We will consider modern reformulations of classical philosophical problems as well as the relation of contemporary linguistic theory to related disciplines in the cognitive sciences such as psychology. 6 credits, SS Not offered in 1999-2000. Environmental Ethics Cross-listed with ENTS 242. The class will aim not so much at definite solutions to particular environmental problems as at an increased philosophical sophistication in framing and supporting answers to these and related questions about our environment and our place in it. Nature Cross-listed with ENTS 243.
Human identity is in part constituted in opposition to the idea of the animal.
In this class we will discuss how views about the relationships of humans to animals have played out in philosophy of mind, ethics, and environmental policy. A study of the implications of physical theory for our understanding of the world, focusing on the conceptual revolutions brought about by relativity theory and quantum mechanics. 6 credits, HU Not offered in 1999-2000. A study of some important conceptual and foundational issues in evolutionary biology. Topics to be considered will include the role of fitness in evolutionary theory, functional and teleological explanations, the problem of the units of selection, the nature of a species, the reduction of genetics to molecular biology, and sociobiology.