Philosophy (PHIL)

PHIL 1300 Thinking Critically 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the logical concepts and skills needed to evaluate common types of motivational appeals encountered in the marketplace, especially in advertising, politics, and the mass media. The subject matter emphasizes decision-making, including how to form rational beliefs and how to decide upon effective action.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 1500 Introduction to Philosophy (TAG) 3 Credits

This course introduces students to various intellectual and philosophical problems that have troubled thoughtful people throughout the ages. The areas in which these problems occur include reality, being, knowledge, free will, values, and religion. Classes emphasize discussion and individual feedback.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 2000 Comparative Religion 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the general doctrines, history, and practice of major religions of the world, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and religions native to China and Japan. The course presents the subject matter, objectively, for comparison and discussion. Additional topics include religions of pre-history and native American religions.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 2600 Logic 3 Credits

This course studies principles of good reasoning; the principles of reasoning that are truth-preserving instead of motivational. It introduces students to the basic concepts of logic such as statement, argument, validity, and strength of inference. Students will study how to formalize arguments and test them for validity. The major emphasis of this course is on deductive logic.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 2700 Ethics (TAG) 3 Credits

Prerequisite: PHIL 1300 or PHIL 1500 or PHIL 2600 or permission of instructor.

This specialized course concentrates on the area of philosophy that studies values and ethical theories as well as concepts of justice, freedom, and obligation. A typical class will present and critically discuss various normative ethical theories such as utilitarianism, cultural relativism, and Kantian ethics. Class lectures encourage participation and individual feedback.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 2800 Philosophy of Art 3 Credits

This course introduces students to various theories about art. The course emphasizes application; students will discuss the theories as they are applied to specific art works, especially the art works that are displayed or being performed on Lakeland's campus. Students will pursue questions about art in a philosophical manner, where specific judgments about art, as well as the theories of art themselves, are subjected to rigorous criticism and analysis.

(3 contact hours)

PHIL 2900 Special Topics in Philosophy 3 Credits

Prerequisite: PHIL 1300 or PHIL 1500 or PHIL 2600 or permission of instructor.

These specialized courses provide in-depth examinations of philosophy topics not covered in detail elsewhere in the curriculum. Students will study and philosophically analyze topics such as social and political philosophy, issues in death and dying, bioethics, science and pseudo-science, and advanced logic.

(3 contact hours)