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PHILOSOPHY FR. JASON MITCHELL, Ph.D., Chairperson FACULTY: Associate Professors: William Haggerty, Aaron Kerr, Michael Latzer. Assistant Professors: David Nordquest, Fr. Jason Mitchell, Assistant Teaching Professors: Dominic Prianti. Adjunct Faculty: Stephanie Barnhizer, Tyler Perkins, Bryan Prior. Aims and Objectives Philosophy is the love and pursuit of wisdom. An essential part of a person’s education should be the serious and personal exploration of the “ultimate questions”—issues of human nature and human destiny, of how we should live, of the nature of the world around us and of the being and nature of God on whom we are dependent for our existence. Human beings cannot be satisfied with merely knowing the “what” of things happening around them; they want to understand the “why” of the human condition. In studying philosophy students not only experience major philosophers at work on these important human issues, but they also participate in this activity by developing their own skills for creative thinking, rational argument and responsible judgment. Philosophy is studied for its own intrinsic value, since, as Socrates said, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Nevertheless, the study of philosophy can also lead to successful careers as well. It is very suitable preparation for careers in law, journalism, government, politics, teaching, religion and counseling. Students who are majoring in philosophy are obliged to take a minimum of ten upper level courses (30 credits). The following nine courses are obligatory: (a) the entire history of philosophy cycle – PHIL 271: Ancient Philosophy; PHIL 273: Medieval Philosophy; PHIL 280: Modern Philosophy; PHIL 286: Contemporary Philosophy; (b) PHIL 210/212: Logic; (c) PHIL 101: Philosophy and the Good Life; (d) PHIL 233: Philosophy of God; (e) PHIL 237: Philosophy of Ethical Responsibility; (f) PHIL 400: Senior Seminar. Those majoring in philosophy are encouraged to take more than the minimum ten courses, especially if they are intending to continue to work in philosophy in graduate school. Those who are majoring in philosophy, of course, must take the requirements of the Liberal Studies Core Program. Students may have to take beginning and/or intermediate language courses depending on their background. Students will also be encouraged to take a course in a classical language.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS PHIL 101: Philosophy and the Good Life The foundational course Philosophy and the Good Life develops critical thinking, explores the fundamental questions of human existence, and examines ethical living. The course provides students the opportunity to engage the philosophical ideas that have shaped human history and global cultures. Through engagement with the foundational branches of philosophy and ideas of the key philosophers, students will develop critical thinking skills, inquire into existential questions, and reflect on what constitutes a meaningful and good life. 3 credits PHIL 210: Logic An introduction to the theory and practice of good reasoning. Students learn practical techniques for constructing and evaluating arguments, based on both traditional Aristotelian logic and modern formal logic. 3 credits
