A study of contemporary political theories. Topics include the justification of state authority, distributive justice, and communitarian critiques of liberalism.

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.

A survey of selected topics in contemporary analytic philosophy of language, including meaning, reference, naming, truth, speech acts, propositional attitudes, translation, vagueness and the nature of linguistic representation.

Metaphysics is sometimes defined as the branch of philosophy that addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality. In this course we will consider five main topics: (1) causation, (2) freedom and determinism, (3) personal identity, (4) time, and (5) material objects. The aim of the course will be to educate students about some of the main issues, theses, and arguments concerning these topics, so that the students may arrive at their own considered opinions on these matters.

This course is about theories of practical rationality that are central to much work on individual and collective decision making in both philosophy and economic theory?Bayesian Decision Theory, Game Theory, and Social Choice Theory. Our goal will be to look at foundational and philosophical questions that arise when formulating mathematical models of decision making and in trying to apply these models both to predict and make sense of individual and collective decision making.

Not available at this time

Introduction to theories and perspectives on death and the meaning of life as well as their implications for individuals and society. (Gen. Ed. SB, DG)

Introduction to theories and perspectives on death and the meaning of life as well as their implications for individuals and society. (Gen. Ed. SB, DG)

Introduction to theories and perspectives on death and the meaning of life as well as their implications for individuals and society. (Gen. Ed. SB, DG)

Introduction to theories and perspectives on death and the meaning of life as well as their implications for individuals and society. (Gen. Ed. SB, DG)