PHIL 1000 Introduction to Philosophy

A critical analysis of the emergence of philosophy and its attempt to explain the meaningfulness of human experience in the world from ancient and modern. A grade of C or better is required for all majors and/or minors in Political Science. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1101 or permission of the instructor.

PHIL 3000 Environmental Ethics

The course offers a philosophical account of the moral relationship between human beings and their natural environment with attention to animal interests and rights as well as our responsibilities to species and ecosystems. The course also investigates such environmental theories as deep ecology, social ecology and ecofeminism which attempt to explain the origins of environmental degradation. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3002 Ethical Theory

The course examines the major ethical theories and philosophers as represented in the virtue-ethics, utilitarian and deontological ethical traditions. The focus of the course will be on a critical examination of the rational basis of our moral duties and will raise questions about the status of moral beliefs and judgments. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3005 Philosophy of the Human Person

A critical inquiry into the questions of the human condition and the realms of experience that generate the framework for thinking and acting, such as myth/religion, knowledge, art, science and the ethical/political. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3010 Ancient Political Philosophy

A critical examination of ancient Greek political philosophy in the writings of Plato and Aristotle and their expressions of fundamental theoretical and practical approaches to political experiences of regime and citizenship. Their contemporary relevance will be scrutinized. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3020 Existentialism

In its search for meaning rather than truth, existential philosophy understands the human condition as individual choice in the pursuit of self-knowledge. Its discursive language includes vocabularies on love, belief, the other, responsibility, suffering, anxiety, despair, and death. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3095 Major Philosophers in History

To acquaint students with fundamental texts in philosophy. This course undertakes a critical reading of the work of one or two philosophers alternating ancient with modern in order to examine the meaning, language, and philosophical value of these texts. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3601 / POLS 3601 Modern Political Philosophy

The development of modern political ideas underlying democratic theory and liberalism as found in the works of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Mill. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 3701 / POLS 3701 Contemporary Political Philosophy

An analysis of political ideas, theories, ideologies, and issues as presented in the writings of contemporary thinkers.

PHIL 4030 Ancient Greek Philosophy

This course undertakes a critical study of the writings of Plato and Aristotle focusing on major teleological, ontological, and epistemological concepts such as Plato’s366 Augusta State University Catalog Augusta State University Catalog 367
forms and their ground in the “good “ and Aristotle’s “being” and its ground “presence.” Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better and permission of instructor.

PHIL 4031 19th Century European Philosophy

A critical analysis of the major ideas and theories of significant 19th century European philosophers such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Nietsche and Kierkegaard. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 4032 20th Century Philosophy

A study of selected philosophers and philosophical issues, problems, questions and schools of thought in the 20th century. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 4033 17th and 18th Century Philosophy

A study of some of the significant thinkers from the early modern period of philosophy such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley and Hume; selected topics include epistemology, philosophy of science, metaphysics and philosophy of mind. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 4111 / ANTH 3861 / HIST 4111 History of World Religions

This is a survey course introducing the study of religion. The students will define what “religion” is, examine why so many people in the history of the world find religion important, and try to understand some of the major tenets of the religions of the world. This course is designed with the theme of ethics and morals as defined by cultures and religions around which many of the readings and discussions will take place. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior standing or permission of instructor.

PHIL 4900 Cullum Lecture Series

A variable-content course that offers lectures by nationally and internationally known scholars with expertise in the particular topic. Students will also attend films and participate in class discussions, as well as prepare a relevant student project with approval of the chair. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 4950 Selected Topics

An intensive study of a selected philosophical issue, problem or school of thought not addressed in the current curriculum. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 with a grade of C or better.

PHIL 4990 Undergraduate Research

Independent research that focuses on a particular philosophical theme or philosopher of the student’s choice under the direction of the philosophy instructor. Emphasis will be on the development of sound philosophical ideas and approaches. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 1000 and three additional philosophy courses with a grade of C. Chair and instructor’s permission required.