PL: Philosophy
PL 141 — Introduction to Western Philosophy
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
A general introduction to Western philosophy covering the existence of God, freedom and determinism, personal identity, death and the question of survival, and cross-cultural understanding. (G7: Humanities)
PL 143 — Introduction to Asian Philosophies
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
Introduces the major philosophies of the Asian world that underlie and shape Eastern cultures. Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are emphasized. (G7: Humanities; G9: Other World Civilizations)
PL 211 — Informal Logic: A Guide to Clear Thinking
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
Introduction to practical techniques for evaluating, criticizing, and defending arguments using ordinary English. Both deductive and inductive reasoning are considered, and how to recognize fallacies is emphasized. Stresses techniques for producing good arguments of many types. (G7: Humanities)
PL 299 — Independent Study in Philosophy
1-3 CREDIT
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts
PL 321 — Philosophy of Art
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
Considers the philosophy of art and the logical structure of criticism. Presents a group of problems arising from description, interpretation, and evaluation of aesthetic objects, with special emphasis on the visual arts. (G7: Humanities)
Prerequisite(s): one semester of History of Art and Civilization
PL 391 — Ancient Greek Philosophy (Honors)
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
A study of the origins and development of philosophy in the West, from Homer and Hesiod to the Hellenistic period. Contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are emphasized, and the Greek influence on Roman and Christian philosophy is examined. (G5: Western Civilization; G7: Humanities)
Prerequisite(s): qualification for Presidential Scholars Program, or 3.5 GPA with approval of dean for Liberal Arts
PL 392 — The Old and New Testaments in the History of Ideas
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
Students examine the influence of selected books, chapters, and verses from teh Old and New Testaments on the literature, philosophy, theology, and politics of Western civilization. Emphasis is given to ideas located in scriptures as they have been developed by religious thinkers, systematic theorists, and creative artists. (Formerly LA 394) (G5: Western Civilization; G7: Humanities)
PL 431 — Philosophy: Ethics
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
An introduction to philosophy in general and to ethics in particular. Philosophy is presented as an ongoing activity with emphasis on providing students with logical and conceptual tools for dealing with real-world situations. The course is oriented toward the development of the student's ability to use reason to evaluate arguments, particularly ethical arguments. (G7: Humanities)
PL 499 — Independent Study in Philosophy
1-3 CREDIT
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts