Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.