An analysis of the major turning points in the development of the concept of the self in Western philosophical thought. The point of the analysis is to elucidate our contemporary conception and the problems with it in order to point to a solution to these problems. In so doing, possible answers to the questions of the nature of rationality, knowledge, faith, and the meaning of life will be proposed.
Examines a wide range of controversial issues concerning the moral responsibilities of human beings toward the natural environment with special attention to competing philosophical theories on the moral status of non-human species and natural ecosystems.
An examination of the moral dimensions of business activity, especially within the context of a democratic society. Topics may include social and economic justice, the nature of corporations, corporate accountability, social responsibility, the morality of hiring and firing, employee rights and duties, advertising, product safety, obligations to the environment, and international business.
An examination of philosophical problems and issues which commonly attend western religious belief and practice. Major topics of inquiry include the theistic conception of God, classical and contemporary arguments for and against the existence of God, the epistemic significance of religious experience, the relationship between faith and reason, and the extent to which religious belief is undermined by the findings of modern science.
An examination of the philosophical revolution that accompanied the rise of modern science and its distinctive set of philosophical problems. The following problems will be emphasized: the nature of knowledge and perception, the existence and nature of God, the existence of the material world, the nature of linguistic meaning, the mind-body relationship, and the nature of personal identity. Not open for credit to students who have already received credit for PHIL 204.
This historically oriented program of reading and discussion focuses on the basic issues and fundamental problems of metaphysics. Particular attention is paid to the place of metaphysics in traditional philosophical thought and to its contemporary status and significance.
The aim of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of modern logic through an examination of three increasingly powerful methods of representing the logical structure of ordinary language arguments. Emphasis on developing strategies for proving validity and invalidity.
Examines selected writings from The Birth of Tragedy to The Will to Power. Emphasis is given to close reading of texts and critical evaluation of their main ideas.
An examination of contemporary debate on a selected topic such as ethical relativism, the relation of mind to body, or the nature of free will.
Physical Education
English Change Ringing is a non-competitive and non-contact team activity performed on the ring of eight bells in Breslin Tower. The "exercise," as it is commonly known, is highly stimulating intellectually and mildly demanding physically. It develops mental and physical skills in the context of a communal effort. A successful student will acquire the bells handling skills necessary to begin ringing the changes.
Skill development to ring common English change ringing methods such as hunting, Plain Bob, Grandsire, Steadman, etc.
The pilates exercise program creates length, strength, and flexibility in the muscles. It promotes body balance and helps to provide spinal support. The program also uses mental focus to improve efficiency of movement while encouraging the control of muscles.
This course teaches the ground school requirements for the private pilot's license and provides instruction of basic flying skills.
Through methods of systematic cultivation of awareness of body and mind such as stretching, yoga, body-scan, attention to breathing, sitting and walking meditation, and loving-kindness meditation, this course encourages greater health and well-being. The promotion of greater awareness reduces anxiety, anger, and depression while enhancing psychological resilience, the ability to act effectively under increased short and long-term stress, and energy and enthusiasm for life. Taught in a compressed seven-week format, this course requires daily practice outside of class and student participation in one four-hour weekend class meeting.