The
Philosophy Program offers courses in two components of UTPA's Core
Curriculum; the Mathematics component, and the Humanities component. All
of our lower division course offerings, except PHIL 1321, satisfy the 041 Humanities
component. PHIL 1321 satisfies the
Mathematics component for all COAH majors and many other non-engineering,
non-science majors. The specific list of courses and the component areas
they satisfy is below.
The 020 Mathematics
Component of UTPA's Core
PHIL
1321 Intro to Formal Logic
This
class is an introduction to some of the formal techniques available for
evaluating the correctness or incorrectness of arguments. Formal
techniques likely to be discussed include: symbolization in propositional
logic, parsing trees, truth tables or truth trees, natural deduction in
propositional logic, Venn diagrams, and the probability calculus. Restriction: Credit may be received for
only one of PHIL 1320 and PHIL 1321.
Note: Not all degree
programs will allow you to fulfill the Mathematics component of UTPA's
Core Curriculum using PHIL 1321.
The 041 Humanities
Component of UTPA's Core
PHIL
1305 Critical Thinking
This
class will investigate what it is to think critically. Strong
emphasis will be placed on the following: reading critically, analyzing
texts, identifying and systematically representing arguments, recognizing
formal and informal fallacies, and rationally evaluating what is heard
and said.
PHIL
1310 Introduction to Philosophy
An
introduction to some of the major philosophical questions that have
intrigued mankind over the centuries. This will be done through an
examination of the thought of some of the most important figures in the
history of philosophy from the early Greeks to modern times. Credit
Restriction: Credit may be received in only one of PHIL 1310 or PHIL
1387.
PHIL
1320 Introduction to Logic
The
subject matter of this course will be clear and effective thinking. It
will examine principles for correct reasoning and ways to distinguish
good reasoning from bad, and it will consider the kinds of mistakes in
reasoning that are most commonly made in everyday life. Credit
Restriction: Credit may be received in only one of PHIL 1320 or PHIL
1388.
PHIL
1387 Introduction to Philosophy (Honors Plan)
An
introduction to philosophical questions through an examination of major
figures and themes in the history of philosophy from ancient to modern
times. Credit Restriction: Credit may be received in only one of PHIL
1310 or PHIL 1387. Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Studies Program or
by permission of the program director.
PHIL
1388 Introduction to Logic (Honors Plan)
An
introduction to the fundamentals of clear and effective thinking through
an examination of the principles of correct reasoning, the structure of
knowledge and common obstacles to rational thought. Credit Restriction:
Credit may be received in only one of PHIL 1320 or PHIL 1388.
Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Studies Program or by permission of the
program director.
PHIL
2330 Intro to Ethics
This
course will be concerned with human values: our own and those of other
people. It will ask where those values come from and how we can know they
are worth something, and it will examine several related questions such
as personal freedom and the meaningfulness of human life.
PHIL
2350 Intro Social & Political
A
critical introduction to the current and historical relationships that
define contemporary society and politics. Topics may include democracy,
capitalism, communism, anarchism, political authority, norms, justices,
rights, pluralism, and rights.
PHIL
2370 Eastern Thought
An
analysis of the major movements in Eastern philosophy and religion and
their relationship to basic philosophical developments in the West. This
course will examine systems of thought and culture such as Buddhism,
Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto.
PHIL
2390 Professional Ethics
This
course will employ the tools of ethical theory to examine moral issues
and problems facing professionals in such fields as business, industry
and technology, medicine, social work, criminal justice and law. The
content of individual sections of this course may be derived from any of
the fields listed above or from a combination of them, depending on
student need.
PHIL
2391 Professional Ethics: Biomedical
This
course will address the application of moral theories, ethical
principles, and professional codes to ethical dilemmas faced by
professionals in healthcare or research. Topics covered may include, but
are not limited to, euthanasia, conflicts of interest, physicians as
researchers, distribution of scare resources, and the impact of theories
like moral relativism and psychological egoism on the application of
ethical theory.
PHIL
2392 Professional Ethics: Business
This
course will address the application of moral theories, ethical
principles, and professional codes to ethical dilemmas faced by business
professionals, employers, and employees. Topics covered may include, but
are not limited to, conflicts of interest, globalization, duties to
future generations, stakeholder theory, the value of labor, and the
impact of theories like moral relativism and psychological egoism on the
application of ethical theory.
PHIL
2393 Professional Ethics: Engineering
This
course will address the application of moral theories, ethical
principles, and professional codes to ethical dilemmas faced by business
professionals, employers, and employees. Topics covered may include, but
are not limited to, whistleblowing, integrity, honesty, liability, and
the impact of theories like moral relativism and psychological egoism on
the application of ethical theory.
