Philosophy
Associate Professor John A. Laumakis
The purpose of the courses in Philosophy is to acquaint students with the philosophic thought of the past and present and with philosophical argumentation and analysis.
Majors & Programs
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Philosophy, Minor
Courses
PH 115: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
PH 170: Philosophy of Mind
As the scientific study of the human mind, psychology arose from philosophy. In this course, we will study the historical background and current broader context for psychology by examining philosophical views of the human mind. We will focus on (1) the nature of the self, including the mind-body problem and personal identity, (2) the selfs ways of knowing and communicating, including sensation, perception, imagination, understanding, thinking, and language, and (3) the self's awareness, that is, consciousness. What is the human mind? How does the human mind know? What does human language reveal about the human mind? What is human consciousness? These are the primary questions we will consider in reading traditional and recent works in philosophy of mind.
PH 216: Computer Ethics
PH 315: Business Ethics
In this course, we will study and apply Western theories of ethics to the policies and actions of companies in the mixed market economy of the United States and other capitalist countries, that is, an economy in which the production and sale of goods and services are structured by a combination of market forces, such as supply and demand, and government regulations. We will discuss broad moral issues, such as the relation between business and government, as well as specific issues that arise in ordinary business practices, such as marketing, product safety, and workers' rights In our spotlight section near the end of the semester, we will focus on the healthcare industry in the United States. (See MG 315 IS.)
PH 324: Survey of Political Philosophy
In this course, we will study classical texts from the political tradition of the Western world, such as Plato's Republic. (See PO 324.)
PH 350: Biomedical Ethics
This course introduces students to matters of social justice related to health. There is a focus on fundamental ethical theories and principles relevant to modern healthcare and health disparities. Case studies are used to emphasize and put into practice ethical decision-making models and processes.