Philosophy

This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Three broad themes that are central to understanding political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). The way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are examined throughout the course.

The study of classical ethics texts by Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and many others. Examination of some contemporary moral issues.  We will approach these topics by looking at the foundations of moral beliefs in meta-ethics; ancient, classical, and contemporary approaches to normative ethical theories; and the application of normative theories to current ethical issues.

An investigation into human life's moral and ethical dimensions. Among the topics to be considered are the general process of moral decision-making and the norms of morality. Traditional natural law will be one of the points of view included.