CORE

PHI 105 Logic and Knowledge (3 crs)
Introduction to the fundamentals of critical reasoning (e.g.: the structure
of deductive and inductive arguments; fallacies; the square of opposition and categorical syllogisms) and the ways in which critical reasoning integrates with the basic questions and positions in the philosophy of knowledge.

PHI 205 Philosophy of the Human Person (3 crs)
A philosophical study of the human person as a being who, while embodied in nature, is capable of rationally knowing, freely choosing and creatively acting as a unique individual open to communion with others and with the Transcendent. Prerequisite: PHI 105.

PHI 305 Ethics (3 crs)
How ought human beings live in society? Study of the nature, types and criteria of values, with an in-depth study of ethical principles and their applications to certain contemporary moral problems, e.g., abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war and peace. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and PHI 205.

THEMATIC AND HISTORICAL PHILOSOPHY

PHI 213 Aesthetics (3 crs)
Philosophical analysis of the aesthetic, its foundation in human experience, its role in works of art, its relation to imagination and conceptual thought as explicated in major philosophies of art. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 214 Philosophy of Religion (3 crs)
A philosophical investigation of religion, its language and concepts, especially as it has developed historically in the West, and has been confronted by the phenomenon of contemporary atheism. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 225 Eastern Patterns of Thought (3 crs)
A study of the doctrines, ideals and practices advanced by Eastern traditions of thought such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 240 Philosophy of Peace and Justice (3 crs)
An introduction to the study of peace and justice in an age of conflict and widespread inequities. The course draws upon the enduring wisdom of philosophical reflection, the rich tradition of Jesuit education and the developing insights of contemporary thought to uncover the roots of peace, justice and their opposites. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 246 Philosophical Foundations of Capitalism (3 crs)
A philosophical study of capitalism in its historical roots, such as John Locke and Adam Smith; a critical evaluation as seen through the eyes of modern interpreters. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 250 Philosophy of Jesuit Education (3 crs)
An historical and philosophical overview of the Jesuit system of education; includes study of developmental theories of university age students, a consideration of the characteristics and principles of the Ignatian world vision as applied to the academic process, and an evaluation of the authenticity of the Ignatian vision in Wheeling Jesuit University practice. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 251 Philosophy and Human Creativity (3 crs)
Study of the root, scope and fundamental role of human creativity as the means to intervene in the structure and direction of the world; the implications of this for education, laws, social arrangements. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 253 Philosophy and Personal Development (3 crs)
Study of the correlation between ethical theory and concepts of personal development, e.g., those of Erickson, Kohlberg and Fowler. The purpose of the course is to provide the students with a normative basis for evaluating the claims of the developmentalists, and to stimulate them to evaluate the direction of their own lives. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 254 Philosophy of Law (3 crs)
This course examines the meanings, bases, purposes, sources, implications and types of law. Questions addressed include: What is legal positivism and merepenalism? Are law and morality related? Are civil laws necessarily just? Can civil disobedience ever be justified? How are law and authority connected? Upon what conditions does the legislative process depend? Should judges make laws?

PHI 260 Reason and Faith (3 crs)
This course is intended to introduce students to philosophy and theology through a guided exploration of selected topics of philosophical and theological interest. With the help of Web resources, including the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, students will become familiar with several terms and concepts used in philosophical and theological discourse, and will have ample opportunity to employ them in on-line discussions of various important issues.

PHI 295 Women and Philosophy (3crs)
A philosophical investigation of the historical and contemporary meaning of being woman with an emphasis on the inherent dignity of womanhood. The course will also consider contributions of selected women to philosophical scholarship.

PHI 302 Society, Ethics and Technology (3 crs)
This course begins with a history of the philosophy of technology in order to understand the ethical values that characterize the development of technology. With this background, the course defines a model for the ethical assesment of technological invention and innovation, and then applies that model to evaluate specific issues relevant to the complex interrelationships between political economy, public policy and cultural change.

PHI 306 Philosophy and History of Sports (3 crs)
The philosophical and historical roots of organized sports are traced from the Greek and Roman civilizations through to sport in Western society. The course treats sport both as activity and as a phenomenon which assists in defining culture. Prerequisite: Second year standing.

PHI 307-309 Metaphysics
Claims, methods and limits of metaphysics. A study of the issues of transcendence, causality, the categories, space and time and the human condition, with emphasis on textual study.

PHI 307 Metaphysics I: Ancient (3 crs)
Thinkers to be considered include the Pre-Socratics, Plato and Aristotle. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 308 Metaphysics II: Medieval (3 crs)
Thinkers to be considered include Plotinus, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

PHI 309 Metaphysics III: Modern (3 crs)
Thinkers to be considered include Descartes, Hume, Kant and Hegel. Prerequisites: PHI 105 and 205.

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