Upper-Division Course Descriptions
Spring 2010
PHIL 3305 (Class #31679)
Room:AH 208
Meeting Time: 11:30-13:00 TTH
History of 18th-Century Philosophy
A detailed introduction to the epistemological and metaphysical theories of three major figures in 18th-century philosophy: Hume, Berkeley, and Kant. There will be two exams (midterm and final). Students will also be required to submit a 10-12 page term paper (20-25 pages for graduate students) on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor.
Texts (required):
- David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature, edited by David Fate Norton and Mary J. Norton (New York: Oxford University Press, 2000). ISBN: 978-0198751724. Amazon.com
- George Berkeley, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge and Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous, edited by Roger Woolhouse (Penguin Classics,, 1988). ISBN: 978-0140432930. Amazon.com
- Immanuel Kant, Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics, edited by Gary Hatfield (New York: Cambridge University Pess, 2004). ISBN: 978-0521535359. Amazon.com
Texts (recommended)
- Cambridge Companion to Hume, edited by David Fate Norton and Jacqueline Taylor, 2nd edition (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004). ISBN: 978-0521677349. Amazon.com
- Cambridge Companion to Kant, edited by Paul Guyer (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1992). ISBN: 978-0521367684. Amazon.com
PHIL 3335 (Class #31685)
Room: C 108
Meeting Time: 13:00 - 14:30 MW
Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 3342 (Class #31681)
Room: AH 302
Meeting Time: 11:00 - 12:00 MWF
Philosophy of Mathematics
Through the ages, philosophers have thought that mathematics embodies the highest standards for knowledge. Even our best science might get things entirely wrong, but we will never have to worry that 2+2 isn't 4. However, events such as the invention of non-Euclidean geometry, the discovery of paradoxes related to infinity, and Godel's demonstration that arithmetic is incomplete have raised deep worries about the foundations of mathematics. This course will present these and other challenges to confidence in mathematics, and then discuss a number of philosophical theories about how our confidence can be restored. A main concern will be to understand what accounts for the truth of the claims of mathematics. However along the way some other philosophical puzzles will arise, for example, what are the numbers?, and what are mathematical statements really about?
Although the course will cover some technical topics related to logic and infinity, it will assume no special knowledge of mathematics beyond simple algebra. Some experience with introductory logic is a prerequisite. There will be two quizzes and a final, and occasional homework exercises.
PHIL 3344 (Class #31682)
Room: TBA
Meeting Time: 13:00 - 14:30 TTH
Philosophy of Science
PHIL 3354 (Class #30805)
Room: TBA
Meeting Time: 10:00 - 11:30 TTH
Medical Ethics
This course will divide roughly into two parts. The first part is concerned with “micro level” issues, issues about medical decision- making, doctor patient relationships and mutual responsibilities.
Specific issues will include truth telling, autonomy/paternalism, and the proper role of surrogate decision-makers. The second part discusses “macro” policy issues: the nature of insurance, access to health care, and possible reforms.
I hope to teach the course mostly, if not entirely, from online materials and library reserves.
PHIL 3356 (Class #34331)
Room: ARC 209
Meeting Time: 13:00 - 14:30 TTH
Feminist Philosophy
This course is an advanced survey of recent developments in feminist philosophy. Topics include the definitions of gender and sex, ethical theories, feminist epistemologies, disputes about essentialism, and assessments of the position of women in the history of philosophy. We will study and compare the assumptions and aims of various types of feminism (radical, socialist, liberal, psychoanalytic, French, multicultural, "Third Wave," etc.). No philosophy background is assumed, but readings will typically be fairly long and abstract. The class will involve roughly 50% lecture and 50% class discussion (often in small groups). Grading will reflect the requirements of regular reading, writing, and group participation.
Writing assignments include informal one-page reaction papers as well as three longer (5-page) essay papers on assigned topics. Texts: TBA
Prof. Morrison
PHIL 3395 (Class #31690)
Room: L 212J
Meeting Time: 10:00 - 11:00 MWF