355. Asian Philosophy. 3 Hours

Introduction to Asian thought through the study of philosophers, texts, philosophical schools, and concepts that have their origins in Asia. Comparisons of various Asian philosophies and religions with each other as well as with Western traditions. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 356. Christian Philosophy. 3 Hours

An examination of the underlying philosophical issues of selected topics in the Christian faith to deepen the students' understanding of the faith in its historical and intellectual contexts. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 357. Radical Philosophy. 3 Hours

Study of major attempts to develop a critical understanding of society; analysis of theories such as socialism, anarchism, feminism, critical theory, and critical race theory. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 358. Marxist Philosophy. 3 Hours

Explanation and critical examination of the basic concepts of dialectical and historical materialism and their application to issues of social change, with particular emphasis on class, gender, and race inequalities. Evaluation of the Marxist analysis of globalism and world inequality. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 360. Existentialism. 3 Hours

This course examines the body of philosophic thought known as Existentialism: its genesis within Kierkegaard’s analysis of faith; its reaction to 19th century philosophy; its maturation in 20th century; and its absorption and extension into Christian Existentialism, religious inquiry, the arts, literature, social thinking and freedom movements of today. Primary foci of this course revolve around the themes of Faith as a lived experience, Human Reasoning and the Human Condition, Self and Others, Freedom and Morality. This course directs virtually all of its textual materials and discursive development toward the question "What does it mean to be human?" and in light of that, “What then shall we do?” Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 361. Philosophies of Change in U.S. History. 3 Hours

Study of philosophies of change emerging within U.S. history. It will examine 1) Philosophies arising from interactions and tensions among Indigenous, European, African, Latin American, and Asian cultural groups, and 2) American Pragmatism as articulating processes of change rather than seeking universal truths. Prerequisites: ASI 110 or PHL 103.

PHL 362. Philosophy of Language. 3 Hours

Theories of meaning and reference and their philosophical significance. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 363. African Philosophy. 3 Hours

Study African philosophy both in its confrontations with Eurocentrism and as an expression of Black Africa’s distinct identity. It combines analytical and comparative approaches to expound Africa’s traditional worldviews, ethical notions, and social ideas in the context defined by the impacts and legacies of colonization and the subsequent difficult transition to modernity. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110.

PHL 364. Race, Gender and Philosophy. 3 Hours

This course Investigates how the intersections of race and gender shape our identity and the organization of local and global spaces. To this end the course considers questions about the metaphysical and epistemological dimensions of raced and gendered identity. Attention will be given to ethical and political analyses of racial patriarchy and in the course students will think through the most effective ways of reaching racial and gender justice. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 365. Islamic Philosophy & Culture. 3 Hours

Study of the intellectual history and culture of Islam as epitomized by Islamic philosophy, ethics, politics, and arts. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 366. Afro-Caribbean Philosophy. 3 Hours

This course investigates the interweaving metaphysical, epistemological, ethical and political issues grappled with in the Afro-Caribbean philosophical tradition. This course will introduce and expand students’ knowledge of various figures within this intellectual tradition. Students will also critically evaluate the various internal debates within Afro-Caribbean philosophy and identify the continuities and ruptures within this tradition of thought. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 370. Political Philosophy. 3 Hours

The course analyzes the evolution of political theories through a study of representative ancient and modern works of political philosophy. It also studies political changes and contemporary political ideas and practices in relation to diverse cultural contexts. Prerequisites: ASI 110 or PHL 103.

PHL 371. Philosophy & Human Rights. 3 Hours

Examination of the nature and philosophical foundations of universal moral (human) rights; and application of human rights theory to issues and cases involving civil and political rights, and rights to equality, security, subsistence, education, welfare, employment, and health care. Prerequisites: ASI 110 or PHL 103.

PHL 372. Values & Economics. 3 Hours

An inquiry into the impact of values and beliefs on the generation of modern economic forces. Analyzing capitalism as a system of validation of beliefs and values, the course relates underdevelopment with the conflict between tradition and modernity. It then reflects on the conditions of change liable to promote global expansion. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 373. Philosophy & Cultural Diversity. 3 Hours

Philosophical investigation into historical, social, and political dimensions of human diversity in its various manifestations. Topics include colonialism, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, and democracy.

PHL 374. Philosophy and the City. 3 Hours

By studying philosophical questions as they apply to the local community, students will deepen their understanding both of philosophical theory and Dayton. This class may be taken multiple times for credit. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 375. Ethical Theory. 3 Hours

An examination of the significant ethical theories offered by historically significant philosophers along with some contemporary critiques of these theories. The theories examined will include virtue, deontological, and utilitarian approaches. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 376. Philosophy & Revolution. 3 Hours

No description available.

PHL 377. Philosophy and Mass Media. 3 Hours

Study of the intersection of various areas of philosophical inquiry and the mass media and investigation into the implications for the lives of individuals, the functioning of societies, and the development of the global community. Students will be expected to engage in inquiry into how mass media influences their own lives and communities, and to reflect upon the ethical responsibilities they have as consumers of mass media and that the makers of mass media might have. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110.

PHL 379. Latin American Philosophy. 3 Hours

This course provides background to the history of philosophy that emerges in and from Latin America. Were the Indians human? Did they have souls? When, if at all, is war justified? Why is the U.S. rich and Latin America poor? How can poverty in Latin America be addressed? What could it mean for nations in Latin America to take small steps of self-determination and embark on a path of liberation? These questions and others are addressed by thinking through theory within the Latin American philosophical tradition. In the process students gain a sense of what it's like to philosophize from a Latin American perspective. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 381. Sexual Ethics. 3 Hours

Academic examination of a range of issues in sexual ethics, including monogamy, adultery, and fidelity; contraception; homosexuality and homophobia; and sexual objectification, exploitation, and violence. Special attention will be devoted to Catholic perspectives, as well as to contemporary feminist perspectives. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 382. Culture, Modernization, and Multiple Modernities. 3 Hours

The course surveys representative and contending theories of modernization with the view of unraveling the role of values and beliefs in the modernization process. It reexamines the role of culture in light of the emergence of a globalized world and the associated rise of diverse modernities. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or PHL 1HC or ASI 110.

PHL 383. Ethics of Scientific Research. 3 Hours

Inquiry into what it means to be an ethical scientist and how to ethically prevent and respond to violations of ethical norms in scientific research. Prerequisites: PHL 103 or ASI 110.

PHL 440. Seminar - Advanced Problems in Philosophy. 3 Hours

Detailed examination of some of the more technical problems of philosophy as well as those problems that arise in interdisciplinary settings upon which philosophers have brought their technical skills to bear. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 451. Seminar - Individual Philosophers. 3 Hours

Detailed examination of the thought of an individual philosopher (e.g., Aquinas, Kant, Rawls, Quine) who is of sufficient importance to warrant special study. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite(s):PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 461. Seminar - Contemporary Epistemology. 3 Hours

Study of recent philosophical work in the theory of knowledge inclusive of scepticism, knowledge and belief, evidence and justification, theories of perception and knowledge, human interests and valuation. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 462. Seminar - Contemporary Ethics. 3 Hours

Study of recent philosophical work in ethics inclusive of an analysis of ethical concepts, theories of normative ethics, theories of human action, and moral justification. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 463. Seminar - Contemporary Metaphysics. 3 Hours

Study of recent work in metaphysics inclusive of the nature of metaphysics, causality, free will and determinism, personal identity and the theory of mind and body. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent.

PHL 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

PHL 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.

PHL 480. Senior Capstone. 0 Hours

PHILOSOPHY SENIOR CAPSTONE CAPSTONE AND PRESENTATION Project and presentation in the scholarship, activity and/or practice related to the major. Students will present their work in a forum appropriate to the major. Prerequisite(s): SENIOR STANDING.

PHL 490. Directed Readings. 1-4 Hours

Guided independent study primarily for philosophy majors but open to students who have completed twelve semester hours in philosophy. Normally three semester hours but in certain cases the chairperson may approve one, two, or four semester hours. May be repeated when topic changes. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent; permission of department chairperson and instructor.

PHL 492. Directed Research. 3 Hours

Faculty-directed research for philosophy majors who have completed all 300-level requirements and at least one 400-level seminar. Students will write a substantial paper in relation to this research. Prerequisite(s):PHL 103 or ASI 120 or equivalent; permission of department chairperson and instructor.

PHL 495. Internship. 1-3 Hours

Supervised practical and professional experience related to philosophy for philosophy majors who have completed prescribed course work. May be repeated to a maximum of three semester hours. Grading Option Two only. Prerequisite(s): PHL 103 or ASI 120, PHL 302, PHL 350, PHL 352; one 400-level seminar; permission of department chairperson.