Philosophy 100 (6) Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophers are perennially engaged in trying to unravel a variety of puzzles about human beings and the world: Is there a God? Are there limits to the legitimate authority of society over the individual? If everything is governed by scientific laws can there be any free will? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? What is an explanation? Is there any rational distinction between right and wrong? Philosophy 100 introduces students to this activity by the discussion of a few of the major problems as illuminated by the reading of some classic and contemporary philosophical writings. Each section of Philosophy 100 is supervised by a different member of the Philosophy Department who chooses the texts for that section, decides on the particular topics to be covered, and sets assignments and examinations. For this reason there is variation from one section to another. The course is intended more as a contribution to general education than as an introduction to technical work in Philosophy.

Philosophy 115 (3) Introduction to History and Philosophy of Science
This course is taught cooperatively with members of the History Department and students may register for it in either Department. The course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the nature of science and technology and to their place in modern culture. Each year the course will focus on several scientific issues, their historical development, and their Philosophical significance. Issues vary from year to year. (Also listed as History 115.)

Philosophy 120 (3) Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
This course develops tools for dealing with both everyday and more technical arguments and concepts and requires no previous familiarity with either logic or Philosophy. Topics to be covered include the distinction between logic and rhetoric; the analysis and resolution of ambiguities; fallacies of reasoning; arguments and argument structure; the distinction between validity and inductive strength; the justification of belief; and several topics in elementary propositional logic. The course will be of interest both to Philosophy students and to others who are interested in sharpening their logical skills and in exploring the nature of reasoning.

Philosophy 125 (3) Introduction to Scientific Reasoning
This course considers the practice of evaluation of arguments by examining the foundations of scientific reasoning. Through many examples, it investigates causal models and the evaluation of causal hypotheses, as well as other models of decision making. The course will be of interest not only to science students, but also to arts students and others who are interested in exploring the nature of reasoning.

Philosophy 211 and 212 (3 each) Greek Thought
These courses are taught cooperatively with members of the Classics Department. They survey Greek Philosophical and scientific thought. They start with the pre-socratic thinkers and their theories about the nature of the universe. They then proceed to Socrates and Plato; and conclude with briefer treatments of Aristotle; and the Epicureans. There are two lectures each week and the class is divided into smaller discussion groups which meet once a week. Students will find these courses useful background if they intend to do more advanced courses in Greek Philosophy, but the courses are also designed for anyone who wishes to gain an understanding of the contribution of Greek Philosophy to Western culture. (Also listed as Classical Studies 211 and 212).