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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 PHIL 340

Moral Philosophy

The problem of determining standards of right and wrong as well as the problem of determining what is of value in itself. The moral theories of prominent philosophers, both ancient and modern, are examined.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 340

Moral Philosophy

The problem of determining standards of right and wrong as well as the problem of determining what is of value in itself. The moral theories of prominent philosophers, both ancient and modern, are examined.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of Philosophy. Recommended: PHIL 106 or 210
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 350

Symbolic Logic

A study of the propositional calculus, quantification theory, the theory of definite descriptions, and other topics in modern symbolic logic..

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 103 or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 350

Symbolic Logic

A study of the propositional calculus, quantification theory, the theory of definite descriptions, and other topics in modern symbolic logic..

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 350

Symbolic Logic

A study of the propositional calculus, quantification theory, the theory of definite descriptions, and other topics in modern symbolic logic..

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 103 or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 PHIL 366

Philosophy of Biotechnology & Ethics

Students will apply philosophical perspectives to questions regarding the challenges presented by the use of biotechnology on humans, plants, and animals. Does philosophy offer ways to assess the goals of biotechnology? Is philosophy able to judge what is unethical? How does the philosophical ideal of wisdom bear upon biotechnology? How can philosophy help to articulate the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? How can philosophy help to situate biotechnology as part of our ability to live a good life within society?

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 366

Philosophy of Biotechnology & Ethics

Students will apply philosophical perspectives to questions regarding the challenges presented by the use of biotechnology on humans, plants, and animals. Does philosophy offer ways to assess the goals of biotechnology? Is philosophy able to judge what is unethical? How does the philosophical ideal of wisdom bear upon biotechnology? How can philosophy help to articulate the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? How can philosophy help to situate biotechnology as part of our ability to live a good life within society?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
PHIL 366

Philosophy of Biotechnology and Ethics

Students will apply philosophical perspectives to questions regarding the challenges presented by the use of biotechnology on humans, plants, and animals. Does philosophy offer ways to assess the goals of biotechnology? Is philosophy able to judge what is unethical? How does the philosophical ideal of wisdom bear upon biotechnology? How can philosophy help to articulate the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? How can philosophy help to situate biotechnology as part of our ability to live a good life within society?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing.
PHIL 370

Aesthetics

This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through the God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing or 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
Cross-listed: SAMC 370.
2025-2026 PHIL 370

Aesthetics

This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through the God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 370

Aesthetics

This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through the God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third- or fourth-year standing or 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: SAMC 370
PHIL 380

Philosophy of Science

An examination of some of the central philosophical issues raised by science. Topics include scientific method, explanations and laws in science, scientific progress, confirmation, and the structure of scientific theories.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing or PHIL 103 or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 380

Philosophy of Science

An examination of some of the central philosophical issues raised by science. Topics include scientific method, explanations and laws in science, scientific progress, confirmation, and the structure of scientific theories.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 380

Philosophy of Science

An examination of some of the central philosophical issues raised by science. Topics include scientific method, explanations and laws in science, scientific progress, confirmation, and the structure of scientific theories.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third- or fourth-year standing or PHIL 103 or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 382

Cognitive Science of Religion

An historical and thematic overview of the cognitive science of religion, introducing students to major figures, themes, methods, models, and results from the discipline. A major emphasis is understanding cognitive processes important for sustaining belief in supernatural agents, afterlife beliefs, prayer, and rituals. Students will also investigate the philosophical implications of the scientific data, connecting the cognitive science of religion to issues such as the rationality of religious belief and the lived experience of religious believers.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of PHIL or PSYC.
Cross-listed: PSYC 382
2025-2026 PHIL 382

Cognitive Science of Religion

An historical and thematic overview of the cognitive science of religion, introducing students to major figures, themes, methods, models, and results from the discipline. A major emphasis is understanding cognitive processes important for sustaining belief in supernatural agents, afterlife beliefs, prayer, and rituals. Students will also investigate the philosophical implications of the scientific data, connecting the cognitive science of religion to issues such as the rationality of religious belief and the lived experience of religious believers.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 382

Cognitive Science of Religion

An historical and thematic overview of the cognitive science of religion, introducing students to major figures, themes, methods, models, and results from the discipline. A major emphasis is understanding cognitive processes important for sustaining belief in supernatural agents, afterlife beliefs, prayer, and rituals. Students will also investigate the philosophical implications of the scientific data, connecting the cognitive science of religion to issues such as the rationality of religious belief and the lived experience of religious believers.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of PHIL or PSYC
Cross-listed: PSYC 382
2025-2026 PHIL 383

Reason & Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, Is belief in God rational? Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 383

Reason & Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, Is belief in God rational? Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of Philosophy or third-year standing
Cross-listed: RELS 383
PHIL 383

Reason and Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, Is belief in God rational? Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third year standing.
Cross-listed: RELS 383.
2025-2026 PHIL 384

Suffering & Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 384

Suffering & Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of Philosophy or third-year standing
Cross-listed: RELS 385
PHIL 384

Suffering and Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third year standing.
Cross-listed: RELS 385.
PHIL 390

Existentialism

Through the profound questions they ask about human life, we explore the verities of human embodiment from the theist (Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Heschel, and Percy) and from the non-theist (Nietzsche, Hesse, Heidegger, Camus, and Sartre) existentialist perspectives: Are there invariants within the human condition? Is human identity essentially tied to its historical-cultural embodiment? Do humans have an essence or nature? Are humans fundamentally different from all other animals? Is there meaning to human life? Are human relationships doomed to failure? Are humans capable of authentic lives? Is the notion of God merely a comforting projection arising out of human weakness? Etc.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 390

Existentialism

Through the profound questions they ask about human life, we explore the verities of human embodiment from the theist (Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Heschel, and Percy) and from the non-theist (Nietzsche, Hesse, Heidegger, Camus, and Sartre) existentialist perspectives: Are there invariants within the human condition? Is human identity essentially tied to its historical-cultural embodiment? Do humans have an essence or nature? Are humans fundamentally different from all other animals? Is there meaning to human life? Are human relationships doomed to failure? Are humans capable of authentic lives? Is the notion of God merely a comforting projection arising out of human weakness? Etc.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 390

Existentialism

Through the profound questions they ask about human life, we explore the verities of human embodiment from the theist (Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Heschel, and Percy) and from the non-theist (Nietzsche, Hesse, Heidegger, Camus, and Sartre) existentialist perspectives: Are there invariants within the human condition? Is human identity essentially tied to its historical-cultural embodiment? Do humans have an essence or nature? Are humans fundamentally different from all other animals? Is there meaning to human life? Are human relationships doomed to failure? Are humans capable of authentic lives? Is the notion of God merely a comforting projection arising out of human weakness? Etc.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second-year standing or 3 sem. hrs. of Philosophy
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 412

Issues in Contemporary Philosophy

Central issues arising in 20th century philosophy, particularly within the Anglo-American analytic movement. Recent topics have included the rise and demise of logical positivism, the philosophy of Wittgenstein, Rorty's attack on the Mirror of Nature, and issues raised by continental European philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of philosophy and third year standing.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 412

Issues in Contemporary Philosophy

Central issues arising in 20th century philosophy, particularly within the Anglo-American analytic movement. Recent topics have included the rise and demise of logical positivism, the philosophy of Wittgenstein, Rorty's attack on the Mirror of Nature, and issues raised by continental European philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 412

Issues in Contemporary Philosophy

Central issues arising in twentieth century philosophy, particularly within the Anglo-American analytic movement. Recent topics have included the rise and demise of logical positivism, the philosophy of Wittgenstein, Rorty's attack on the Mirror of Nature, and issues raised by continental European philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of Philosophy and third-year standing
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 415

Contemporary Political Philosophy

This course examines the political thought of twentieth century political philosophers, primarily from the Western political tradition. Attention is given to selected primary and secondary literature of contemporary political theorists. Systematic examination of different theorists encourages a broader understanding of the rich tradition of political philosophy in the twentieth century.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 101
Cross-listed: POLS 415.
2025-2026 PHIL 415

Contemporary Political Philosophy

This course examines the political thought of twentieth century political philosophers, primarily from the Western political tradition. Attention is given to selected primary and secondary literature of contemporary political theorists. Systematic examination of different theorists encourages a broader understanding of the rich tradition of political philosophy in the twentieth century.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 415

Contemporary Political Philosophy

This course examines the political thought of twentieth century political philosophers, primarily from the Western political tradition. Attention is given to selected primary and secondary literature of contemporary political theorists. Systematic examination of different theorists encourages a broader understanding of the rich tradition of political philosophy in the twentieth century.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies including POLS 101
Cross-listed: POLS 415
2025-2026 PHIL 418

Social & Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides the student with an in-depth study of the social and political concepts of community. Attention is focused on how recognition of community brings into play the tension between individual and collective/group rights. Course lectures, reading assignments, and in class discussion provide an overview of the following topics: interpretation/hermeneutics of community, roots of community theory, myth of community, quest for community, Christian community, recognition of minority communities in politics, problems associated with the concept of community, recognition of group rights, the liberal-communitarian debate over community, and the problems associated with communitarian theory.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 418

Social & Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides the student with an in-depth study of the social and political concepts of community. Attention is focused on how recognition of community brings into play the tension between individual and collective/group rights. Course lectures, reading assignments, and in class discussion provide an overview of the following topics: interpretation/hermeneutics of community, roots of community theory, myth of community, quest for community, Christian community, recognition of minority communities in politics, problems associated with the concept of community, recognition of group rights, the liberal-communitarian debate over community, and the problems associated with communitarian theory.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Philosophy and third-year standing
Cross-listed: POLS 418/SOCI 418
PHIL 418

Social and Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides the student with an in-depth study of the social and political concepts of community. Attention is focused on how recognition of community brings into play the tension between individual and collective/group rights. Course lectures, reading assignments, and in class discussion provide an overview of the following topics: interpretation/hermeneutics of community, roots of community theory, myth of community, quest for community, Chirstian community, recognition of minoritiy communities in politics, problems associated with the concept of community, recognition of group rights, the libral-communitarian debate over community, and the problems associated with communitarian theory.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of philosophy and third year standing.
Cross-listed: POLS 418/SOCI 418.
PHIL 420

Authors

A study of a major philosopher or philosophical system. Involving substantial reading and the writing of a major paper, the course is available by special request to students who already have at least a minor in Philosophy, on a directed study basis.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy major or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 420

Authors

A study of a major philosopher or philosophical system. Involving substantial reading and the writing of a major paper, the course is available by special request to students who already have at least a minor in Philosophy, on a directed study basis.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 420

Authors

A study of a major philosopher or philosophical system. Involving substantial reading and the writing of a major paper, the course is available by special request to students who already have at least a minor in Philosophy, on a directed study basis.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy major or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 421

Postmodern Philosophy

An in-depth investigation into major postmodern texts. Authors considered include Nietzsche, Foucault, Derrida, and their critics. Both the philosophical and historical foundations of modernism and postmodernism will be explored. The historicist focus on the origins and contexts of these ideas will receive considerable attention.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of philosophy.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
2025-2026 PHIL 421

Postmodern Philosophy

An in-depth investigation into major postmodern texts. Authors considered include Nietzsche, Foucault, Derrida, and their critics. Both the philosophical and historical foundations of modernism and postmodernism will be explored. The historicist focus on the origins and contexts of these ideas will receive considerable attention.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 421

Postmodern Philosophy

An in-depth investigation into major postmodern texts. Authors considered include Nietzsche, Foucault, Derrida, and their critics. Both the philosophical and historical foundations of modernism and postmodernism will be explored. The historicist focus on the origins and contexts of these ideas will receive considerable attention.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Philosophy
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 430

Honours Thesis

A 40-60 page paper on a topic of the student's choosing (subject to departmental approval) on a important philosophic issue or thinker. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. This course is to be taken in the final year by all Honours students in Philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 4th year standing; acceptance into the Philosophy Honours program; completion of PHIL 420 in previous semester
2025-2026 PHIL 430

Honours Thesis

A 40-60 page paper on a topic of the student's choosing (subject to departmental approval) on a important philosophic issue or thinker. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. This course is to be taken in the final year by all Honours students in Philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 430

Honours Thesis

A 40-60 page paper on a topic of the student's choosing (subject to departmental approval) on a important philosophic issue or thinker. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. This course is to be taken in the final year by all Honours students in Philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Fourth-year standing; acceptance into the Philosophy Honours program; completion of PHIL 420 in previous semester
PHIL 460

Philosophy of Language

This course surveys central issues in philosophy of language, including: theories of truth and reference, the relationship between language, thought, and mind, constructivist and structuralist accounts of language. A sub-theme for the course is the relationship between the philosophy of language and other core areas of philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of philosophy, or instructor's consent.
2025-2026 PHIL 460

Philosophy of Language

This course surveys central issues in philosophy of language, including: theories of truth and reference, the relationship between language, thought, and mind, constructivist and structuralist accounts of language. A sub-theme for the course is the relationship between the philosophy of language and other core areas of philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 PHIL 460

Philosophy of Language

This course surveys central issues in philosophy of language, including: theories of truth and reference, the relationship between language, thought, and mind, constructivist and structuralist accounts of language. A sub-theme for the course is the relationship between the philosophy of language and other core areas of philosophy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Philosophy or instructor's consent
2025-2026 PHIL 470

Philosophy of Knowledge & Rational Belief

A descriptive and critical inquiry into the theory of knowledge, including such topics as foundationalism, relativism, evidence, warrant, cognitive reliability, skepticism, and the relationship of cognitive science and psychology to philosophical accounts of knowledge and rational inquiry.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 PHIL 470

Philosophy of Knowledge & Rational Belief

A descriptive and critical inquiry into the theory of knowledge, including such topics as foundationalism, relativism, evidence, warrant, cognitive reliability, skepticism, and the relationship of cognitive science and psychology to philosophical accounts of knowledge and rational inquiry.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of Philosophy and third-year standing
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
PHIL 470

Philosophy of Knowledge &Rational Belief

A descriptive and critical inquiry into the theory of knowledge, including such topics as foundationalism, relativism, evidence, warrant, cognitive reliability, skepticism, and the relationship of cognitive science and psychology to philosophical accounts of knowledge and rational inquiry.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 9 sem. hrs. of philosophy and third year standing
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair