This course is an introduction to philosophical questions as treated by thinkers from a worldwide range of philosophical traditions. The course will explore issues drawn from at least three traditional areas of philosophical investigation. These areas of philosophy include the following: logic (reasoning and argumentation), ethics (moral theory and its applications), metaphysics (the study of the basic properties of reality), epistemology (the theory of knowledge), philosophy of religion (arguments for the existence of God, etc.) aesthetics (the theory of beauty and its manifestation in art and nature) and political philosophy (the study of principles of governing human society). In each case, philosophical problems will be discussed through the an encounter with both Western and Non-Western thinkers and schools of thought. NOTE: Prerequisites: ENG 100 with grade of “C” or better.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify the basic elements of sound reasoning and make a cogent argument for philosophical position.
Recognize and explain the basic issues involved with significant philosophical problems as presented in the course.
Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the major philosophical ideas or theories that address the philosophical problems presented in the course.
Critically appraise the arguments of philosophers by offering an account of their strengths and/or weaknesses.
Compare and contrast the works of two philosophers from different world traditions on a specific philosophical topic.

College Academic Learning Goal Designation: Critical Reasoning (CR), Global Understanding (GU)

Prerequisite: ENG 100 with a grade of C or better.

3 Credits3 Weekly Lecture Hours

This course is intended for the beginning student in philosophy. In this course students, after acquiring some background in moral theory, will examine several different contemporary moral problems. The moral problems discussed may be roughly divided into two main categories: the social and the personal. In the category of social problems the course will explore different conceptions of diversity and social justice as they are applied to issues such as: the distribution of wealth and income, ethnic and racial equality, gender equality, LGBTQ+ equality, the freedom of thought and religious practice, the criminal justice system, generational justice, etc. The problems of the personal kind may include the following: conceptions of the good and the good life, truthfulness and honesty, the obligation to keep promises, obligations to friends and family, the place of friendship in a good life, obligations to oneself, etc.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Discuss the major philosophical problems considered in class.
Discuss and apply the ethical theories addressed in class.
Discuss the views of the philosophers addressed in class and offer critiques of those views.
Discuss the issues of diversity and social justice considered in class and apply ethical theories to those issues.
Formulate and rationally defend an ethical position on a contemporary moral problem.

College Academic Learning Goal Designation: Diversity and Social Justice (DJ)

Prerequisite: ENG 100 with a grade of C or better.

3 Credits3 Weekly Lecture Hours