PHL 260W - Philosophy Seminar

Credits: 3

Intensive examination and critical analysis of a specific philosopher's works or a specific philosophical issue within any branch of philosophy, e.g., ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, social or political philosophy. Designed as a seminar for the advanced student. Credit may be earned in either PHL 260W or PHL 260HW but not in both.

Prerequisite(s): Must have completed one philosophy course
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Analyze arguments, positions, and the pros and cons of the issues covered in the course and raise the appropriate objections to them, orally and in writing.
1. Recognize the nature of philosophical conflicts or issues so as to be able to indicate the main philosophical problem presented.
2. Use one of various theories or points of view to analyze philosophical issues or conflicts and reach a reasonable conclusion about the issue.
3. Explain how the analysis used the philosophical theory and its principles in reaching the conclusion.
Distinguish philosophical issues and arguments from those of other fields such as theology, science or law.
1. Explain the unique nature of philosophical discussion and what separates it form other fields.
2. Compare and contrast the different types of issues and arguments clearly and with original insight.
3. Explain the importance of the distinction between philosophy and other fields so as to be able to analyze issues using the appropriate methods.
Master the terminology and vocabulary necessary to understand, read and question the literature appropriate to the topics of the class.
1. Define and correctly use the key terms appropriate to the topics of the class when discussing and analyzing the issues of the course.
2. Apply the terms to the readings to analyze the text and the issues raised in them.
3. Offer critical comments and questions addressed to the readings so as to demonstrate an in depth understanding of the text and the issues raised, orally and in writing.
Think critically about philosophical topics, both orally and in writing.
1. Apply the appropriate concepts and strategies of critical thinking to the analysis and understanding of philosophical issues.
2. Recognize philosophically strong and weak arguments and reasons.
3. Formulate arguments in favor of their own analyses of the issues of the class.
4. Anticipate objections to their own arguments and be able to respond to the objections with justifiable answers.