Philosophy
PHIL 2301 (3-3-0) Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to basic philosophic concerns such as metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics, including a survey of major philosophic problems and the answers proposed by various major philosophers. A biblical and theological framework for thinking Christianly about philosophy will be presented.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PHIL 2302 (3-3-0) Introduction to Logic
A study of the principles of correct thinking. This course examines the laws of logic, inductive and deductive reasoning, and shows the relevance of sound argumentation to philosophic, scientific, academic, and personal enterprises. The nature of formal and informal logical fallacies is considered. The course is designed to help students obtain proficiency in critical thinking.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Spring.
PHIL 2303 (3-3-0) Introduction to Worldviews
An introduction to the nature, definition, and importance of worldviews in general and to basic worldview systems in particular (e.g., theism, deism, naturalism, pantheism). This course will highlight the importance of thinking “worldviewishly” by giving special attention to the role of assumptions and presuppositions in the academic disciplines, in the diversity of cultures, and in personal life.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Periodically.
PHIL 3301 (3-3-0) History of Philosophy I: Classical and Medieval
A survey and critique of the major Western philosophers and their ideas in the Ancient, Christian, and Medieval Periods (i.e., from the pre-Socratic philosophers to Thomas Aquinas).
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Fall, odd-numbered years.
PHIL 3302 (3-3-0) History of Philosophy II: Modern and Postmodern
A continuation of PHIL 3301 consisting of a survey and critique of the major Western philosophers and their ideas in the Modern and Contemporary or Postmodern Periods (from the Renaissance to the present).
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Fall, even-numbered years.
PHIL 3303 (3-3-0) Philosophy of Religion
A critical examination of the nature and validity of religious experience and the place of religion in human life.
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Spring, Online.
PHIL 3304 (3-3-0) The Christian Worldview
(RELI 3374)
A description of the concept of worldview in general and the content of the Christian world view in particular, focusing on the Biblical themes of creation, fall, redemption, and their implications in the totality of life including spiritual experience, education, the arts, vocation, the family, etc.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Periodically.
PHIL 3370 (3-3-0) The Philosophy of Science and Technology
An investigation of the characteristic issues which arise when serious attempts are made to integrate twentieth-century science and the Christian worldview in a constructive manner. The study will focus on how theological/scientific concerns have interfaced historically with the central philosophical categories of ontology, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics as well as emphasize what these concerns contribute to contemporary technologies.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Spring, Periodically.
PHIL 4301 (3-3-0) Metaphysics
A study of issues that arise from an attempt to understand reality and its manifestations, both infinite and finite. Topics include God and Trinitarianism, substance and accidents, space and time, possibility and necessity, causality, mind and body, and universals.
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Spring, even-numbered years.
PHIL 4302 (3-3-0) Epistemology
A study of the nature, source, types, justification, and limits of human knowledge with a focus on the Contemporary Period. The role and importance of the concept of biblical revelation will be included.
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Spring, even-numbered years.
PHIL 4303 (3-3-0) Ethics
A survey of the development of ethical thought, both ancient and modern. Various ethical systems and their proponents, including alternative Christian perspectives, will be covered along with a discussion of contemporary ethical problems such as abortion, homosexuality, war, ecology, business ethics, social justice, etc.
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Fall.
PHIL 4305 (3-3-0) Practicum in Philosophy (S-L)
A supervised internship or thesis in a philosophy-related field. This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate learning and practice in their anticipated field. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: 12 hours of philosophy and senior standing.
Offered: Periodically.
PHIL 4352 (3-3-0) History of East Asian Philosophy and Religion
(HIST 4352; RELI 4352; MALA 5332)
This course will explore the history of East Asian philosophy, religious beliefs, and practices from the area's prehistory to the present.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Alternate Fall, Alternate Spring, Online.
PHIL 4374 (3-3-0) Christian Apologetics
(RELI 4374)
A survey of representative approaches to Christian Apologetics from the Greek Fathers to the present. These will be analyzed in the light of biblical revelation, and a comprehensive Christian apologetic will be attempted.
Requisites: PHIL 2301.
Offered: Fall.