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Philosophy Courses
211 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
(3 s.h.)
The principal problems of philosophy with criticism of writings
in such areas as ethics, metaphysics, political theory, and epistemology.
This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
212 SYMBOLIC LOGIC (3 s.h.)
This course is an introduction to basic deductive logic. Topics
covered include symbolization, truth tables, and proofs in both
propositional and predicate logic. Some modal logic may also be
covered. This class is offered every spring semester.
220 MORAL PHILOSOPHY AND CONTEMPORARY
ETHICAL PROBLEMS (3 s.h.)
Ethical theory (moral philosophy) with emphasis on the tools of
ethical decision-making and application to contemporary issues (e.g.,
abortion, euthanasia, war, capital punishment, medical ethics).
Recommended for all students preparing for the helping professions.
This course is offered in the spring semester, even-numbered years.
301 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY (3
s.h.)
Survey of the history of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics
to the contemporary period. This course is offered in the fall semester,
odd-numbered years.
320 BUSINESS ETHICS (3 s.h.)
After a brief consideration of ethical theory, this course will
examine selected ethical issues which arise from business, such
as corporate responsibility, whistleblowing, environmental issues,
and privacy. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of the
virtues in business practice. This course is offered in the spring
semester, odd-numbered years.
330 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (3 s.h.)
Philosophical examination of religion; topics include arguments
for the existence of God, the nature and reliability of religious
experience, the problem of evil, the nature and attributes of God,
the meaning of religious language, and life after death. This course
is offered in the fall semester, even-numbered years.
340 MEDICAL ETHICS (3 s.h.)
After a brief consideration of ethical theory, this course will
examine selected ethical issues raised by clinical practice, medical
theories, and biomedical research and technologies. This course
does not meet the medical ethics requirement for the Methodist University
Physician Assistant Program. This course is offered every semester.
350 PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (3 s.h.)
A philosophical examination of such topics as scientific explanation;
hypothesis formation and confirmation; paradigms, laws, and theories;
models and the status of unobservable entities; holism and reductionism;
science and values; the nature and scope of scientific progress;
the limits of scientific explanation. This course is offered in
the spring semester, odd-numbered years.
420 ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
(3 s.h.)
A study of the basic concepts, arguments, and methods of ethics
as they apply to those who work in the field of criminal justice.
Students will be introduced to the classic theories of normative
ethics. Emphasis is placed on the case study approach and ethical
decision-making. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of
the instructor. This course is offered every fall semester.
485 SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY (3 s.h.)
Significant works, problems, and thinkers in the field of philosophy.
Can be repeated for credit. Cross-listed with REL 485 as applicable.
Prerequisite: permission of the department head. This course is
offered as needed.
499 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHILOSOPHY (TBA)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage
in special research in his/her major. Requires approval by the faculty
advisor, the supervising professor, and the department head before
approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit to be
determined.
