Philosophy

Spring 2026 Classes

PHL 100 – Introduction to Philosophy

Are you looking for answers to life's important questions? This course offers students an introduction to important conversations about philosophical topics such as the nature of reality, personal identity, freedom, knowledge, morality, religion, and social justice with the aim of students developing their own well-considered views.

Daniel Schneider    TuTh 7:45-9:10 am

                                *Combined section class

Sheryl Ross            TuTh 2:15-3:40 pm

                               *Combined section class

Sam Cocks            TuTh 9:25-10:50 am

PHL 101 – Introduction to Logic

This course offers students an introduction to several methods of logic: the science of reasoning. In this course, students examine the nature of statements and arguments, identify rules for distinguishing good arguments from bad, learn methods for constructing and testing proofs, and practice good reasoning in general.

Stewart Eskew          MW 3:55-5:20 pm 

                                 *Combined section class

Ryan Madison           INTERNET

PHL 206 – History of Modern Philosophy

In this course, students explore the thinking of several important enlightenment philosophers whose work either led to, or gave interpretation to, the so-called "European Enlightenment." Students examine how these thinkers approached questions about mind and body, the foundations of knowledge, primary and secondary qualities, and the scientific image of human beings and nature.

Daniel Schneider    TuTh 11:00-12:25 pm

PHL 334 - Philosophy of Science

An examination of such topics as the attempt to demarcate science from pseudo-science, the nature of scientific inference, the structure of scientific explanation, scientific reduction and the unity of science, the interplay between theory and observation in science, the realism/anti-realism debate, objectivity of science, and the relationship between science and religion.

Stewart Eskew           Tu/Th 12:40-2:05 pm

PHL 339 – Medical Ethics

This course is an examination of the principal moral problems that arise in the clinical and non-clinical medical context. Topics include an introduction to the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, as well as the ethical complexities surrounding various issues including paternalism and patient autonomy, healthcare decisions regarding children, the role and responsibilities of surrogate decision-makers, truth-telling and confidentiality, clinical trials, abortion, reproductive and genetic technologies, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, public health, and justice in health care.

Stewart Eskew    MW 2:15-3:40 pm

PHL/POL 350 - American Political Theory

This course covers the history and development of American political thought with attention to the thinkers and themes influential to institutions, ideologies, and controversies in American politics. The course analyzes the ideals and principles upon which the United States was founded and critically assesses their application and realization. (Cross-listed with PHL/POL; may only earn credit in one department.)

Daniel Schneider     Tu/Th 2:15-3:40 pm

PHL 420 – On Humor & Happiness

What is happiness? Is it something that we should devote our lives pursuing? What is the relationship between happiness and other sorts of experiences we value? Can happiness ever be wrong or mistaken? What makes something funny or amusing? What is the relationship between humor and happiness? Is comedy just tragedy plus time? Is it okay to laugh at morally reprehensible jokes? This class will address those questions and include study of the philosophy of emotions, in particular the emotion of happiness and the experience of laughter as it relates to the various theories of comedy and humor.

Sheryl Ross        Tu 5:30-8:15 pm

PHL 496 - Integrative Seminar

Integration of programmatic themes and methods in the major. May be taken for honors credit.

Sam Cocks      W 11:00-11:55 am