Department of Philosophy

The philosophy department offers courses that enable students to grapple with the major issues confronting today’s society in the light of the history of philosophical thought, the methods of philosophical analysis, and the Christian world and life view. The major in philosophy is appropriate for students looking forward to professional training or employment in fields that emphasize clarity in detailed analysis. It is particularly appropriate for students interested in such areas as law and theology, as well as those aspiring to a teaching career in philosophy. There are numerous options for combining a major in philosophy with majors in other disciplines.

Students selecting philosophy as a major for the bachelor of arts degree will complete thirty-six hours including PL 240, 260, 311, 321, 420 and nine additional hours in philosophy, with the remaining hours selected from additional philosophy courses; BR 331, 333ch, and 421; EN 441, 481; HS 311, 322, 411 and 432.

The minor in philosophy requires twenty-three hours in philosophy including PL 240, 260, and two from 311, 321 and 420.

Courses in Philosophy

PL 220 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

An approach to philosophy by the reading and discussion of classical and contemporary essays dealing with selected problems. Topics considered will include theory of knowledge, metaphysics, ethics and philosophy of religion.

PL 240 Logic (3)

The study of logic as a tool of exact reasoning. Major emphasis will be placed on modern deductive logic and its applications, with some consideration of traditional syllogistic logic and of induction.

PL 260 Ethics (3)

A consideration of various problems in philosophical ethics on the basis of historical and contemporary readings, with an attempt to establish a philosophical framework for moral decision-making. Certain topics in Christian ethics will also be discussed.

PL 311 History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4)

The history of philosophy from the Greeks to the close of the Middle Ages, with major emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent

PL 321 History of Modern Philosophy (4)

A study of the major philosophers from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century, with a survey of twentieth-century developments. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent

PL 333 Philosophical Topics (3)

A detailed examination of a selected philosophical subject, problem, historical movement or individual philosopher. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisite: Consent

PL 333ep Epistemology provides a systematic study of the theory of knowledge. Primary attention will be given to recent developments focusing on the Internalism/Externalism debate, attempts to solve the Gettier problem, and theories such as Coherentism and Reliabilism.

PL 333mp Metaphysics includes a study of the fundamental things that make up reality and how our basic concepts of substance and identity play a role in shaping our theories. Historical attempts to clarify the basic categories of reality will supplement an examination of issues such as the nature of numbers, propositions, and truth.

PL 333pl Philosophy of Language will introduce problems with accounting for meaning reference and related concepts. These are at the heart of contemporary discussions of truth and the mind independent nature of reality and different approaches impact how we approach science, theology, and philosophy. Prerequisite: PL 220

PL 333rs Religion and Scientific Thought provides a study of the nature of scientific thought and scientific method; consideration of historical and contemporary views concerning the relationship between science and religion; and of current issues resulting from the interaction of modern science and the Christian worldview. Identical with BR333RS. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260

PL 333ti Philosophy of Time explores the nature of time and the corresponding implications of different views. Students will gain understanding of the nature of time as it relates to our views of change, the physical structure of the universe (the space-time continuum) and the relationship between our tensed use of language and our view of the reality of the past and present. The class will examine arguments about the reality of time and whether there is a fundamental distinction between the past, the present and the future. Prerequisite: 300 or 400 level course in philosophy

PL 420 Twentieth Century Philosophy (4)

The reading and analysis of representative works from the major schools of twentieth century philosophy, including pragmatism, logical positivism and analytic philosophy, phenomenology and existentialism. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent

PL 433 Philosophical Theology (3)

This course provides an advanced study of what philosophers and theologians have said about the nature of God. The course includes a discussion of the historical development of the "God" concept from the pre-Socratics through its apex in classical theism to the critique of this concept in modern atheism. The tools of contemporary analytic philosophy will be utilized to examine specific attributes of God. Identical with BR 433. Prerequisite: One course in Bible and PL 220

PL 460 Philosophy of Religion (3)

A consideration of various attempts to provide a philosophical formulation and defense of the basic tenets of the theistic worldview, with particular attention to recent analytic philosophy. Identical with BR 460. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent

PL 490 Independent Study (1-4)

The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the philosophy major. Prerequisite: Consent

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