University of Guelph

1996-97 Undergraduate Calendar

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XII--Course Descriptions


Philosophy

Department of Philosophy

Note: Specific descriptions of all courses to be offered in a given semester will be available from the Department of Philosophy and instructors in each preceding semester. Students are advised to consult these descriptions. Different sections of a course often emphasize different aspects of that course. For many philosophy courses there are no formal prerequisites or recommended prior courses. For these courses students should be guided by the following rules:

  1. Unless otherwise stated, students taking 200-level courses should have completed 74-100 or 74-101, or have pass standing in at least 10 university credit courses.
  2. Unless otherwise stated, students taking 300-level courses will be expected to have the competence of a student who has completed at least 3 philosophy courses.
  3. Students taking 400-level courses in philosophy will be expected to have taken two 300-level courses in philosophy. A student who is in doubt about being well prepared for a particular course should consult with either the instructor or an academic advisor in the department. Students may receive credit for both 74-100 and 74-101. However, students intending to proceed in the discipline at the 200-level, are advised to take only one 100-level course.

74-100 Introductory Philosophy S,F,W(3-0)

An introduction to philosophy through the Republic of Plato with emphasis upon traditional topics such as the nature of knowledge and the different types of knowledge, the relationship between the mind and the body, the nature of good and evil, and the nature of sound argument.

74-101 Social and Political Issues S,F,W(3-0)

An introduction to philosophy, with particular emphasis upon important moral problems facing society today, concerning such topics as punishment, civil disobedience, war and violence, equality, property and mental health. Also offered through distance education format.

74-203 Philosophy of Medicine F,W(3-0)

An examination of philosophical and ethical issues that arise in human and veterinary medicine, including such topics as the definitions of disease and health, the status of medicine as a science, the role of values in medical research and medical practice, the doctor-patient relationship, psychiatry and the control of human behaviour, and the ethics of genetic counselling.

74-206 Philosophy of Feminism W(3-0)

An examination of metaphysical, epistemological and ethical issues in feminist philosophy, including such topics as the nature and consequences of patriarchy, human nature, sexual divisions of labour, women's studies, rationalizations of inequalities and explorations into a contemporary feminist agenda for social, political and economic changes.

74-207 Philosophy of the Environment W(3-0)

A critical examination of a variety of current ways of thinking about the environment, aimed at developing a satisfactory philosophical approach, especially from an ethical perspective. Also offered through distance education format.

74-210 Critical Thinking S,F,W(3-0)

A course designed to develop clarity of thought and method in the analysis and construction of arguments. By contrast to 74-211, the emphasis here is upon informal principles of critical thinking and arguments stated in terms of ordinary language. Topics include the nature and methods of arguing, classification, definition and fallacies.

74-211 Elementary Symbolic Logic F,W(3-0) .

A study of logical techniques to the level of elementary sentential logic and quantification.

74-212 Ethics F,W(3-0)

An examination of competing ethical theories (subjectivism, intuitionism, relativism, utilitarianism, egoism, deontologism) with a view to assessing their theoretical value as well as their ability to provide practical guidance and to resolve moral dilemmas. Also offered through distance education format.

74-214 History of Greek and Roman Philosophy F(3-0)

A survey of Western philosophy from the Pre-Socratics (6th-century, B.C.) to Plotinus (3rd century, A.D.).

74-218 Philosophy of Science S,F,W(3-0)

An examination of competing theories concerning the nature of science and its modes of inquiry, and the relationship between theories and data and between scientific knowledge and reality. The central problem of the course is the rational basis of scientific knowledge. Special attention will be paid to problems posed by biology.

74-235 Selected Topics in Philosophy I (3-0)

The topics for this course will vary from one offering to the next, and will deal with material not available in regular courses. Students are advised to consult a departmental advisor before registering.

74-260 Business and Professional Ethics W(3-0)

An examination of ethical and evaluative issues relating to business and professional practices. Topics to be explored include the nature of values and ethical systems, duties and rights, private and public goods, the consumer movement, social marketing, corporate social accounting, private right and professional responsibility. Intended for students registered in a science or professional program, but without a background in philosophy.

Exclusions: 74-360.

74-291 Indian Philosophy F(3-0)

An analysis of selected primary sources of Indian philosophy in translation, from the Vedic Upanishads to the "integral yoga" of Sri Aurobindo. Emphasis will be on the basic inspirational works of Hinduism and Buddhism, and their respective views on the ultimate nature of reality, the self, suffering, freedom, ignorance and enlightenment.

74-292 Chinese Philosophy W(3-0)

An analysis of selected primary sources of Chinese philosophy, in translation, from the I Ching to Mao Tse-tung. Emphasis will be on the foundational works of Confucianism, Taoism, Ch'an (or Zen) Buddhism, and Neo-Confucianism, concerning such issues as the ultimate nature of being, non-being and human destiny, proper government of the self, the family and society, and the principles and practice of enlightenment.

74-304 Philosophy of Law (formerly: ) F(3-0)

An examination of philosophical theories concerning the nature of law and morality. The course may also include an examination of the way in which controversial ethical and social issues are treated under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

74-305 Philosophy of Art W(3-0)

A consideration of various philosophical questions concerning art such as the nature of a work of art, the nature of beauty, the relationship between the artist and the audience, the task of the art critic, the social function of art.

Prerequisites: 74-215.

74-306 Medieval Philosophy W(3-0)

A study of philosophy from the Patristic period (3rd century A.D.) to the early Renaissance (14th-century). The ideas of the central figures will be examined through original sources. Offered in even-numbered years.)

74-307 History of Modern European Philosophy to Hume W(3-0)

A survey of European philosophy from the Renaissance (15th-century) to David Hume (mid-18th century).

74-308 History of Modern European Philosophy from Kant F(3-0)

A survey of European philosophy from Immanuel Kant (mid-18th century) to the mid-19th century.

74-313 Contemporary British and American Philosophy F(3-0)

A survey of philosophical movements mainly centred in Britain and America from the late 19th-century to the present.

74-318 Philosophy of Mind W(3-0)

A philosophical examination of some problems concerning the mind.

74-320 Contemporary European Philosophy W(3-0)

A survey of philosophical movements mainly centred in continental Europe from the late 19th-century to the present.

74-323 Issues in Social and Political Philosophy W(3-0)

A detailed examination of one or more historical or contemporary treatments of specific issues in social or political philosophy, such as: war and peace, justice. rights, social science, culture, education.

74-335 Selected Topics in Philosophy II (3-0)

The topics for this course will vary from one offering to the next, and will deal with material not available in regular courses, such as Philosophy of History, Philosophy of Social Science and advanced Philosophy of Religion. Students are advised to consult an academic counsellor before registering. Open only to the honours philosophy students.

74-342 Philosophical Problems of Religion F(3-0)

A detailed examination of major problems and writings in the philosophy of religion.

74-431 Applied Ethics (3-0)

An advanced study of specific problems in applied ethics. This is an intensive course designed for philosophy majors as well as for seventh and eighth semester students who have had no philosophy course.

74-432 Value Theory (3-0)

An advanced study of problems in social and political philosophy, aesthetics, or general theory of value.

Prerequisites: 74-212 or 74-305 or 74-323.

74-434 Ethics (3-0)

An advanced study of problems in contemporary ethics.

Prerequisites: 74-212 .

74-436 Epistemology (3-0)

An examination of central problems concering the nature of knowledge. In some offerings the selection will emphasize problems in the Philosophy of Language.

74-437 Metaphysics (3-0)

An advanced study of problems concerning the nature of reality.

74-439 Selected Topics in Philosophy III (3-0)

Open to honours philosophy students in their 7th and 8th semesters.

74-440 MajorTexts in Philosophy (3-0)

Advanced study of a major text in philosophy not treated in either 74-441 or 74-442.

74-441 Traditional Texts in Philosophy (3-0)

Advanced study of a major text from the history of philosophy not treated in either 74-440 or 74-442.

74-442 Traditional Texts in Philosophy (3-0)

Advanced study of a major text in philosophy not treated in either74-440 or 74-441.

74-480 Honours Philosophy Research Paper I (3-0)

The preparation of a major research paper under the supervision of a faculty member. Normally open only to 7th semester honours philosophy students.

74-481 Honours Philosophy Research Paper II (3-0)

A continuation of 74-480.


1996-97 Undergraduate Calendar
XII--Course Descriptions

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Last revised: August 28, 1996. Contact: ccrenna@registrar.uoguelph.ca.