Philosophy (PHIL)

This course provides a general introduction to the study of philosophy, including analysis of the soundness of arguments. Terms are precisely defined, and topics of contemporary relevance are explored.

Throughout history and across civilizations, religion has been a defining force in culture, art and politics. In this course, students examine the fundamental concepts and beliefs of the world’s major religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Taoism. Students also discover the influence of religion on contemporary social, cultural and political dynamics.

This course introduces students to aesthetics as a branch of modern philosophy. Aesthetic investigation applies the basic analytical tools of philosophy to traditional concepts, arguments, and theories of beauty and art. The course addresses the issues of the difference between art and non-art, distinctions between good and bad art, the definition of beauty, the function of art and the main classical and contemporary theories of art.