What is rationality? We will be addressing this question by closely reading two (relatively) new books on the topic: John Broome's "Rationality Through Reasoning" and Benjamin Kiesewetter's "The Normativity of Rationality". Among the many questions we will consider and discuss are: what are normativity, rationality, and reasoning? Ought we to be rational and if so, why? Is there, and if so what is, the difference between theoretical and practical reasoning? What are reasons and what is the connection between reasons and rationality?

This is a seminar on the metaphysics of free will. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the idea that agent causation plays a crucial role in solving the problem of freedom and determinism, and some writers have been exploring the possibility of combining agent causation with compatibilism. In this course we will examine some of the recent literature on these and related topics.

Introduction to contemporary methods in philosophical research and writing.

The goal of this course to develop a piece of philosophical writing from an initial draft into a polished piece of philosophical work. The instructor and student must agree on the paper to work on at the beginning of the practicum, which in many cases will be a past term paper written for another course which the student has received good feedback on, but still requires improvement. The student and faculty member will meet to discuss drafts of the paper and ways to improve it, including doing additional research, refining the philosophical argumentation, and improving the writing.

Not available at this time

See Department Website for Description.

We investigate one of the following topics in depth. The computational model, the problem of naturalizing intentionality, internalism vs. externalism, the problem of naturalizing conscious experience, the relation between perception and cognition.

Critical analysis of structure of scientific method and language of science, respective roles of induction and deduction in science, and the status of theoretical terms.

Elementary metamathematics. Completeness and Lowenhein-Skolem theorems. Elementary number theory. Godel's incompleteness theorems. Prerequisite for undergraduates: PHIL 310, or consent of the instructor.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.