This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

Not available at this time

This is a Junior Year Writing course for students majoring in Philosophy. We will analyze several published papers in different areas of philosophy, paying special attention to their structure and construction. Students will then write their own original works of philosophy, responding to one of the papers studied in the class. Students will develop skills in reading and writing academic works, revising, and providing and responding to feedback, as well as developing a longer sustained argument. Students who plan to apply to graduate school may use this class to develop a writing sample.

Not available at this time

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

Not available at this time

Despite the ubiquity of race-talk in everyday life and the damage wreaked by race-thinking throughout history, race is a surprisingly recent topic of debate in philosophy. In this course, we explore what leading philosophers have said about three groups of issues to do with race: -Metaphysics: What is the nature of race? Is race biologically real or socially constructed? -Ethics: What exactly is racism? Does race have anything to do with personal relationships? -Transformation: Should we no longer think about race in society?

In this course, we will strike a balance between discussing a variety of philosophical topics, thinking about what philosophy is and how best to practice it, and putting our theoretical work to practice by doing philosophy with kids in a school together. We'll begin the course by focusing on metaphilosophical and pedagogical readings, putting together a picture of what it is we're doing when we do philosophy and how we can do that best with children. Then we'll take that picture and put it to work, going into an elementary school together to do philosophy with children.

This course examines the varieties of, and arguments for and against, ethical consequentialism -- the theory according to which what one is morally required to do is whatever will bring about the best consequences.