Attention is focused on these methods in analyzing and testing the validity of various kinds of arguments. A study of principal movements in 20th century philosophy. Attention is given to European as well as American topics. An introduction to aesthetics and an examination of such problems as the nature of art, the character of the aesthetic experience, the relation of the arts to one another, and the language of describing, interpreting, and evaluating works of art. An analysis of the major concepts of social and political thought, including justice, authority, and legitimate coercive force.
Special attention is given to attempts to justify various forms of social organization.
An examination of human action, the relationship of mental events to brain events, the problem of free will, and the essential and distinguishing features of the human being. An examination of historically important theories of reality. Attention is focused on the works of Plato, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Ayer, and Quine. A brief survey of early American thought, a detailed examination of the major themes in the philosophy of Peirce, James, Dewey, Royce, Santayana, and Whitehead, and a glimpse of contemporary work. The idea of justice will be given central importance.