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1996-97 UAF Catalog

Course Descriptions


Degrees and Programs Index


Philosophy Courses


PHIL 102 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Introduction to Philosophy (3+0) h

Survey of philosophers and problems in the Western tradition beginning with the ancient Greeks (Plato, Aristotle) and continuing with medieval (e.g., Anselm, Augustine, Aquinas) and modern European thinkers (e.g., Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche). Themes and topics may vary.


PHIL 202 (3 Credits) Spring
Introduction to Eastern Philosophy (3+0) h

Basic assumptions, problems and systems of the major philosophical traditions of the Far East. (Prerequisite: PHIL 102 or permission of the instructor.)


PHIL 204 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Introduction to Logic (3+0) h

Principles of deductive and inductive logic and application of these principles to critical thinking in science and other fields; brief introduction to symbolic logic and its application. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.)


PHIL 321 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Aesthetics (3+0) h

The nature of aesthetic experience in poetry, music, painting, sculpture and architecture; studies in relation to artistic production and the role of art in society. (Prerequisite: PHIL 102. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PHIL 322X (3 Credits) Fall and Spring
Ethics (3+0) h

"Ethic," from the Greek ethos meaning character, custom, usage, is the study of value distinctions. Examination of the nature of value judgments -- their historical origins and philosophical assumptions -- and exploration of the application of value distinctions to contemporary social, religious, and scientific/technical issues.


PHIL 341O (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Epistemology (3+0) h

The nature of knowledge, truth and certainty. (Prerequisite: PHIL 201. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PHIL 342 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Metaphysics (3+0) h

Theories of reality and their relationship to science, philosophy and religion. (Prerequisite: PHIL 102. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PHIL 351 (3 Credits) Fall
History of Philosophy and Science (3+0) h

Ancient and medieval periods. (Prerequisite: Six credits in philosophy and/or natural and social science.)


PHIL 352 (3 Credits) Spring
History of Philosophy and Science (3+0) h

Renaissance, modern, and recent periods. (Prerequisite: Six credits in philosophy and/or natural and social science.)


PHIL 381 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Topics in Logics (3+0) h

An advanced explanation of problems, philosophies and approaches in logics, including classical, symbolic and comparative logics. (Prerequisites: Completion of PHIL 204 or its equivalent and permission of the instructor.)


PHIL 471 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Contemporary Philosophical Problems (3+0) h

Ideological issues facing the modern world. (Prerequisite: Nine credits philosophy or permission of the instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PHIL 481 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Philosophy of Science (3+0) h

Comparison and discussion of various contemporary methodological positions. (Prerequisite: Junior standing. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PHIL 482 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Comparative Religion (3+0) h

Seven world faiths represent answers to questions of man's duty, his destiny and his nature. (Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PHIL 483 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Philosophy of Social Science (3+0) h

Comparison and analysis of various contemporary methodological positions in the social sciences. (Prerequisite: Junior standing. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PHIL 485 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Topics in Comparative Philosophies (3+0) h

Explores, on an advanced level, modern and traditional philosophical questions, problems, and approaches to and within different cultural settings. Student should have at least an acquaintance with a second language and some multicultural experience. (Prerequisite: Nine credits in philosophy.)


PHIL 486 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
B.A. Thesis in Philosophy (1+2+var) h

Independent research on a topic demonstrating both student's ability to philosophically analyze as well as ability to do cultural and historical research. (Prerequisite: Completion of all major requirements in philosophy.)