Language and the nature of meaning, the search for a philosophical method, and the limits of logic and of what can be thought—these are the central topics that drove the pioneers of analytic philosophy. We shall explore these themes through classic readings by some of the major figures of the tradition: Gottlob Frege, Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Rudolf Carnap, and W.V. Quine.

Spring semester. Professor George

How to handle overenrollment: In case of over-enrollment, priority will be given to majors and seniors.

Are we free? Do we possess the freedom necessary for moral responsibility? What form of freedom is necessary for moral responsibility? Is this freedom compatible with causal determinism? To be morally responsible for an action, must its agent have been able to act otherwise? Must she have chosen her own character? These are the main questions we shall address in this course. To address them, we shall read works by Hume, Reid, Chisholm, Ayer, Strawson, Frankfurt, Nagel, and others.

Limited to 25 students. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy. Spring semester. Professor Shah.

Why should we be morally good? Is there anything to be said in a principled way about the nature of right and wrong? This course will examine three central traditions in ethical philosophy in the West, typified by John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, and Aristotle. We will also look at criticisms of morality in Nietzsche, Iris Murdoch, and several contemporary philosophers. Throughout, our discussions will investigate the nature of value, happiness, love, and friendship.

Limited to 25 students. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy. Spring semester. Professor Hasan. 

A man named Socrates lived in Athens, Greece, during the 5th century BCE. He was tried on grounds of impiety and corruption of the young, found guilty by a jury of approximately 500 of his fellow Athenians, and executed.

In this course, we will consider philosophical questions about the nature and "normativity" of law - questions such as: What is law? What does it mean to live under the "rule of law"? What is the relationship between law and morality? Do we have an obligation to obey the law and, if so, why? What, if anything, legitimates the use of force to punish those who transgress the law? Is it possible to have law without an enforcement mechanism, for instance in the international context? What does it mean to speak about human rights?

A survey of European philosophy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries with emphasis on Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. Reading and discussion of selected works of the period.

Limited to 18 students. Spring semester. Assistant Professor Leydon-Hardy. 

How to handle overenrollment: Preference to seniors and Philosophy majors.

This is an introduction to philosophy that explores a range of issues pertaining to religious conviction, knowledge, mind, freedom, ethics, and value. This exploration will take place through critical engagement, via reflection, writing, and conversation, with written work – some classical, some contemporary – in the philosophical tradition.

Limited to 20 students.  Fall semester: TBD.  Spring semester: Professors Alexander George (section 01) and Nishiten Shah (section 02).  (T or V).

This is an introduction to philosophy that explores a range of issues pertaining to religious conviction, knowledge, mind, freedom, ethics, and value. This exploration will take place through critical engagement, via reflection, writing, and conversation, with written work – some classical, some contemporary – in the philosophical tradition.

Limited to 20 students.  Fall semester: TBD.  Spring semester: Professors Alexander George (section 01) and Nishiten Shah (section 02).  (T or V).

Research in an area relevant to neuroscience, under the direction of a faculty member, and preparation of a thesis based upon the research.

Spring semester. The Committee.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on independent research and writing.

Research in an area relevant to neuroscience, under the direction of a faculty member, and preparation of a thesis based upon the research.

Spring semester. The Committee.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on independent research and writing.