Catalog home

The Academic Program

• The Academic Year
• Graduation Requirements
• Instructional Policies
• The Curriculum
  • African Studies
  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Asian Languages and Cultures
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Classics
  • Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • French and Francophone Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • German Studies
  • Hispanic Studies
  • History
  • Human Rights and Humanitarianism
  • Humanities and Media and Cultural Studies
  • International Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Civilization
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian Studies
  • Sociology
  • Theater and Dance
  • Urban Studies
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Special Programs

• Program Description
• Course Descriptions
• Philosophy web site

Philosophy Course Descriptions

115 PROBLEMS OF PHILOSOPHY

An introduction to philosophy through topics found in classical philosophical writings, such as the nature of truth and knowledge, mind and body, freedom and determinism, right and wrong, and the existence of God. Course content varies from instructor to instructor. Specific course descriptions will be available in the department prior to registration. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

119 CRITICAL THINKING

A course that focuses on key skills involved in critical thinking: recognizing and evaluating arguments, assumptions, implications, definitions, analogies, generalizations, predictions and value claims; testing deductive arguments for validity and soundness, and inductive arguments for strength and weakness; applying critical thinking skills learned in the first sections of the course to different real-life contexts (e.g., moral reasoning, legal reasoning, scientific reasoning, aesthetic reasoning, narrative and rhetorical reasoning). This focus on key critical thinking skills also involves the discussion of a variety of other topics: the nature of arguments; testing (deductive) arguments for validity and for "fallacies"; problem solving (conceived as the interplay of a host of critical thinking skills and attitudes); , the interplay between critical and creative thinking; and the identification and evaluation of arguments as they occur in both everyday and philosophical contexts. Through exercises, problem-sets, short essays, and internet discussions, the overall aim is to improve students' reasoning and argumentative writing skills. No prerequisite. Offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

120 INTRODUCTION TO SYMBOLIC LOGIC

An introduction to formal methods for evaluating deductive arguments. Topics include formal fallacies, decision procedures, translation of arguments to argument forms, and natural deduction proofs in propositional and predicate logic. No prerequisite. Every year. (4 credits)

 

125 ETHICS

An alternative introduction to philosophy (the other being Philosophy 115 Problems of Philosophy) that concentrates on normative philosophical concepts and issues, such as the nature of value, duty, right and wrong, the good life, human rights, social justice, and applications to selected problems of personal and social behavior. Topics may include liberty and its legal limitations, civil disobedience, abortion, affirmative action, capital punishment, terrorism and the morality of war, animal rights and environmental ethics. Every semester. (4 credits).

 

136 INDIAN PHILOSOPHIES (Same as Asian Languages and Cultures 136)

An introductory study of some of the great philosophers and philosophical problems of the Indian philosophical tradition focusing on Buddhist and Hindu philosophical debate from the time of the Buddha to around 1000 CE. Topics will include the role of philosophy in the Indian intellectual and religious tradition; Indian logic; the relationship between philosophy and practice (yoga, meditation); what counts as knowledge (pramana theory); ultimate truth versus conventional truth; Buddhist/Hindu debate on the nature of persons, rebirth and karma; competing theories of reality (momentariness, emptiness, non-dualism, realism) and methodologies of cross-cultural philosophy. Students will learn the basic Sanskrit terminology of Indian philosophy and will work with primary source material in translation. Every year. (4 credits)

 

160 FOUNDATIONS OF POLITICAL THEORY (Same as Political Science 160)

An examination of the evolution of fundamental western political ideas from the Greeks to the present. Every year. (4 credits)

 

227 BIOETHICS

Bioethics deals with a variety of ethical issues arising in the context of medical care and biomedical research. These issues include informed consent, euthanasia, reproductive rights, confidentiality, and the distribution of health care resources. The course uses ethical theory to shed light on issues in medicine, and issues in medicine to illuminate ethical theory. Prerequisite: Philosophy 125 or permission of instructor. Alternate years; next offered 2009–2010. (4 credits)

 

229 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS (Same as Environmental Studies 229)

A course that addresses a variety of theoretical positions and applied topics in environmental ethics from both traditional and non-traditional perspectives. The positions include: traditional ethics concerning the environment that do not constitute an environmental ethic (or, ethic of the environment); utilitarian and rights-based animal welfarism; an ethics of respect; Leopold's Land Ethic, environmental pragmatism; continental environmental ethics; deep ecology; ecofeminist ethics; Black and Third World feminist positions on environmental ethics; and, indigenous and earth-based community perspectives in environmental ethics. We will also consider the viability of these theoretical positions in applied, real-life contexts by considering such topics as: their implications for public policy; environmental ethics and environmentalism as a social justice movement, human overpopulation; pollution; globalization; colonialization; and grassroots activism. The ultimate objective is for each student to develop their own conceptually deep, theoretically grounded, and concrete environmental ethic. Every year. (4 credits)

 

230 ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHIES (Same as Classics 230)

A study of major philosophers of ancient Greece, Rome and the medieval period, including the Pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas. Every year. (4 credits)

 

231 MODERN PHILOSOPHY

A study of the 17th and 18th century philosophers, including the Empiricists, Rationalists, and Kant. The course considers issues regarding skepticism, justification, freedom of the will, personal identity, perception and the existence of God. Every year. (4 credits)

 

238 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (Same as Religious Studies 248)

Philosophical analysis of problems in religion and theology such as arguments for the existence of God and the nature of religious knowledge. The Philosophy of Religion seeks an understanding of religion by raising philosophical questions about its underlying assumptions and implications. When we believe something it is because we think it is true and because we think we have good evidence to support our belief. In the case of religious beliefs, however, we are immediately faced with questions concerning the nature of such beliefs. What claims do they make? What would count as good evidence for a religious belief? What is the nature of religious truth? In this course we will examine the nature of religious beliefs and the ways in which philosophers in different traditions have justified or argued against such beliefs. Perhaps in response to the increasing challenge to religion from the natural sciences, twentieth century philosophers have questioned the traditional philosophical approach to religion. Some philosophers, Wittgenstein for example, question traditional interpretations of religious language and re-examine the relationship between faith and reason. Can religious life be practiced without a theology or with skepticism or agnosticism regarding theological questions? Other topics covered in the course include the attempt to introduce intelligent design into public schools as part of the science curriculum; religious pluralism; the belief in life after death; and feminist critiques of religious language. Alternate years; next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

255 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIALISM

An analysis of the various ideas of socialism from the eighteenth century to the present. Philosophically, the course will investigate the logic and ethics of the socialist ideas encountered. Historically, the course will explore the social-economic, cultural and political environments in which the socialist ideas appeared. Radicals of the French Revolution, the Utopian Socialists, the Anarchists, Marx, Marxian Revisionists, Bolshevism, Soviet Marxism-Leninism, contemporary Eurocommunism and the socialism of Mao Tse-Tung will all be studied. Readings will be heavily weighted toward socialist texts themselves. Students must enroll in both History 255 and Philosophy 255 and receive credit for each course. Alternate years; not offered 2008–2009. (4 credits for each course, for a total of 8 credits)

 

301 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

An analysis of fundamental legal concepts and the problems of justifying various legal practices. Topics may include the relationship between law and morality, the distinction between the criminal and civil law, theories of constitutional and statutory interpretation, and the appropriate role of the judiciary. Prerequisite: Philosophy 125 (Ethics) or permission of instructor. Alternate years; next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

360 PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

Are quarks "real"? Does science lead to objective knowledge? Is there really a scientific method? How do we distinguish between creation "science" and evolution; or astrology and astronomy? These questions are asked in philosophy of science, which studies the fundamental processes, principles, and presuppositions of the natural sciences. The social and historical contexts of the sciences are also considered. Topics include: science vs. pseudoscience, scientific explanation, scientific revolutions, the philosophy of space and time, the theory of evolution, theories of confirmation, objectivity in science, and realism vs. relativism. Prerequisite: Philosophy 120, 115, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years; next offered 2009–2010. (4 credits)

 

362 PHILOSOPHY OF MIND (Same as Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 362)

Materialism, rather than solving the problem of mind, consciousness and intentionality, has spawned numerous philosophical perplexities. This course will examine a variety of philosophical problems associated with contemporary models of the mind (mind/body dualism; mind/brain identity theories; behaviorism; functionalism and artificial intelligence; eliminative naturalism and folk psychology; biological naturalism). The course will also look at contemporary philosophical accounts of personhood and personal identity, particularly narrative accounts of the self. Readings will typically include writings by Paul and Patricia Churchland, Antonio Damasio, Daniel Dennett, Owen Flanagan, Derek Parfit, Marya Schechtman, John Searle and Kathleen Wilkes. Prerequisite: Philosophy 115 or 231, or permission of instructor. Alternate years; next offered Fall 2008. (4 credits)

 

364 PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE (Same as Linguistics 364)

What is language and what is it for? What makes a series of sounds into a meaningful sentence? What makes a sentence true? Why is language always changing? This course will introduce students to ways in which twentieth century philosophers have attempted to provide answers to such questions. Since the philosophy of language has been so crucial to contemporary philosophy, this course also serves as an introduction to philosophical thought from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Topics will range from more technical problems (theories of meaning, reference and truth; synonymy and analyticity; universals and natural kinds; private languages) to broader issues examining the relationship between language and culture (language games; radical interpretation; social change). Readings typically include writings by Ludwig Wittgenstein, W.V. Quine, John Searle, Donald Davidson, Richard Rorty, Michel Foucault, and bell hooks. Prerequisite: Philosophy 231 or permission of instructor. Alternate years; next offered 2009–2010. (4 credits)

 

365 PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS (Same as Math 265)

Why is it that 2 + 2 = 4? Can a diagram prove a mathematical truth? Is mathematics a social construction or do mathematical facts exist independently of our knowing them? Philosophy of mathematics considers these sorts of questions in an effort to understand the logical and philosophical foundations of mathematics. Topics include mathematical truth, mathematical reality, and mathematical justifications (knowledge). Typically we focus on the history of mathematics of the past 200 years, highlighting the way philosophical debates arise in mathematics itself and shape its future. Prerequisite: Philosophy 120 or Mathematics 136, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years; next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

368 FEMINIST PHILOSOPHIES

A course that explores the variety of sometimes supporting and sometimes conflicting positions and topics in the distinct field of philosophy called "feminist philosophy" Topics include: the distinctive nature of feminist philosophy; the variety of feminist theories; the diversity and nature of feminist theorizing; feminist ethics; feminist epistemology; feminist political philosophy; feminist philosophy of science; feminist aesthetics; feminist conceptions of the self, sexuality, moral agency, and rationality. All the theoretical positions will be tested against their applications in everyday, real-life contexts and issues (e.g., abortion, female genital mutilation, same-sex marriage, emotional and experiential intelligence; equity in the workplace; disabilities and the body). Prerequisite one course in Philosophy or permission of instructor. Alternate years; not offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

369 ADVANCED SYMBOLIC LOGIC (Same as Mathematics 369)

A second course in symbolic logic which extends the methods of logic. A main purpose of this course is to study logic itself—to prove things about the system of logic learned in the introductory course. This course is thus largely logic about logic. Topics include second order logic and basic set theory; soundness, consistency and completeness of first order logic; incompleteness of arithmetic; Turing computability; modal logic; and intuitionistic logic. Prerequisite: Philosophy 120, Mathematics 136, or permission of instructor. Alternate years; not offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

488 SEMINAR: TOPICS

A study of some movement, philosopher or problem in the tradition of Western philosophy. Primarily for juniors or seniors majoring, or doing significant work, in philosophy. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered on an occasional basis. (4 credits)

 

489 SENIOR SEMINAR

A capstone experience in philosophy for senior majors and others with sufficient background. Recent topics have included: realism vs. anti-realism, pragmatism, normativity, Wittengenstein, philosophy and the imagination, the "Best of" the Twentieth Century. The topics are usually addressed from various points of view and may involve several members of the department in some of the instruction. One aim of the course is for participants to get an overview of their major field by examining the fruitfulness of various ways of doing philosophy. It is also an opportunity for seniors to present for discussion their senior papers, written for this or for some other course. Prerequisite: philosophy major and senior status, or permission of instructor. Every fall. (4 credits)

 

Independent Studies

 

All independent study courses require the permission of the instructor. The number of independent studies to be applied toward the major or core will be determined in consultation with the department. Every semester.

 

604 TUTORIAL (1–4 credits)

 

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT (1–4 credits)

 

624 INTERNSHIP (1–4 credits)

 

634 PRECEPTORSHIP (1–4 credits)

 

644 HONORS INDEPENDENT

Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

Macalester College · 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105  USA · 651-696-6000
Comments and questions to webmaster@macalester.edu