Correspondence Directory

Majors and Courses of InstructionPhilosophy348. History of Modern Philosophy (Calef)A study of select philosophers from the modern period (primarily the 17th and 18th centuries),emphasis falls on continental rationalism and British empiricism. The course covers the principalmetaphysical and epistemological doctrines of these approaches up to their attempted reconciliationin Kant’s critical philosophy.349. Nineteenth Century Philosophy (Flynn)A study of major philosophical figures of the 19th century, emphasis falls on the social and moralphilosophy of the century. We will pay special attention to the ideals of autonomy and authenticityin modern life, in light of the recession of traditional sources of authority. Figures covered includeHegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche. 348 strongly recommended as a prerequisite.350. Twentieth Century Philosophy (Flynn)A study of philosophical figures and movements of the twentieth century that have provento shape general trajectories for the future of philosophy. Figures and movements may includelogical positivism, early analytic philosophy, pragmatism and neo-pragmatism, Wittgenstein,ordinary language philosophy, Frankfurt School critical theory, phenomenology, Heidegger, andpost-structuralism. PHIL 348 or 349 strongly recommended as a prerequisite.351. Philosophy of Law (Flynn)A study in three parts of the philosophy of law. First, what is the nature of law and how are webest to understand the law’s interpretation by judges? Second, how are principles of politicalmorality, such as liberty, equality, rights, and privacy, actualized in law? Third, what is the nature ofresponsibility and legal punishment? What, if anything, justifies the practice of legal punishment?In investigating these questions, we will read articles by leading scholars in the philosophy of lawand legal studies.354. Social and Political Philosophy (S. Stone-Mediatore)A historically oriented and historically grounded study of the political theorists whose workforms the foundations of modern Western political cultures. Emphasis on the ways that thesephilosophers’ conceptions of freedom and democracy responded to socio-political conflicts in earlymodern and modern Europe as well as to the continued influence of their notions of freedom anddemocracy today. In addition to philosophical texts, readings will include historical accounts (fromdiverse perspectives) of the social and political transitions that lay the ground for modern Westernsociety, and topics will include the problem of engaging these narratives of modernity critically andreflectively. Likely authors include Thomas More, Hobbes, Locke, and Marx.360. Seminar in Bioethics (Calef)(Not offered 2011-2012)This course construes bioethics broadly to encompass medical ethics, biological research, andhealth-related public policy. Topics covered typically include abortion, infanticide, euthanasia,medical paternalism, obligations of medical personnel to tell the truth, confidentiality, medicalexperimentation and informed consent, genetic control, intervention and research, reproductivetechnology, allocation of medical resources, alternative and complementary therapies, medicalcapitalism, and the right to health care. F.213