Religion:

R 201D, INTRO TO WORLD RELIGIONS: EASTERN (3) An introduction to the major religions of the Far East: Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism and the Buddhism of India, Tibet and Japan (Zen). This course is compara-tive and taught from a broad historical and sociologi-cal perspective, and does not endorse any particular faith tradition. CRN 30809, MWF, 1:00-1:50 pm, Dr. Ken Kirby R 202D, INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (3) An introduction to major world religious traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam), which examines both basic beliefs and ritual practices of each tradition. Origins and histories of these traditions are covered, as well as their contin-ued practice in contemporary society. CRN 30810, TR, 9:30-10:50 am, Dr. Ken Kirby

Philosophy

&

Religious Studies

Spring Term List of Classes

Philosophy Classes:

PHL 101, INTRO; KNOWLEDGE & REALITY

PHL 102, INTRO: PERSONAL MORALITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

PHL 103, INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC

PHL 251, ETHICS

PHL 263, PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

PHL 283, PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

PHL 316, CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY

PHL 350, SOCIAL 7 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

PHL 370, PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

PHL 380, PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

Religion Classes:

R 201D, INTRO TO WORLD RELIGIONS: EASTERN (3)

R 202D, INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (3)

Western Oregon University Bellamy Hall, Humanities Division

345 N. Monmouth Avenue

Monmouth, OR 97361

Division Office: HSS 313

Phone: 503-838-8408

Department Chair: Susan Daniel

Division Chair: Dr. Carol Harding

Spring 2018—2019

Spring Registration Begins:

Monday, February 25, 2019

Spring Classes Begin:

Monday, April 1, 2019

Philosophy:

PHL 101, INTRO TO PHILOSOPHY: KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY (3) This course is an introduction to philosophical reflection on the fundamental nature of reality (assuming that there is such a thing), on our knowledge of it (assuming that we know anything in the first place), and on the justification of that knowledge (assuming that the justification of our knowledge claims is something worth pursuing). CRN 30798, MWF, 10:00-10:50 am, Dr. Ken Kirby CRN 31529, MWF, 11:00-11:50 am, Dr. Ken Kirby PHL 263, PHILOSOPHY OF MIND (3) Is your mind the same thing as your brain? Or is it a sepa-rate thing? Is it simply what your brain does? Or is it something more? This course covers philosophical ques-tions about mental states and the relation of mind to brain. In the Spring of 2019 it will also cover several re-cent attempts to explain the nature of conscious-ness. Topics include dualism and various forms of materi-alism, behaviorism, mind-body identity theories, and functionalism, including the nature and content of mental states. The principal text will be David Chalmers’ (ed.) Philosophy of Mind. Prior experience with philosophy or psychology not required. CRN 31532, MWF, 3:00-3:50 pm, Dr. Ryan Hickerson

“ The unexamined life is not worth living.”

- Socrates

Spring Courses

PHL 283, PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (3) Does God exist? Do many gods exist? Or do no gods exist? What arguments can be used to support or oppose the existence of God(s). If a God exists, what would God be like? All knowing? All powerful? All good? Can one being be all three of these and still allow evil to exist? Can human beings have free will if God is all-knowing? This course will present and analyze the various argu-ments for the existence of God, and some traditional problems associated with God. CRN 30804, TR, 12:30-1:50 pm, Dr. Ken Kirby Note: Three to six hours of lower-division philosophy recommended as background for upper-division courses. PHL 370, PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (3) What is science? Is it objective? Does science really progress? Are there really scientific ‘laws’? This course will investigate theoretical issues of science and scientific methodology, such as scientific explanation, the structure of theories, nature of scientific laws, revolutions in science, and the distinction between observation and theory. It will also include sections on science vs. pseudo-science, and creationism vs. evolution. CRN 31534,MWF, 11:00-11:50 am, Dr. Mark Perlman

PHL 350, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3) In the Spring of 2019, the first half of PHL350 will survey the main political philosophies relevant for establishing western democracies: Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan, and John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government. The second half of the course will be applied to more contemporary justifications of state authority: John Rawls' magisterial Theory of Justice, and Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia, representative of welfarist and libertarian philosophies, respectively. No prerequisites. CRN 31533, TR, 2:00-3:20 pm, Dr. Ryan Hickerson

PHL 380, PHILOSOPHY OF LAW (3) In this course, we will discuss various philosophical problems in and apply philosophical methods to the study of the law. We will discuss the nature of law, the connection between law and morality, the justification of punishment. While we will spend the most time on issues in criminal law, paying particular attention to philosophical problems regarding the excuses of self-defense and the insanity defense, we will also examine philosophical issues in constitutional and private law. We will examine questions of how far basic freedoms are to be tolerated, for example, asking whether pornography, flag-burning, and so-called 'hate speech' are criminal acts or protected by the Constitution. We will examine in particular the issue of a constitutional right to privacy, and briefly deal with philosophical issues in tort and contract law. CRN 31535, MWF, 10:00-10:50, Dr. Mark Perlman