The scientific method as phases of forming hypotheses and verifying them. The logic and epistemology of scientific explanation. Metaphysical presuppositions underlying scientific knowledge. An advanced critical inquiry into the major issues of normative and critical ethics. Problems and positions concerning moral conduct and responsibility and the meaning and justification of ethical discourse are discussed in connection with readings from classical and contemporary sources.
Special attention is given to recent interdisciplinary efforts to study perception.
A survey and evaluation of major theories of mental representation drawing on recent work in philosophy of mind, cognitive psychology, linguistics, semantics, and artificial intelligence. The mind-body problem, knowledge of other minds, and problems about thought, action, and feelings are discussed in the light of readings from classical and contemporary sources. An in-depth study of one or more of the Platonic dialogues, Republic, Theaetetus, Sophist, Statesman, Parmenides, Philebus or Timaeus, with reading and discussion of related dialogues as background. An in-depth study of one or more of the Aristotelian treatises, Metaphysics, Physics and De anima, Ethics, Politics, or the logical writings. Philosophers often attempt to either appropriate or repudiate aspects of the philosophical tradition.