Philosophy (PYDI)

All educated people rightly value being able to think for themselves. This requires some understanding of the principles of good reasoning as well as the courage and confidence to question authority and the "received opinions" of the group. Builds on the skills of the First Year Seminar to help students become aware of themselves as critical thinkers in a society where critical thinking is crucial for us as informed citizens and responsible participants in the business of the community. Students apply the principles of good reasoning—including fallacy-spotting and assessment of evidence—to the arguments and persuasive techniques of political leaders, advertisers, talk show hosts, news analysts, entertainers and others. Through short papers, oral reports, class discussions and debates, students apply the lessons of good critical thinking to some of the most important issues of the day. Falls and Springs. (SSDI)

Focuses on the role of the individual in creating a civil society leading toward the advancement of peace, human rights and democracy. A main premise is that the individual and society have a reciprocal influence: societies nurture and shape the individuals that comprise it; but individuals also have the power to change society in significant ways. The dynamic of social change from the point of view of both the society and the individual are explored, and ways are suggested for individuals to contribute to this social dynamic. Special topics include nonviolent societal transformation, institutional barriers to growth and change, and revolutionary techniques for the resolution of conflict. Falls. (SSDI)

Explores key ethical questions including: What actions are morally right? What is the good life? Encourages applying ethical theories, devising individual responses, and analyzing how individual beliefs are impacted by society. Identifies key ethical issues involving conflicts between the individual and society, while investigating interactions between individuals and the spatial, temporal, political, economic, and technological aspects of the social environment. Not open to students who have earned credit for PY 1120. Falls and Springs. (SSDI)

Explores key ethical questions including: What actions are morally right? What is the good life? Encourages applying ethical theories, devising individual responses, and analyzing how individual beliefs are impacted by society. Identifies key ethical issues involving conflicts between the individual and society, while investigating interactions between individuals and the spatial, temporal, political, economic, and technological aspects of the social environment. Not open to students who have earned credit for PY 1130. Springs and Falls. (SSDI)

Prerequisite(s): None

Introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of religion as informed by history, philosophy, the fine arts, and literature. Examines the development of select religions, noting their synthetic emergence from and reaction to pre-existing religions. Explores the complex causes of religious movements and societal attitudes towards both religious practices and differing conceptions of God/Ultimate Reality. Considers the relevance of religion to contemporary issues. Springs and Falls. (PPDI)

Introduces creative thinking tools and techniques for creating personally relevant ethical decisions in an ever-changing world. Engages traditional ethical problems such as abortion, capital punishment, and gun control, while encouraging students to view themselves as creative beings capable of tolerating ambiguity. Outlines formal elements of creative expression while encouraging creativity as an essential component in forming sound ethical judgments. Fall of even years. (CTDI)

Introduces creative thinking tools and techniques for creating personally relevant ethical decisions in an ever-changing world. Engages traditional ethical problems such as abortion, capital punishment, and gun control, while encouraging students to view themselves as creative beings capable of tolerating ambiguity. Outlines formal elements of creative expression while encouraging creativity as an essential component in forming sound ethical judgments. Springs and Falls. (CTDI)

Utilizes scientific methodologies to investigate, analyze, and interpret data to propose answers, offer explanation, and make predictions to philosophically analyze the power and limitations of science. Distinguishes science from irrational opinion and superstition. Explores the extent science is a way to knowledge, and finds philosophical principles that can guide us in evaluating controversial beliefs. Springs and Falls. (SIDI)