LoginPhilosophy
PHIL 110.6 — 1&2(3L)
Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to the perennial issues in Western philosophy which
arise out of the search for truth and meaning in life: good and evil,
appearance and reality, the rational grounds for belief in God,
scepticism and knowledge, social justice. Emphasizes critical thinking
and the development of understanding through reasoned argument.
Note:
No previous training in philosophy is required or presupposed. Students
with credit for PHIL 120 or 133 may not take this course for credit.
Students with credit for PHIL 120 or PHIL 133 should take the one they
are missing for equivalency to PHIL 110.
PHIL 120.3 — 1/2(3L)
Knowledge Mind and Existence as Introductory Topics in Philosophical Problems
Introduces students to philosophy by exploring fundamental problems
about reality, the limits of human knowledge, and the nature of the
mind. Topics include whether we have free will, whether there are
grounds for doubt about the basic beliefs about other people or the
world, and the nature and role of cognition in the composition of a
human being. Essay writing is an integral part of this course. In their
essays students are expected to demonstrate an understanding or major
philosophical questions, define key terms, mount arguments for and
respond to arguments against, positions on philosophical issues,
develop research and argumentation skills, and improve their command of
written English. Students are encouraged to make use of the Philosophy
Department’s Essay Clinic.
Note: Students with credit for PHIL 110 may not take this course for credit.
PHIL 133.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Ethics and Values
Introduces students to value theory by exploring fundamental
problems about morality, justice, beauty, and the problems posed by the
purported relativity of value to personal taste and cultural context.
Will include topics such as what makes a society just, whether we have
any moral obligations, and whether humour is objective. Essay writing
is an integral part of this course. In their essays students are
expected to demonstrate an understanding of major philosophical
questions, define key terms, mount arguments for and respond to
arguments against, positions on philosophical issues, develop research
and argumentation skills, and improve their command of written English.
Students are encouraged to make use of the Philosophy Department’s
Essay Clinic.
Note: Students with credit for PHIL 110 may not take this course for credit.
PHIL 140.3 — 1/2(3L)
Critical Thinking
An introduction to essential principles of reasoning and critical
thinking, designed to introduce the students to the analysis of
concepts, to enhance their ability to evaluate various forms of
reasoning and to examine critically beliefs, conventions and theories,
and to develop sound arguments. Topics include fundamentals of logic
and analysis, definition, logical fallacies, and conceptual analysis.
Note:
Students with credit for PHIL 240, 241, 243 or CMPT 260 may not take
this course for credit. To receive credit for PHIL 140, 240, 243, or
CMPT 260, students must take PHIL 140 prior to the above mentioned
courses.
PHIL 202.3 — 1/2(3L)
Philosophy of Religion Introduction
The concept of religion; different theories explaining the origin of
religion; the philosophical conception of religion in contrast to
mythology, ideology, magic, superstition and theology; God: mystery or
problem; different ways to approach the mystery of God, the meaning of
religious terms and language, varieties of atheism and unbelief; the
problem of evil.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 204.3 — 1/2(3L)
Philosophy of Religion Christian Tradition
An introduction to major constructive thinkers of the Christian
tradition. Clarifies the differences between Christian philosophy,
theology and philosophy of religion by explaining how distinctively
philosophical questions arise out of the context of Christian belief
and practice. Thinkers to be studied will range from the patristic
period to the 20th century.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 208.3 — 1/2(3L)
Ancient Philosophy Presocratics to Plato
A study of the origins of philosophical reasoning in ancient Greece
to its most extensive development in the philosophy of Plato. Classical
views of the ultimate nature of reality, the scope and limits of human
knowledge, and the grounds for aesthetic and moral evaluations will be
examined.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 209.3 — 1/2(3L)
Ancient Philosophy Aristotle to Plotinus
The development of philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome from the
time of Aristotle to the emergence of Christianity. In addition to a
survey of several of the most important aspects of Aristotle’s
philosophy, this course will examine such schools of thought as
Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Neoplatonism.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credits at the university.
PHIL 210.3 — 1(3L)
Medieval Philosophy I
The study of major thinkers of the early middle ages, including
Augustine, Boethius, Eriugena, Anselm, and Abelard. Background will be
provided to Neoplatonic themes that shape this period. Topics include
free will, happiness, the existence of God, theories of truth, and the
problem of universals.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy.
PHIL 211.3 — 2(3L)
Medieval Philosophy II
The study of major Jewish, Muslim, and Christian thinkers of the
high middle ages, including Moses Maimonides, Avicenna, Averroes,
Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham.
Background to Aristotle and his tradition will be provided. Topics
include the relation of faith and reason, existence and nature of God,
human nature, voluntarism, and the critique of metaphysics.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy.
PHIL 212.3 - 1/2(3L)
Medieval Intellectuals: Thought and Learning in the Middle Ages
An interdisciplinary examination of major intellectual figures in
their historical and philosophical contexts from late antiquity to the
end of the middle ages. Themes include the liberal arts tradition, the
relation of faith and reason, the emergence of medieval science, the
rise of Scholasticism, the mystical tradition, and the classical
revival.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units of 100-level history or philosophy.
PHIL 215.3 — 1/2(3L)
19th Century European Philosophy
A survey of authors or themes central in the development of modern
philosophy in Continental Europe and Britain in the 19th Century,
including Hegel and Marx, and topics such as the theory of the state,
the nature of human will, moral theory, and the origins of sociological
thought.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or PHIL 120.
PHIL 218.3 — 1/2(3L)
Existentialism
An introduction to 19th and 20th Century existentialist thought from
Kierkegaard and Nietzsche to Sartre. Issues to be exlored concern the
human quest for meaning in existence and include the nature of the
human self, truth, freedom, mortality, the significance of God, and the
possibility of interpersonal relations.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 219.3 — 1/2(3L)
Phenomenology
A survey of phenomenological thought, primarily of the early 20th C.
This course will include authors such as Husserl, Heidegger, and
Merleau-Ponty.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy.
PHIL 224.3 — 1/2(3L)
Philosophy of Sexuality
A philosophical examination of the fundamental assumptions about the
nature of sexuality. Philosophical theories about “natural” or “proper”
male and female roles, mental and physical sexual distinctions and the
sexual aspects of rationality and emotion will be examined along with
their implications for such topics as work, marriage, love, friendship,
communication, and politics.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 226.3 — 1/2(3L)
Environmental Philosophy
A philosophical study of moral, social and political issues
concerning the environment, whether natural or constructed. Topics may
include: the nature of Nature, nonanthropocentric ethics, animal
rights, political and cultural roots of environmental abuse,
evolutionary perspectives, the Gaian hypothesis, ecotopias,
environmental aesthetics, the place of environment in the Good Life.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 231.3 — 1/2(3L)
Ethical Problems
Contemporary ethical problems such as the morality of human
sexuality, abortion, euthanasia, manipulation of human beings, war and
revolution, environmental ethics, prejudice and discrimination.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 233.3 — 1/2(3L)
Ethical Theory
An introduction to the meta-ethical issues important to an
understanding of historically important ethical theories, together with
an examination of those theories. Philosophers studied may include
Socrates, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Kant, and Mill, among others.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or PHIL 133.
PHIL 234.3 — 1/2(3L)
Biomedical Ethics
An examination of contemporary biomedical ethical issues such as the
definition of a person, determination of life and death, euthanasia,
abortion, prenatal diagnosis and intervention, problems in the
physician-patient relationship, reproductive technologies, genetic
engineering and accessibility to health care.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 235.3 — 1/2(3L)
Ethical Issues in Business and Professions
Introduces ethical issues that are related to business enterprises
and professional practices such as the questions of striking and
advertising; preferential hiring; responsibility to society; the
organization and the profession. It will also consider theoretical
questions about free enterprise, socialist politics, and government
controls and regulations.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 238.3 — 1/2(2L-1T)
Ethical Issues in Scientific Research
Introduction to ethical issues related to scientific research
requiring institutional ethics review and approval. Theoretical
approaches in ethics and their relationship to national and
institutional guidelines governing research protocol compliance are
considered. Topics include Aristotelian, Kantian and Utilitarian
ethics, ethical standards in designing research protocols, and
protection of research subjects.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 240.3 — 1(3L)
Aristotelian Logic
The meaning of concept, term, judgement and proposition, categorical
and hypothetical reasoning and induction; mathematical logic (Venn
diagrams, truth trees, elementary deductions, syllogism). Frequent
exercises will be assigned.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 262.3 — 1/2(3L)
Social and Political Philosophy
An examination of philosophical theories of political organization.
Such issues as justice and power, rights, freedom and the public good
will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy, history or a social science.
PHIL 271.3 — 1/2(3L)
Aesthetics
An introduction to philosophical problems related to the arts; such
as the nature of art, meaning, expression, and the nature of critical
and evaluative judgments.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy, fine arts or literature.
PHIL 294.3 — 2(3L)
Philosophy of Human Nature
A philosophical examination of whether there is a human nature,
through both historical and contemporary discussions. Will include
topics such as the importance of narrative, biology and evolution,
selfishness, gender, race, freedom, and personhood.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or completion of 24 credit units at the university.
PHIL 296.3 — 1/2(3L)
Nature of Material Reality
A study of the philosophy of nature which examines ancient and
modern views on the material constitution of bodies, organisms, and
persons. Major topics include the nature of substance, the distinction
between properties and substances, artifacts and natural things, and
the mind-body problems.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in philosophy or 12 credit units in natural science.
PHIL 302.3 — 1/2(3L)
Contemporary Philosophy of Religion
A study of major topics in recent analytic and/or continental
philosophy of religion. Topics include the rationality of religious
belief, the nature of God, religious language, the problem of evil,
critiques of religion, and the interface of major world religions.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 312.3 — 1/2(3S)
Great Philosophers I Historical Figures
Detailed reading in the work of a major philosopher such as Aristotle, Hume or Russell.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 313.3 — 1/2(3S)
Great Philosophers II Contemporary Figures
Consists of detailed reading in the work of some major philosophers.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 315.3 — 1/2(3S)
Hegel
A study of Hegel’s approach and contributions to philosophy through a detailed reading of some of his major works.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 319.3 — 1/2(3S)
Topics in Recent Continental Philosophy
Examines specific issues or authors in current continental
philosophy. Areas of discussion might include critical theory,
aesthetics, or hermeneutics, and authors such as Foucault, Habermas,
Derrida, or Gadamer.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 337.3 — 1/2(3S)
Philosophy of Law
A critical examination of attempts to provide theories of the nature
of law. This course will examine the debate between legal positivists
and natural law theorists, as well as the reaction to this debate (e.g.
Dworkin, legal realists, critical legal theorists, and feminists).
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 362.3 — 1/2(3S)
Topics in Political Philosophy
The topic, political philosopher, movement or theories studied will vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units in philosophy or PHIL 262 or POLS 235.
PHIL 396.6 — 1&2(3L)
Metaphysics
Study of philosophical attempts to achieve knowledge of reality
beyond the empirical; approached historically in terms of ancient,
medieval, modern and contemporary theory; and problematically-in terms
of present day concerns, such as space, time, motion, nature,
existence, essence, God, soul, mind, idea, freedom, person, death,
anxiety and art.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 398.3 — 1/2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
PHIL 399.6 — 1&2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
PHIL 404.3 — 1(3L)
Advanced Problems in Philosophy and Theology
Philosophical aspects of contemporary psychological and theological
problems treated at an advanced level. Selected readings in Freud,
Jung, Ryle, Merleau-Ponty, Marcel, Ricoeur and others.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units philosophy.
PHIL 412.3 — 1/2(3S)
Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas I
The philosophy of Aquinas considered in the areas of philosophical theology, metaphysics, and philosophy of nature.
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units in philosophy.
PHIL 413.3 — 1/2(3S)
Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas II
The philosophy of Aquinas considered in the areas of human nature, epistemology, and ethics.
Prerequisite(s): 18 credit units in philosophy.
PHIL 498.3 — 1/2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
PHIL 499.6 — 1&2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses. Education is not the piling on of learning, information, data, facts, skills, or abilities - that's training or instruction - but is rather making visible what is hidden as a seed.”— St. Thomas More |
