Philosophy

The department of theology, philosophy, and classical languages, through the discipline of philosophy, seeks to encourage in students the critical reflection and understanding which are essential to education in the liberal arts tradition. The discipline of philosophy introduces students to the history of ideas, the processes of critical and analytical reasoning, the exploration of values, and the importance of self-reflection in the pursuit of wisdom. Thus, in support of the institutional goals for graduates at Texas Lutheran, the study of philosophy enhances critical and reflective thinking, provides grounding in our heritage of ideas, and fosters an integrated ethical perspective and a sense of moral purpose.

A major concentration is offered as preparation for advanced work in philosophy; it is suitable as well for those interested in fields such as law, ministry, social service, and government service.

Major in philosophy: 30 semester hours, including PHIL 131, 232, 333, 334, 335, 336, 432, 434; and six additional hours in philosophy.
Supporting courses for philosophy major: 24 hours, including courses determined in consultation with a philosophy academic advisor. Courses should be selected primarily from the following: foreign language, history, English studies (200-level or above), BIO 347, 432, CLAS 231, ECON 337, PSY 334, 374, THEO 334, 437. A minor in an appropriately related field of study may be included.

Minor in philosophy: 18 semester hours, including PHIL 232, 335, and 336.

PHILOSOPHY

PHIL 131. Introduction to Philosophy (3:3:0)
An introduction to the nature of philosophical reflection through a historical and topical study of the major issues of western philosophy. The course considers the various positions that have been taken on these issues in the past and their relevance to contemporary concerns.

PHIL 231. Contemporary Moral Problems (3:3:0)
A survey of contemporary moral problems viewed from both theological and philosophical perspectives. Topics covered will be selected from the following: ethics of sex and human sexuality, just war theory, the nature and meaning of work, theories of tolerance, theories of justice and human rights, issues in business ethics, and issues in medical ethics.

PHIL 232. Logic (3:3:0)
An introductory systematic study of the principles of correct reasoning, divided equally between informal and formal logic, including an introduction to modern symbolic logic.

PHIL 237. Philosophy in Literature (3:3:0)
An examination of various philosophical positions concerning the nature and meaning of human existence, value judgments, and metaphysical beliefs, through a careful selection of readings from representative literature. Open to first year students with consent of instructor.

PHIL 331. Environmental Ethics (3:3:0)
A study of environmental ethics focusing on various positions ranging from those which are anthropocentric to more biocentric positions. Fundamental questions regarding our relationship to the natural world and future generations and the basis for and scope of our responsibility will be dealt with in the context of ethical theories. Prerequisite: Phil 131 or 231, or consent of instructor.

PHIL 332. Gender in Political Theory (3:3:0)
An examination of the understanding of gender in western political thought that includes ancient, medieval, and modern philosophers and playwrights. Includes a study of the major disagreements among contemporary feminists, and the philosophic ideas that underlie such disagreements. (Also offered as POLS 335.)

PHIL 333. Ethics: Theory and Practice (3:3:0)
An examination of various theories and concepts of morality and of the distinctive character of moral issues and moral judgments. These theoretical concerns will be applied to representative contemporary moral issues. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 334. Knowledge and the Philosophy of Science (3:3:0)
An examination of the issues and problems of the philosophy of science, including the nature of science, its methodology, and its relationship to values questions. Related matters in the theory of knowledge will be considered, such as the issues of skepticism, truth, perception, belief, and knowledge of the world and other minds. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 or 232 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 335. History of Philosophy I (3:3:0)
A study of western philosophical ideas as they developed in ancient and medieval thought with emphasis on the major figures from Presocratics, Plato, and Aristotle through Thomas Aquinas. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 336. History of Philosophy II (3:3:0)
A study of western philosophical ideas as they developed from the early modern period through the late eighteenth century. Emphasis is on major figures from Descartes and Hobbes through Kant. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 338. Philosophy of Religion (3:3:0)
A study of philosophical analysis of the nature and grounds of religious belief, its conceptual framework and language, with an examination of traditional problems and recent developments.

PHIL 339. Political Philosophy (3:3:0)
A study of classical and modern theories of politics, such as those of Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Luther, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Marx. (Also offered as POLS 339.) Prerequisite: Junior standing.

PHIL 371. Bioethics (3:3:0)
An examination of the moral dilemmas and ethical reflections precipitated by advances in medical technology. Topic areas include genetics, abortion, death and dying, allocation of health care resources, and the physician-patient relationship. Extensive use of case studies. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

PHIL 379. Special Topic (3:3:0)
Discussion of a limited topic or topics in philosophy. Primarily for juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit when topics are changed. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 410, 420, 430. Independent Study (X:X:X)
The philosophy major or minor may pursue an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. One to three hours credit.

PHIL 432. Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Philosophy (3:3:0)
A study of selected major figures and topics in philosophy over the past two centuries. Beginning with German idealism, the course will include representatives of various philosophical developments, including in the twentieth century both the Anglo- American and Continental traditions. Prerequisite: PHIL 131 and 336 or consent of instructor.

PHIL 434. Senior Seminar (3:X:0)
The senior seminar is intended as a capstone to help philosophy majors integrate and explore the vocational implications of what they have learned in philosophy through a course structured around the subdisciplines of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and the history of philosophy. The class will culminate in a documented paper and presentation. Required of all seniors who plan to graduate with a major in philosophy. Offered every spring.

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