Introduces some of the basic problems of philosophy, including the validity and limits of human knowledge, the order and disorder in the universe and in the human situation, the existence of God, and human happiness and virtue. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

A study of the major ethical theories from the ancient Greeks to the present. Also a study of the main challenges to ethics, particularly ethical relativism and ethical egoism. Although there will be efforts to show how the theories apply to specific moral dilemmas, the emphasis will be on the theoretical issues of the different ways to understand the basis of moral authority, the nature of the moral point of view, and the moral institutions of social life. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

Introduces pivotal texts in the history of political thought, exploring the nature of society and of legitimate and illegitimate forms of government. In examining these texts, students will also consider the natures of justice and equality, of authority and power, as well as the relations between the individual and the state. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

Provides the student with an opportunity to investigate a special topic in philosophy in some depth. The course makes use of primary philosophical texts along with current scholarship. Some of the topics that will be offered under this course designation will be problems in ethical theory; the philosophy of religion; existentialist themes; and problems of knowledge and reality. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

Surveys the history of philosophical thought from its beginnings in Ancient Greece through the Medieval period, including the thought of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas. Among the issues discussed will be the relation of religious piety and human reason, the nature of virtue and happiness, the existence of God and the nature of reality. Considers how, in Augustine's words, philosophy is "faith seeking understanding." This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

Surveys the history of philosophical thought from the Renaissance until the 19th century. Considers how the phenomena of the emerging natural sciences and religious and political conflict influence the tenor of modern philosophy. Among the issues discussed will be the nature of knowledge and human nature and the distinctively modern quest for non-religious foundations for human society. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.

Under faculty direction, students engage in directed readings and tutorials that lead to the production of a major research paper that involves analysis of primary and secondary works. This course can be used to satisfy University Studies requirements.