HSSA: Philosophy (H) (PHIL)

Introduces the student to the methods and subject matter of philosophy through a selective consideration of fundamental philosophical problems such as the nature of reality, the existence of God, the criteria of knowing, and the basis of morality.

Examines the major moral issues in the development and practice of biomedicine and biomedical research through the analysis of philosophical and ethical theory as well as analysis of real cases of morally questionable practice in biomedicine. Topics include the autonomy and rights of patients, physicians, and researchers, informed consent and experimentation with humans and animals, the moral status of genetic and reproductive controls and interventions, the extension and termination of life, and the allocation of scarce medical resources.

Examines the ethical issues faced by professional businesspeople and engineers working in a global corporate context. Issues include the development and use of codes of professional ethics, the social responsibilities of corporations, the autonomy of professionals, whistleblowing and corporate loyalty, environmental obligations of corporations and professionals, standards of conduct in international business, and the impact of technology on our world.

Examines the philosophical foundations of social and political organization, governance, rights, liberty, law,individualism, and justice. This course explores fundamental questions about organized society by engaging withclassical and contemporary texts dealing with the state of nature, the idea of a social contract and its opposition,democracy and its ideals, virtues, and difficulties, human rights and liberties, alternatives to democracy includingcommunism and communitarianism, and feminist and individualist theories.

Examines a selected topic in one of the HSSA disciplines in depth. A particular offering may require a prerequisite.

Focuses on the philosophical investigation of the nature of the mind, its relationship to the brain/body, thephenomenon known as consciousness, and a host of related issues including freedom of the will and itsimplications for moral responsibility, the relationship between philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, thenature of self and personal identity, the possibility of machine and animal consciousness, and the idea of mentaldisorder.

Examines a range of philosophical questions about the methods, foundations, assumptions, and scope of science, including: How does science work? Can science reveal truths about the structure of the world? What is the scientific method and how is it different from other forms of knowledge acquisition, such as philosophy? What is a scientific explanation? What counts as evidence for a theory? What are scientific laws? These and other questions will be explored by engaging with a variety of classical and contemporary philosophical texts and arguments

Examines what it means to be human by examining major philosophical texts in the Western tradition in conjunction with recent developments in psychology and cognitive science. The central issues include happiness and the good life, morality, justice, and the structure of human social institutions.

Allows for individual study of an HSSA topic selected by the instructor and the student(s). A plan of study, regular meetings with the instructor, and a major term project are required.