The Philosophy Department offers basic philosophy courses (such as Introduction to Philosophy and Moral Issues), critical thinking and logic courses, and world-view courses (such as Environmental Ethics, the Philosophy of Religion, and Eastern Philosophy). Each course is designed to transfer to four-year institutions. Some of the course offerings are cross-listed with Women’s Studies. The Logic and Critical Thinking courses satisfy Critical Thinking requirements for the CSU General Education Pattern.
PHIL 2 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course examines fundamental questions of philosophy through discussion of selected philosophers and student ideas. It compares philosophy to common sense, science, and religion, and explores the meaning of self-identity, human freedom, ethical values, immortality, and the existence of God
.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 4 MORAL ISSUES
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course clarifies values in contemporary moral issues such as abortion, sexuality, the right to die, animal rights, and economic justice.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2, E; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 5 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course critically examines views about the moral status of natural objects and non-human animals, and applies these views to issues such as over-population, pollution and global climate change, conservation, and the exploitation of animals. The course includes discussions of anthropocentrism, the land ethic, deep ecology, animal rights, and eco-feminism.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 6 INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
3 units • LG • Three hours lecture
This course introduces the study of formal and informal logic. It relates language to logic, and explores truth, validity, informal fallacies, deduction and formal fallacies, symbolic logic, and formal proof.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area A3; MPC, Area A2
PHIL 8 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course is an introduction to the origins, history, and significant ideas of the world’s major religions. It explores the fundamental insights, ideals, and contributions toward the human moral heritage and wisdom of the oral religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Also offered online.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 10 INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course introduces the techniques and skills of critical thinking. It provides practice in using language clearly; identifying, analyzing, constructing and evaluating deductive and inductive arguments; and exposing common fallacies in everyday reasoning.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area A3; MPC, Area A2
PHIL 12 INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course introduces such topics as the nature and grounds of religious belief, the relation between religion and ethics, the nature and existence of God, the problem of evil, religion and science, religion in public discourse, and religion and cultural criticism.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 13 INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course surveys the major philosophies of India, China, and Japan, and examines such concepts as karma and bondage, liberation, selflessness, meditation, and self-knowledge.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 40 INTRODUCTION TO FEMINIST THEORY
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
This course encourages students to reflect on historical and present day images of women and men through readings in philosophy, psychology, and history by both male and female authors. It engages students in critical analysis of the readings and the changes that the feminist theory has undergone, as well as its relationship to other theories. Also offered as Humanities 40 or Women’s Studies 40; credit may be earned only once.
Also offered online.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Credit transferable: CSU, UC
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; IGETC, Area 3B; MPC, Area C
PHIL 54 WOMEN AND RELIGION
3 units • LG-P/NP • Three hours lecture
An exploration of the influence of religious ritual, symbol and theology on women’s lives with consideration given to the development of feminist spirituality. Also offered as Women’s Studies 54; credit may be earned only once.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 111 or ENSL 110 Credit transferable: CSU
General Ed. Credit: CSU, Area C2; MPC, Area C