Philosophy Course Descriptions
2011-12 General Catalog
Cowell College
(831) 459-2070
http://philosophy.ucsc.edu
Lower-Division Courses
8. Logic, Numbers, and Emotion: Thinking Clearly in Everyday Life. *
Students practice distilling and critically assessing the barrage of argument and rhetoric with which they are confronted every day--on the Internet, in the media, on campus--and learn to subject their own beliefs to more rigorous, logical standards. (General Education Code(s): MF, Q.) J. Ellis
9. Introduction to Logic. F,W,S
A study of correct reasoning, concentrating on developing the skills necessary to distinguish logically correct from logically incorrect arguments. The emphasis is on modern symbolic logic, although the traditional theory of the syllogism is also covered. (General Education Code(s): MF, IH, Q.) (F) J. Bowin, (W) R. Otte, (S) P. Roth
11. Introduction to Philosophy. F,W,S
An introduction to the main areas of philosophy through critical reflection on and analysis of both classical and contemporary texts. Focuses on central and enduring problems in philosophy such as skepticism about the external world, the mind-body problem, and the nature of morality. (General Education Code(s): TA, IH.) (F) D. Guevara, (W) A. Stone, (S) R. Winther
22. Introduction to Ethical Theory. S
A consideration of ethical issues and theories focusing on the foundation of moral value and the principles governing character and behavior. Designed to extend and develop the student's abilities in philosophical reasoning about ethics. (General Education Code(s): CC, IH.) The Staff
24. Introduction to Ethics: Contemporary Moral Issues. W
An examination of the conceptual and moral issues that arise in connection with such topics as abortion, racism and war and violence, world hunger, humans and their interactions with the nonhuman environment. The readings are drawn from recent philosophical articles on these topics. (General Education Code(s): PE-H, IH.) The Staff
26. Existentialism and After. *
A survey of recent movements in European thought, such as phenomenology, existentialism, hermeneutics, critical theory, continental feminism, and poststructuralism, with some attention to their 19th-century precursors. Selections from major philosophical treatises are supplemented with literary works. (General Education Code(s): IH.) The Staff
28. Environmental Ethics. *
This course is an introduction to the moral issues raised by our interactions with nonhuman animals and with the rest of the natural environment. The course will relate traditional moral theories to contemporary literature on the ethics of nature conservation and environmental protection. The course is intended as a first course in philosophy as well as a first course in ethics; therefore, questions concerning the nature of philosophical inquiry and the ways in which philosophical inquiry is different from inquiries conducted within other disciplines will also be addressed. (General Education Code(s): PE-E, IH.) (FWS) The Staff
80E. Latin American Philosophy. *
Is there a general school of philosophy endemic to Latin America? Would it have to appeal to quintessential Western philosophical questions regarding knowledge, values, and reality? If not, why not, and would it then still count as philosophy? What difference do ethnic and national diversity, as well as strong political and social inequality, make to the development of philosophical questions and frameworks? Course explores a variety of historically situated Latin American thinkers who investigate ethnic identity, gender, and socio-political inequality and liberation, and historical memory, and who have also made important contributions to mainstream analytical and continental philosophy. (Also offered as Latin American&Latino Studies 80E. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) (General Education Code(s): T4-Humanities and Arts, E.) R. Winther
80F. Philosophical Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Conundrums. *
Many philosophical problems have origins in puzzles and paradoxes. One of the most famous is Zeno's paradox of motion. Among others are paradox of the heap (Sorties paradox), Newcomb's puzzle (puzzle about rational decision making), Problem of the Many (problem about material objects), and Liar paradox (paradox for semantics). Over long history of philosophy, many such puzzles and paradoxes have been discovered; some have been solved, and others have yet to be solved. (General Education Code(s): T4-Humanities and Arts.) The Staff
80G. Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society. F
Serves science and non-science majors interested in bioethics. Guest speakers and instructors lead discussions of major ethical questions having arisen from research in genetics, medicine, and industries supported by this knowledge. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 80G. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) (General Education Code(s): PE-T, T6-Natural Sciences or Humanities and Arts.) The Staff
80L. Life, Logic, and Learning. *
Develops students' thinking and intellectual know-how in three ways of practical value to them: 1) the basic principles of logical thinking-standard rhetorical maneuvers, common fallacies of probability, features of persuasive argument, etc.; 2) stronger skills for approaching learning activities through hands-on practice with strategies from learning sciences; 3) exploration, in a personal yet academically rigorous way, of the difficult "life" questions that preoccupy many students: What should I do after college? What makes for a happy and fulfilling life? (General Education Code(s): T4-Humanities and Arts.) J. Ellis
80M. Philosophical Foundations of Science Studies. *
Provides a philosophical perspective concerning the revolution in the understanding of science that generated the so-called "science wars." Introduces the changed philosophical understanding of science shared and presupposed in the fields of science, technology, and society. (Formerly Science and Society.) (General Education Code(s): T5-Humanities and Arts or Social Sciences.) P. Roth
80S. The Nature of Science. F
A survey of what philosophers have said about the nature of science and scientific change. Emphasis is placed on whether science is best characterized as the gradual accumulation of truth or whether truth is irrelevant to scientific change. (General Education Code(s): T6-Natural Sciences or Humanities and Arts.) The Staff
99. Tutorial. F,W,S
The Staff
Upper-Division Courses
100. Vienna Circle and American Philosophy. *
Study of philosophical movement called the Vienna Circle, named so chiefly for intellectual excellence of its members, but also for external historical reasons. Course pays careful attention to intercultural aspects of ideas of the Vienna Circle: intellectual climate under which these ideas were formed, how thoughts of its members found an echo outside of Austria, and how they made a lasting influence on philosophical thinking in England and in U.S. The Staff
100A. Ancient Greek Philosophy. F
Survey of ancient Greek philosophy of the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Begins with Socrates and the pre-Socratics, then undertakes an intensive study of Plato and Aristotle. Course then surveys the main developments that follow: Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Scepticism. (Formerly course 91.) (General Education Code(s): W satisfied by taking this course and either course 100B or 100C.) Prerequisite(s): course 9; courses 11 or 22 or 24 or 28 or any 80 course; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. J. Bowin
100B. The Rationalists. W
A study of the historical background and the present relevance of Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz. (Formerly course 93.) (General Education Code(s): W satisfied by taking this course and either course 100A or 100C.) Prerequisite(s): course 9; courses 11 or 22 or 24 or 28 or any 80 course; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. A. Stone
100C. The Empiricists. S
A critical study (based on original texts) of Locke, Berkeley, and especially Hume on the nature of knowledge, perception, causation, morality, religion, and political society. (Formerly course 94.) (General Education Code(s): W satisfied by taking this course and either course 100A or 100B.) Prerequisite(s): course 9; courses 11 or 22 or 24 or 28 or any 80 course; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. D. Guevara
106. Kant. S
Intensive study of Kant's philosophy, particularly his epistemology and metaphysics developed in his Critique of Pure Reason. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment limited to 70. A. Stone
107. Nineteenth-Century Philosophy. *
A study of some European philosophers of the 19th century, with particular attention to Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. (Formerly course 108.) Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Hoy
108. Phenomenology. W
French phenomenology includes primarily the work of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Additional topics include the nature of consciousness and agency. Course includes discussion of French feminists' reactions to Simone de Beauvoir and Emmanuel Levinas. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Hoy
109. Poststructuralism and After. *
The three major poststructuralist philosophers are Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Gilles Deleuze. After studying their rejection of phenomenological accounts of consciousness and agency—as well as their program for studying power, bio-power, multiplicity, difference, and repetition,—current critics , such as Slavoj Zizek and Judith Butler ,are also read for contrast between the methods of phenomenology, genealogy, and critical theory. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. The Staff
110. Heidegger. *
A close study of early and late texts by Martin Heidegger, especially Being and Time. Prerequisite(s): course 106 or 107 or 108 or 109 or 111. Enrollment limited to 45. The Staff
111. Continental Philosophy. *
Study of recent work in continental philosophy. Topics vary. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment restricted to junior and senior philosophy majors. W. Godzich
112. American Philosophy. *
Study of classical American philosophers, specifically Emerson, Peirce, James, and Dewey, with emphasis on their views of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Some attention is also paid to recent pragmatic tendencies in American philosophy. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Winther
113. The Origins of Analytic Philosophy. W
An examination of the beginnings of analytic philosophy, with primary interest in the reformulation of traditional philosophical problems by Frege, Russell, and the early Wittgenstein. Some attention is also paid to the development of Vienna Circle logical positivism (Schlick, Carnap, Waismann). Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment limited to 39. May be repeated for credit. P. Roth
114. Probability and Confirmation. *
Studies the philosophical foundations of probability, induction, and confirmation. Different interpretations of probability studied, and solutions to various problems and paradoxes investigated. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 214. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Otte
115. Formal Methods in Philosophy. *
Study of formal methods commonly used in analytic philosophy. Emphasis is on developing the technical tools to enable one to read and do modern analytic philosophy. Applications of various formal tools to philosophical problems will also be discussed. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Otte
116. Logic, Sets, and Functions. *
Introduction to basic set theory, recursive definitions, and mathematical induction. Provides a bridge between course 9 and courses 117 and 119. Strong emphasis on proving theorems and constructing proofs, both formal proofs and proofs in the customary, informal style used by mathematicians. Prerequisite(s): course 9; and two from courses 100A,100B, and 100C. J. Bowin
117. Non-Classical Logic. *
Investigation of non-classical logic. Several propositional non-classical logics, such as various model logics, multi-valued logics, and relevance logics studied. Meta-theoretic results, including soundness and completeness, investigated for each logic studied. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment limited to 40. The Staff
119. Intermediate Logic. *
Detailed treatment of the semantics of first order logic and formal computability. Completeness, undecidability of first order logic and Lowenhelm-Sklem results also proven. Nature and formal limits of computability and introduction to incompleteness also investigated. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 219. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Otte
120. Philosophical Writing. *
Training in philosophical thinking and its expression in written form. Prerequisite(s): at least one of course 100A or 100B or 100C; and satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 54. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
121. Knowledge and Rationality. F
An investigation of modern theories of knowledge, justification, and rationality. One course in philosophy is strongly recommended prior to taking this course. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. P. Roth
122. Topics in Metaphysics. S
Topics vary each quarter, and may focus on one or more sub-fields of metaphysics, e.g., philosophy of time, philosophy of persistence, etc.; or the course may be taught as a general survey of metaphysics. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Bowin
123. Philosophy of Language. *
Current theories of the nature and preconditions of language, the nature of meaning, and the nature of truth. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C; or consent of instructor. Enrollment limited to 82. J. Ellis
125. Philosophy of Science. S
An examination of various topics that arise in thinking about science. Different philosophical problems, such as realism, instrumentalism, confirmation, explanation, space and time, and rational decision making are extensively discussed and criticized. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Winther
126. Philosophy of Social Sciences. *
Examines philosophical concerns regarding the methods and assumptions of the social sciences. For example, must the methods of the social sciences differ in some important ways from those used by the natural sciences? Another issue concerns problems arising from studying groups where the very notion of rationality appears to vary from culture to culture or over historical periods. Prerequisite(s): at least one of course 100A or 100B or 100C. P. Roth
127. Philosophy of Biology. *
Can developmental processes be reduced to gene expression? Does the history of life exhibit trends (e.g. increasing complexity)? How are we to understand key concepts such as "fitness," "species," "adaptation," and "gene?" Is there such a thing as human nature? Course surveys these and other core philosophical topics in the biological sciences. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 39. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
133. Philosophy of Mind. *
Focuses on philosophical questions, both historical and contemporary, concerning the relation between body and mind. Particular attention is given to whether consciousness can be totally explained in physical terms. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Ellis
135. Philosophy of Psychology. *
Looks at philosophical issues raised by current research on the nature of perception, cognition, and consciousness in psychology and cognitive science. Can there be a science of the mind? Could machines be conscious? Do animals have minds? How did the mind evolve? These and a host of related questions form the subject matter of this course. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 235. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C, or by consent of instructor. Enrollment restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The Staff
137. Practical Rationality. *
Examines challenges to what has been a dominant understanding of practical rationality: the claim that reason can never guide action in itself; that acting against one's better judgment is necessarily irrational; that emotions disrupt rather than facilitate practical reasoning. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. The Staff
138. Wittgenstein. *
Focuses on the writings of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein's work is typically divided into three time periods: early, middle, and late. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment restricted to junior and senior philosophy majors. J. Ellis
139. Freud. F
The development of Freud's concept of mind. Extensive reading tracing the origins and development of Freud's theories and concepts (e.g., abreaction, psychic energy, defense, wish-fulfillment, unconscious fantasy, dreams, symptoms, transference, cure, sexuality) and emphasizing the underlying model of the mind and mental functioning. (Also offered as Psychology 163. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Offered in alternate academic years. J. Neu
140. History of Ethics. *
A careful study of any one or a number of select primary texts in the history of moral philosophy, with some emphasis on the relation to contemporary issues. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. D. Guevara
141. Epistemology and Cognition. F
Epistemology is preoccupied with skepticism, the view that knowledge is unobtainable. Recently, there has been skepticism voiced about the status of epistemology itself; philosophers conversant in cognitive science suggest that epistemology is beset with dubious presuppositions. We survey epistemology, cognitive science, and their interface. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 241. Prerequisite(s): at least one of course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment restricted to junior and senior philosophy majors. The Staff
142. Advanced Ethics. W
An examination of central issues in ethical theory including the nature of and justification for the moral point of view, the place of reason in ethics, the status of moral principles, and the nature of moral experience. Prerequisite(s): course 22, 24, or 28, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. D. Guevara
143. Applied Ethics: Ethics Bowl. F
Intensive application of ethics through debate as preparation to participate in the California Regional Ethics Bowl. Covers major modern ethical theories and areas of applied ethical theory relevant to the 15 cases created annually by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Students develop oral advocacy skills and have the opportunity to compete for a position on the UCSC Ethics Bowl team. Two teams of five are sponsored by the Philosophy Department and Stevenson College. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
144. Social and Political Philosophy. *
A study of selected classical and contemporary writings dealing with topics such as the nature and legitimacy of the liberal state, the limits of political obligation, and theories of distributive justice and rights. (Also offered as Legal Studies 144. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Offered in alternate academic years. The Staff
145. Brave New World: Ethical Issues in Genetics. *
Study of ethical issues involved in recent and upcoming advances in genetic research and technology such as genetic engineering, cloning, human embryo research, genetic experimentation, use of an individual's genetic information, and the manipulation of human evolution. Also discusses fundamental issues such as the moral responsibility of scientists, our obligations to future generations, and the notion of human perfectability. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. The Staff
146. Philosophy of Law. *
Exploration of selected problems in jurisprudence: "legal reasoning" and social policy, rules and individual cases, the mental element in the law, punishment and responsibility, causation and fault, liberty and paternalism, etc. (Also offered as Legal Studies 146. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Neu
147. Topics in Feminist Philosophy. *
Topics in feminist philosophy, which may include: the nature of feminist philosophy, feminist approaches to philosophical issues, social and political philosophy, theories of knowledge, ethics, aesthetics, and science, technology, and medicine studies. Presupposes some familiarity with philosophy or feminist scholarship. (Also offered as Feminist Studies 168. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. J. Hoy
148. The Holocaust and Philosophy. *
By using the historiography of the Holocaust as a case study, examines the epistemology and ontology of historical knowledge, i.e., how the past is known, and what about it there is to know. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors. P. Roth
150. Moral Aspects of Decision Making. *
How should you act when any course of action would contradict the rules of morality? This situation is "the question of dirty hands." It is connected to the doctrine of double effect: the claim that although willing evil as a means to some good result is always wrong, it is permissible to cause evil as a side effect while aiming at a good result. Discussions include practical issues, such as democracy's combat against terrorism; and theoretical issues, such as the difference between action and omission, and the connection between goodwill and good (or bad) results. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C; or consent of instructor. The Staff
151. Modern Theories of Justice. *
Questions of social and distributive justice are as ancient as Aristotle; yet, modern philosophy, with its developing notions of democracy and quality, has added much sophistication and subtlety to these questions, especially since the publication of John Rawls' A Theory of Justice (1971). Issues discussed include: personal relations, concept of community, the notion of the State, and global justice. Prerequisite(s): at least one of course 100A or 100B or 100C; or consent of instructor. The Staff
152. Aesthetics. *
Problems about form, meaning, and interpretation in art, as found in major aesthetic theories from the philosophical tradition, and also in a variety of encounters between recent philosophy and the arts. One course in philosophy is strongly recommended prior to taking this course. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. (General Education Code(s): A.) The Staff
153. Philosophy of Race. *
Topics include conceptual-analytical and political-social issues. Selected topics may include: the ontology of race; race as real or constructed; scientific understandings of race; race and identity; and color-blind versus color-sensitive theories of justice and political policy. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C; or consent of instructor. The Staff
154. Philosophy in Literature. *
Story, drama, and poetry considered as sources of philosophical perspective or as particular challenges to philosophical interpretation. Also, discussion of literary and imaginative elements in philosophical writing. One course in philosophy is strongly recommended prior to taking this course. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. The Staff
170. The Interpretation of Religion. S
A study of different philosophical responses to religious belief and practice, from the classical "proofs" of religion, to skeptical critiques of religious experience, to conceptual issues in the interpretation of religious texts. Prerequisite(s): course 100A or 100B or 100C. The Staff
171. Faith and Reason.
Recent work in analytic philosophy of religion, concentrating on traditional theism. Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, religious experience, miracles, the relation of faith and reason, and problems such as freedom and divine foreknowledge. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C. R. Otte
180R. Readings in Philosophy (2 credits).
Discussion-based course centered on readings in contemporary philosophy. Readings change each term and are a mixture of books, chapters from books, and articles. Readings are primarily in analytic philosophy, and student input is strongly encouraged. Prerequisite(s): One philosophy course. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. R. Otte
190. Advanced Seminar.
190A. Topics in Ancient Greek Philosophy. S
Topics will vary each quarter and will focus on a major ancient Greek philosophical figure or work. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C; or consent of instructor. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. J. Bowin
190C. Advanced Topics in Contemporary Ethics. *
Examines one or more leading ethical theories, such as Kantianism, Virtue Theory, Consequentialism, and Humean ethical theory. Examines different foundational ethical principles and arguments for those principles, contrasting accounts of moral action and moral motivation, as well as epistemological and motivational role of emotions in ethical theory. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290C. Prerequisite(s): course 140 or 142; and two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. D. Guevara
190D. Kant's Moral Theory. *
A careful study of Kant's moral theory, with an emphasis on the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, the Critique of Practical Reason, and the Metaphysics of Morals. Recent secondary sources are considered as well. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. D. Guevara
190E. Major Figures in 19th-Century Philosophy. F
Focuses on philosophical writings and the significance of a single figure in 19th-century philosophy. May include, but not be limited to, Emerson, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Marx, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Thoreau. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. A. Stone
190F. Topics in Philosophy of Biology. W
Philosophy of biology is one of the fastest-growing areas of philosophy of science. Course gives advanced seniors an overview of many diverse topics currently under discussion in modern philosophy and biology and provides a foundation for further research, regardless of previous experience with the biological sciences. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290F. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. R. Winther
190G. Wittgenstein. *
Focuses on the writings of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein's work is typically divided into three periods: early, middle, and late. Topics covered include writings from one or more periods. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290G. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. J. Ellis
190J. Advanced Topics in the History of Ethics. *
A careful study of any one of the main moral theories in the history of philosophy, with some emphasis on the relation to contemporary moral philosophy. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. D. Guevara
190L. The Emotions. W
Analysis of particular emotions (e.g., jealousy, boredom, regret) and exploration of general theoretical issues (e.g., expression, control) with emphasis on moral psychology. Satisfies seminar requirement. Admission by interview with instructor. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 23. (General Education Code(s): W.) J. Neu
190M. William James. *
Intensive study of James's philosophy, including his philosophical psychology and pragmatic method. Covers James's epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
190N. Philosophy of Religion. *
An examination of recent work in philosophy of religion. The approach may vary between an analytic and continental approach in different years. Topics might include the rationality of belief in God, religious epistemology, hermeneutics, and religious experience. Prerequisite(s): course 171and two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. R. Otte
190O. Topics in Epistemology. *
An examination of recent work in epistemology. May focus on topics such as perception, naturalized epistemology, probabilistic epistemology, theories of justification, a priori knowledge, and memory. (Formerly Epistemology.) Prerequisite(s): course 9; and two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment limited to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. R. Otte
190P. Major Figures in Contemporary Philosophy. *
Focuses on philosophical writings and significance of a single figure in contemporary (20th- and 21st-century) philosophy. May include, but not be limited to, Russell, Whitehead, Wittgenstein, Husserl, Carnap, Murdoch, Quine, Irigaray, Derrida, and Davidson. Students cannot received credit for this course and course 290P. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. A. Stone
190Q. Philosophy of Mathematics. *
Introduction to problems of contemporary analytic philosophy of mathematics. Do mathematical objects exist? Are mathematical statements true? How can we know? Examines the historical background to contemporary debates and the positions which have been taken within them. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290Q. Prerequisite(s): course 9; and two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C; and Mathematics 19A or 20A, or AP score of 4 on the BC exam, or Mathematics Placement Exam score of 40. Enrollment limited to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. A. Stone
190S. Philosophy of Science. *
An examination of a topic in current philosophy of science. The material for the course is chosen from topics such as realism and instrumentalism, scientific explanation, space and time, the confirmation of theories, laws of nature, and scientific abstraction. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190S. Prerequisite(s): course 9, and course 100A or 100B or 100C; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): W.) R. Otte
190T. Advanced Feminist Philosophy. *
Focuses on issues in epistemology and ontology: the construction of knowledge and objectivity, rationality and emotions, subjectivity and personal identity, and the body and sexuality. (Also offered as Feminist Studies 194J. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 147 or Feminist Studies 100; and two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment limited to 22. J. Hoy
190U. Conceptual Schemes. *
Reference to "conceptual schemes" has become commonplace in and out of the philosophical literature. Course examines the philosophical foundations for talk about conceptual schemes and the philosophical and historical arguments that frame and make plausible such discussions. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. P. Roth
190V. Hermeneutics. *
Intensive study of the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics, which is concerned with the theory of understanding and interpretation. Readings drawn from Martin Heidegger, Hans-Georg Gadamer, and possibly Paul Ricoeur. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. The Staff
190W. History of Consciousness. *
Historical study of philosophical theories of consciousness and self-consciousness. Problems include the relation of self and other, consciousness and body, and self-consciousness and ethical agency. Readings will be selected from some of the following: Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, followed by phenomenologists, poststructuralists, and analytic philosophy. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290W. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. The Staff
190X. The Good Life. *
Study of alternative conceptions of the elements of a good life, including topics such as courage, loyalty, devotion to ideals, personal flourishing, commitment to a community or tradition, spiritual enlightenment, integrity, compassion, and intellectual understanding. Also covered are fundamental questions such as the meaning of life, the relationship of "living right" to "living well," and the role of feelings in the justification of action. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. J. Ellis
190Y. On Insults. W
The schoolyard wisdom about "sticks and stones" does not take one very far: insults not only take the form of words, and even words have effects. What kind of injury is an insult? Is it infliction determined by the insulter or the insulted? What does it reveal of the character of each and of the character of society and its conventions? What is its role in social and legal life (from play to jokes to ritual to war and from blasphemy to defamation to hate speech)? Philosophical, anthropological, psychoanalytic, and legal approaches to the questions are emphasized. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 290Y. Prerequisite(s): two from courses 100A, 100B, and 100C; and satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to senior philosophy majors. Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): W.) J. Neu
195A. Senior Essay. F,W,S
Preparation of senior essay (approximately 25 pages) during one quarter. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
195B. Senior Essay. F,W,S
Under exceptional circumstances, a second senior essay continuing the work of the first essay is permitted but only when the first senior essay has been completed. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199F. Independent Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Graduate Courses
201. First Quarter Seminar. *
First quarter required course for philosophy graduate students. Introduces the work of the philosophy faculty members to the new graduate students. Helps new students form a cohort. Each week different faculty members will visit the class and discuss materials of their own as well as materials or topics that they study. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. P. Roth
202. Topics in Ancient Greek Philosophy. *
Topics will vary each quarter and will focus on some major ancient Greek philosophical figure or work. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20. J. Bowin
214. Probability and Confirmation. *
Studies the philosophical foundations of probability, induction, and confirmation. Different interpretations of probability studied, and solutions to various problems and paradoxes investigated. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 114. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. R. Otte
219. Intermediate Logic. *
Natural deduction and semantics of first order predicate logic. Metatheory, including completeness theorems for propositional and predicate logic. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 119. (Formerly course 217.) Prerequisite(s): course 9. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. (S) The Staff
222. Metaphysics. *
Advanced introduction to topics in 20th century and contemporary analytic metaphysics. Divided into five main parts dealing, respectively, with issues about the nature of existence, properties, time, change and persistence, and material constitution. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 122. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. A. Stone
223. Recent European Philosophy. *
Seminar on recent developments in European philosophy, with particular attention to German theorists such as Nietzsche, Heidegger, Gadamer, Horkheimer, Adorno, or Habermas. Theorists such as Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida, Foucault, Bourdieu, Levinas, Laclau, or Vattimo may be read as well. (Also offered as History of Consciousness 223. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
224. Philosophy of Language. *
Advanced introduction to issues in the philosophy of language—primarily concerning the nature of reference, meaning, and truth. Works from such 20th-century figures as Russell, Wittgenstein, Kripke, Lewis, and Putnam discussed. Topics include what it is for a sign or a bit of language to be meaningful, or for it to identify or represent something; what it is for a statement to be truthful; what it is to be a language; and how reference works when attributed to beliefs. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 123. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. The Staff
231. Metaphysics and Epistemology. *
Focuses on topic or topics in metaphysics and/or epistemology. May focus on topics such as perception, naturalized epistemology, probabilistic epistemology, theories of justification, a priori knowledge, and memory. Topics might include one or more of causation, possible worlds, identity, necessity, time, realism, universals, and existence. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. J. Ellis
232. Advanced Topics in Value Theory. *
Considers topics central to philosophical questions about value: ethics, normativity, practical reason, relativism, skepticism, responsibility, motivation, emotion, and so forth. In some instances, the investigation will proceed through influential historical figures, ancient to modern. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. Enrollment limited to 22. D. Guevara
233. Seminar in Philosophy of Mind. *
Focuses on topics in the philosophy of mind. Topics may include consciousness, mental content, the mind-body problem, and mental causation. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. J. Ellis
235. Philosophy of Psychology. *
Looks at philosophical issues raised by current research on the nature of perception, cognition, and consciousness in psychology and cognitive science. Can there be a science of the mind? Could machines be conscious? Do animals have minds? How did the mind evolve? These and a host of related questions form the subject matter of this course. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 135. Prerequisite(s): One course in philosophy, psychology, or linguistics. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
237. Making Up the Mind. *
How does the mind come to be a thing which science can study? Readings focus on how diagnostic categories, for example, multiple personality disorder, attain scientific cachet and what issues surround the "medicalization" of the mind. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. P. Roth
239. Philosophy of Religion. F
Investigation of various topics in philosophy of religion. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. R. Otte
245. Brave New World: Ethical Issues in Genetics. *
Ethical issues in genetic research and technology, including genetic engineering, cloning, stem cell research, uses of genetic information, and manipulation of human evolution. Also considers the moral responsibility of scientists, obligations to future generations, and the concept of human perfectibility. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 145. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. The Staff
252. Poststructuralism. *
French poststructuralism, with particular attention to the main philosophical texts of Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault. Other representative theorists as well as critics of poststructuralism are studied as time permits. (Also offered as History of Consciousness 252. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. D. Hoy
254. Politics of Temporality. *
Temporality is the way humans experience time. Examines how continental philosophers have described temporality and how they have explained the relation of temporality to objective clock-time. Phenomenologists such as Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty discussed in light of their differences with Kant, Hegel, and Bergson regarding the relation of temporality and subjectivity. Examine Hegel, Benjamin, and Derrida on the relation of temporality and historicity. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
256. History of Consciousness. *
Examination of contemporary theories of consciousness in both analytic and continental traditions. Among those who deflate modern philosophy's preoccupation with consciousness are not only Dennett, Davidson, and Rorty, but also Heidegger, Foucault, and Derrida. Among those who argue for irreducibility of subjectivity are not only Searle, Nagel, and Chalmers, but also Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and Levinas. Discussion of parallel readings from both philosophical perspectives. (Also offered as History of Consciousness 224. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
280. Graduate Colloquia Course (2 credits). F,W,S
This colloquia series sponsors speakers each quarter. Students must attend all colloquia and are encouraged to form discussion groups after each lecture. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. The Staff
290C. Advanced Topics in Contemporary Ethics. S
Examines one or more leading ethical theories, such as Kantianism, Virtue Theory, Consequentialism, and Humean ethical theory. Examines different foundational ethical principles and arguments for those principles, contrasting accounts of moral action and moral motivation, as well as epistemological and motivational role of emotions in ethical theory. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190C. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. D. Guevara
290F. Topics in Philosophy of Biology. *
Philosophy of biology is one of the fastest-growing areas of philosophy of science. Course is designed to give seniors and graduate students an overview of many of the diverse topics currently under discussion in modern philosophy of biology and provide a foundation for further research, regardless of previous experience with the biological sciences. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and course 190F. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. R. Winther
290G. Wittgenstein. *
Focuses on the writings of the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein's work is typically divided into three periods: early, middle, and late. Topics covered include writings from one or more periods. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190G. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. J. Ellis
290H. Environmental Ethics. *
What is our proper moral stance toward the natural environment? This question encompasses our ethical relations to individual non-human animals, to other species of living beings, and toward the biotic community as a whole. It leads us to consider the broader question: What makes anything at all worthy of our moral respect or even our moral consideration? How are we to understand the very idea of the environment, the distinction between the human world, and the natural world, and the relationships between them. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190H. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
290J. Advanced Topics in the History of Ethics. S
Careful study of any one of the main moral theories in the history of philosophy, with some emphasis on the relation to contemporary moral philosophy. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190J. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. D. Guevara
290K. Philosophical Matters of Scientific Practice. *
Considers the relevance of philosophical matters to the practice of science. Using quantum physics as a case study, explores historical and contemporary perspectives on issues such as those raised by the Schrodinger cat paradox, Bell's inequalities, and quantum erasers. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190K. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. K. Barad
290M. Advanced Graduate Seminar: William James. *
Intensive study of James's philosophy, including his philosophical psychology and pragmatic method. Covers James's epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Recent critical analyses of the issues raised in James's philosophy will also be highlighted. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
290P. Major Figures in Contemporary Philosophy. *
Focuses on philosophical writings and significance of a single figure in contemporary (20th- and 21st-century) philosophy. May include, but not be limited to, Russell, Whitehead, Wittgenstein, Husserl, Carnap, Murdoch, Quine, Irigaray, Derrida, and Davidson. Students cannot received credit for this course and course 190P. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. May be repeated for credit. A. Stone
290Q. Philosophy of Mathematics. *
Introduction to the problems of contemporary analytic philosophy of mathematics. Do mathematical objects exist? Are mathematical statements true? How can we know? We will examine the historical background to contemporary debates and the positions which have been taken within them. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and course 190Q. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. A. Stone
290S. Topics in the Philosophy of Science. *
An examination of a topic in current philosophy of science. The material for the course is chosen from topics such as realism and instrumentalism, scientific explanation, space and time, the confirmation of theories, laws of nature, and scientific abstraction. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190S. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. R. Winther
290W. History of Consciousness. *
Historical study of philosophical theories of consciousness and self-consciousness. Problems include the relation of self and other, consciousness and body, and self-consciousness and ethical agency. Readings are from Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, followed by phenomenologists, poststructuralists, and analytic philosophy. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190W. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
290X. The Good Life. *
Proposed elements of a good life, e.g., courage, loyalty, devotion to ideals, personal flourishing, integrity, compassion, and intellectual understanding. Also discusses fundamental questions such as the meaning of life, the relationship of "living right" to "living well." Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190X. Enrollment restricted to philosophy graduate students. The Staff
290Y. On Insults. *
What is the role of insult in social and legal life (from play to jokes to ritual to war and from blasphemy to defamation to hate speech)? Emphasizes philosophical, anthropological, psychoanalytic, and legal approaches to the issues. Enrollment restricted to graduate students and by permission of instructor. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 190Y. (Formerly course 236.) J. Neu
294. Teaching-Related Independent Study. F,W,S
Directed graduate research and writing coordinated with the teaching of undergraduates. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
295. Directed Reading. F,W,S
Directed reading which does not involve a term paper. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
295F. Readings in Philosophy (2 credits). F,W,S
Focuses on selected philosophical areas and/or specific philosophers. Students meet with the instructor to discuss readings and deepen their knowledge on a particular subject. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
296. Special Student Seminar. F,W,S
A seminar for graduate students arranged between students and a faculty member. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
297F. Independent Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Students submit petition to course sponsoring agency. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Enrollment restricted to students who have advanced to candidacy. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Revised: 8/13/12
