The course stresses critical thinking, the recognition and construction of valid arguments, the identification of mistakes in resoning. An examination of skepticism, dogmatism, empiricism, rationalism, and theories of truth, certainty, and probability. Readings range from Greek to contemporary philosophers, emphasizing the modern period. Applies theories to contemporary moral and political concerns. Symbolic Logic 3 credits Introduces the techniques and results of modern formal logic.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of arguments in propositional and quantificational logic.
Philosophical problems discussed include existential import, material implication, and applications of logic to other fields. Philosophy of Law 3 credits This course provides a general introduction to philosophical questions concerning law. These issues will be examined through a variety of writings from great historical figures like Plato, Aquinas, Locke, and Mill, and contemporaries like Hart and Dworkin. Philosophy of Science 3 credits This course examines various aspects of science from a philosophical perspective. Typical issues include how to adjudicate between competing scientific theories, questions of methodology and objectivity, how theories change over time, and how science is related to culture, art, and religion.