The course examines different conceptual and historical models for understanding the human condition, including the philosophical significance of Eastern and Western religious ideas and modern scientific theories relevant to the study of human life and its meaning. A comparative study of the major classical, modern, and contemporary ethical theories concerning the origin and nature of moral value. A study of philosophical theories concerning the nature, the kinds, and the conditions of reality. A philosophical examination of the need and justification for government in general, what makes some forms of government legitimate and others not, the political rights and duties of the people governed, concepts of justice, the nature of the state, and the relation between nation, nationality, and culture. Explores the nature and reality of the mind, especially the mind's cognitive, affective, and volitional abilities.
Central focus is on the mind-body problem, and the classical and contemporary attempts to solve it.
A philosophical examination of the nature of art, aesthetic value and aesthetic experience, the problem of standards for evaluating art and beauty, and philosophical issues concerning specific arts, especially the fine arts. Explores major arguments for and against skepticism, relativism, and objectivity in knowledge. A philosophical examination of the basic concepts and beliefs found in the major Western religions with special emphasis on Christianity. The pair of philosophers studied may vary each time the course is offered. PHI 101 and one other philosophy course.