A study of the major problems and types of philosophy. An introduction to concepts and methods for understanding and evaluating claims and arguments in everyday life. Attention is given to informal fallacies and to the analysis of deductive and inductive arguments. A study of the basic problems and chief types of ethical theory and of the rational principles sustaining moral discourse. An examination of the classical arguments for the existence of God, the seeking of a definition for religion, and the exploration of the thoughts of several philosophers about religion.
Attention is given to the characteristics of theistic language.
The examination of selected philosophical classics from the Renaissance to the early 19th century. A study of the basic works of a prominent philosopher or movement. The specific topic will change from year to year and will be announced in the class schedule. Political Theories A survey of the philosophy of politics from ancient Greece to the modern era, with the reading and interpretation of primary sources. Same as HiPS 497.