Philosophy (PHIL)

A study of major works by Plato, Aristotle, and other important ancient philosophers.

The study of major 17th and 18th century philosophers, such as Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.

A philosophical and psychological examination of good reasoning, the origins of judgment errors and biases, the impact of reasoning on individuals and societies, and the methods for improving judgment.

A study of recent philosophical trends (or movements), including logical positivism, existentialism, ordinary language philosophy, etc.

A realistic, evidence-based look at the powers and challenges in making science policy, looking at such topics as group polarization, conspiracy theories, deference to experts and “judging from the gut”. Our goal is to identify the reasoning skills and knowledge necessary in order for citizens and political officials to reason reliably about scientific matters.

A richly illustrated examination of the evidence for the nature and origin of language, from both philosophical and psychological perspectives. The course will cover such topics as animal communication, reference, the nature of meaning, and the biological basis of language.

An in-depth study of a single outstanding philosopher, chosen by the instructor. The focus of the course will be announced when the course is scheduled.

An analysis of the concept of language in both the works of philosophers and the works of linguists. The course looks into theories of linguistic meaning, sentence structure, speech acts, and the assumptions underlying research in modern linguistics.

This course draws upon two or more widely different traditions in considering one or more topics of philosophical interest. Usually, the course will include both Western and non-Western sources. The course may be organized around a given philosophical issue or may compare and contrast two or more thinkers from the relevant traditions.

Examination of different conceptions of legitimate political authority; includes discussion of ideas of social justice, natural rights, sovereignty.

A systematic examination of contemporary Social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, war, environmental destruction, poverty, terrorism, and sexual morality.

Metaphysics.

Through an analysis of the concepts of explanation, theory, hypothesis, experiment, and observation, this course seeks an understanding of how the growth of scientific knowledge is possible.

An examination of the conception of "mind" as opposed to body implications for psychology, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience.

An examination of the methods and theories of the social sciences, especially sociology and anthropology, and their relationships to the natural sciences.

A history of interaction between science and philosophy showing how changing conceptions of metaphysics and scientific method have influenced the development of Renaissance astronomy, nineteenth century atomic theory, ether theories, theories of geological and biological change, etc.

This course will consider questions such as: What role should values play in scientific inquiry? Should scientists consider only epistemic or cognitive values, or should they also take into account social and cultural values? Could science be objective and make progress if it is shaped by social and cultural values?.

A study of the fundamental issues of moral philosophy.

An analysis of the concept of law and how it differs from custom, religion, and morality. The course looks into issues of judicial reasoning, the assumptions that underlie the criminal justice system and the imposition of liability, and legal ethics.

The philosophy of the fine arts, including an analysis of the concepts of beauty, representation, expression and the purpose of art.

Analysis of the philosophical foundations of the right of free speech within the American Constitution's framework. Topics include: the philosophical underpinnings of the right of free speech, judicial review under the Constitution, selected free speech issues such as libel, defamation, speech in the workplace, pornography, flag-burning, and others.

A study of the problems of moral and social responsibility for the engineering profession, including such topics as safety, confidentiality and government regulation.

A study of the moral problems architects must resolve in the practice of their profession, including problems of confidentiality, candor, esthetics, and economy arising from the special responsibilities of architects to and public, client, employer, and colleagues.

Ethical issues relating to individual and corporate responsibility, self and governmental regulation, investment, advertising, urban problems, the environment, preferential hiring.

Moral problems that confront professionals in computer-related fields, including questions raised by the concept of intellectual property and its relationship to computer software, professional codes of ethics for computer use, responsibility for harm resulting from the misuse of computers.

This course focuses on the examination of ethical problems associated with computer technology and computer science. The course is conducted within the framework of philosophical ethical theories, policy and regulative issues are also discussed. The course focuses on fostering ethical decision-making when dealing with issues pertaining to privacy and confidentiality, cyber security, cybercrime, professional codes and responsibilities, intellectual property, and the impact of computers on society in general. In order to understand the vast implications of computing, students will analyze ethical dilemmas from historical and current events including, but not limited to, issues raised by AI, robots, cyborgs, and neurotechnology.

This course explores ethical and legal issues concerning communication in diverse contexts, such as: the mass media - e.g. print, broadcast, and electronic; government and politics; organizational hierarchies - e.g. public and private sector workplaces; academic life - e.g. the classroom, student, and faculty affairs; and interpersonal relations - e.g. love, friendship, marriage.

An investigation into a topic of current interest in philosophy; which will be announced by the instructor when the course is scheduled.

In the course, we will discuss philosophical and ethical questions related to artificial intelligence (AI) and reflect about possible future developments. The course gives an introduction to the way ethical arguments, concepts and principles are used in debates relating to AI and robots. Topics to be discussed include: What is artificial intelligence? What is the role of algorithmic bias in hiring processes and facial recognition? What would it mean for AI to have capabilities like sentience, emotions, consciousness, or a mind? What are good rules for decision-making in self-driving cars? How do we perceive and talk about AI and robots? What is the moral and legal status of robots?.

How should researchers and society proceed with gene editing technologies, stem cell research, neurotechnology, human enhancement, and the challenges of climate change? In this course we will investigate ethical aspects and social implications of recent developments in the life sciences, biomedical engineering and biomedicine. The course gives an introduction to ethical theories, concepts and principles and the way ethical arguments are used in current debates relating to science and technology.

Supervised individual research for advanced students. Instructor permission required.

Supervised individual research for advanced students. **Instructor permission required.**