Philosophy University Seminars

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Philosophy University Seminar: Unique and Difficult Questions that Matter
13185 01 (31921)
Seachris
9:30-10:45 TTH
First Year Students Only

How can I become a better thinker? What can I know? How should I respond when people disagree with me about important issues? Do I have free will? Can religious faith be reasonable? Why is there so much suffering in the world? What is morality and from where does it come? Questions like these partly define and depict the human condition in which we find ourselves. Philosophy is a discipline that systematically attempts to frame and answer such questions with intellectual rigor—questions that we all ask at one time or another in one form or another.

This course offers a targeted glimpse into key problems and questions in philosophy. Classes consist of small and large group discussions, mini-lectures, other group activities, and carefully-curated media. Course readings include both historic and contemporary philosophical sources, as well as publicly-engaged pieces aimed at connecting perennial philosophical questions to twenty-first century life. This course is intended to sharpen your critical thinking, speaking, and writing skills.

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Philosophy University Seminar: Unique and Difficult Questions that Matter
13185  08 (31922)
Seachris
11:00-12:15 TTH
First Year Students Only

How can I become a better thinker? What can I know? How should I respond when people disagree with me about important issues? Do I have free will? Can religious faith be reasonable? Why is there so much suffering in the world? What is morality and from where does it come? Questions like these partly define and depict the human condition in which we find ourselves. Philosophy is a discipline that systematically attempts to frame and answer such questions with intellectual rigor—questions that we all ask at one time or another in one form or another.

This course offers a targeted glimpse into key problems and questions in philosophy. Classes consist of small and large group discussions, mini-lectures, other group activities, and carefully-curated media. Course readings include both historic and contemporary philosophical sources, as well as publicly-engaged pieces aimed at connecting perennial philosophical questions to twenty-first century life. This course is intended to sharpen your critical thinking, speaking, and writing skills.

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Philosophy University Seminar: 

13185 09 (31923)
Roeber
12:30-1:45 TTH
First Year Students Only

 A general introduction to philosophy, taught in a seminar format for students in the science and arts and letters honors program, with emphasis on perennial problems such as the existence of God, human freedom, and moral obligation. The course is also intended to sharpen the student's skills of critical thinking.

 

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Philosophy University Seminar: 
13185 11 (31924)
Duarte
11:00-12:15 MW
First Year Students Only

A general introduction to philosophy, taught in a seminar format for students in the science and arts and letters honors program, with emphasis on perennial problems such as the existence of God, human freedom, and moral obligation. The course is also intended to sharpen the student's skills of critical thinking.

Through a reading of various classical and contemporary philosophical works, we shall consider a number of fundamental questions, such as: Why should one behave morally? Is there a God? If there is a God, why is evil permitted? Are human beings really free, or is freedom merely an illusion? Authors to be read will include Plato, J. L. Mackie, and Thomas Nagel. Emphasis will be placed on carefully and critically reading philosophical texts, evaluating philosophical arguments, and learning how to write clearly and precisely.

 

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Philosophy University Seminar:
13185 12 (31925)
Duarte
2:00-3:15 MW
First Year Students Only

A general introduction to philosophy, taught in a seminar format, with emphasis on perennial problems such as the existence of God, human freedom, and moral obligation. The course is also intended to sharpen the student's skills of critical thinking.

Through a reading of various classical and contemporary philosophical works, we shall consider a number of fundamental questions, such as: Why should one behave morally? Is there a God? If there is a God, why is evil permitted? Are human beings really free, or is freedom merely an illusion? Authors to be read will include Plato, J. L. Mackie, and Thomas Nagel. Emphasis will be placed on carefully and critically reading philosophical texts, evaluating philosophical arguments, and learning how to write clearly and precisely.