http://www.whitworth.edu/philosophy
The Whitworth Philosophy Department introduces students to the content and methodology of the discipline of philosophy. While emphasizing the history of philosophy and current philosophical issues, the department’s courses help develop logical-reasoning and critical-thinking skills. The program focuses on both the critical and the constructive aspects of philosophy while encouraging Christian character development and career preparation. The learning outcomes of this major include the following:
Content mastery, including knowledge of the following:
- the history of philosophy, including key authors and texts
- key issues, key questions and major alternatives
- central issues relative to the intersection of philosophy with other disciplines, e.g., philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind
Critical thinking, including the ability to do the following:
Develop analytical skills:
- ability to listen to and analyze various modes of discourse
- ability to read texts carefully
Develop argumentation skills:
- Identify and follow arguments (including the ability to discern fallacies, detect assumptions, identify presuppositions and implications of ideas).
- Construct arguments both orally and in writing – including the ability to assert, explain and justify a position.
Constructive Synthesis:
- Understand worldviews.
- Articulate competing worldviews (with particular exposure to a Christian worldview).
- Recognize worldviews in dispute.
- Develop a personal worldview.
- Develop ability to connect ideas, pulling ideas from various sources to enhance and synthesize.
- Integrate philosophy into one’s personal life.
Christian Character Development:
- Cultivate moral virtues and aid in character development through teaching, modeling and mentoring.
- Expose students to the Christian faith as a viable option for thinking persons.
Career Preparation:
- Prepare some students for law school, seminary, philosophy graduate programs and other liberal arts graduate programs.
- Prepare all students to translate acquired skills into marketable professional competencies.
Courses
| PH 110 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
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The great issues and ideas of philosophical inquiry. Treatment of subjects such as logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy and different world views. Emphasis on both critical and constructive thinking. Fall and spring semesters. |
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| PH 199H Philosophy in the Real World | 3 |
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The purpose of this class is to explicitly explore how some of the most central areas of philosophy interact with different disciplines. In particular, we will be looking at how philosophical concepts and theories may affect one's understanding and handling of non-philosophical problems. In addition, this class will engage the various interdisciplinary discussions within the context of trying to develop various intellectual virtues. Periodic Offering. |
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| PH 201 Logic | 3 |
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The formal nature of logical thought and the informal, practical application of critical thinking to the analysis of arguments. Includes sections on arguments and fallacies in ordinary language, syllogistic arguments and symbolic logic. Fall and spring semester, odd years. |
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| PH 202 Hidd. Assump.: Phil. Behind Why You Do | 3 |
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This course examines how philosophy underlies our deepest beliefs and everyday actions. It includes topics ranging from crucial aspects of our identities, like our moral responsibility or gender or race, to how we evaluate art like the movies we watch, to how we live out the body of Christ. If the unexamined life isn't worth living, then examining our hidden assumptions is one of the best activities we can do. Fulfills the FRCI shared curriculum requirement. Periodic offering. |
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| PH 205 Utopia: Social Order vs. Individual Freedom? | 3 |
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What would an ideal society be like? Inevitably experimental utopias have grappled with attention between two social values: social order or harmony on the one hand and individual freedom on the other. This course explores questions about the nature and value of freedom,the basis for social order or harmony, and whether or how the latter may justify limits to the former. Periodic Offering. |
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| PH 209 The Vices: Virtue and Evil | 3 |
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An examination of several prominent moral vices, particularly the "seven deadly sins," with a view to their apparent attractiveness and inherent self-destructiveness. The investigation proceeds through both theory and case studies in film and short stories. Be aware: includes materials with explicit content. Jan Term, even years. Meets the Faith, Reason and Contemporary Issues requirement of the shared curriculum. |
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| PH 210 The Ten Commandments as Moral Law | 3 |
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An investigation of how a set of 3000-year-old rules can still have relevance and application for our lives. Includes grounding the Decalogue in divine-command theory and virtue theory, understanding the rules' original context and intent, and translating the rules to contemporary daily life. PH 110 and Core 150 helpful but not required. Cross-listed with TH-210. Jan Term, odd years. Meets the Faith, Reason and Contemporary Issues requirement in the shared curriculum. |
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| PH 211 The Philosophy of Forgiveness | 3 |
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Forgiveness is generally thought to be a morally good response to a wrong-doing. This class will examine the nature of forgiveness. What is the relationship between forgiveness and justice? How is forgiving a wrong-doing different from condoning a wrong-doing? Is there such a thing as unconditional forgiveness? PH 110 is helpful but not required. Spring semester, even years. |
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| PH 221 Ethics | 3 |
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The nature of moral judgments and values. Examination of the criteria upon which ethical decision-making is based and the nature of the good life. Cross-listed with TH 221. Fall Semester. Fulfills FRCI for Shared Curriculum. |
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| PH 244 Reasons for Faith | 3 |
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An examination of the rational status of Christian belief. Topics include the relationship between faith and reason, the evidence for God's existence, and the evidence for uniquely Christian doctrines (e.g., the Christ's Resurrection). Also listed as PH 344. Periodic Jan Term offering. |
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| PH 245 Faith and Doubt | 3 |
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What is faith? What is doubt? Are the two compatible, or do they conflict? In this class we will explore the nature of religious faith, the nature of religious doubt, and the relationship between the two. After considering the concepts of faith and doubt, we will consider a number of modern doubts about the Christian faith. Topics include: the lack of evidence for belief in God, the problem of evil, the problem of divine hiddenness, Marxist and Freudian objections to religious belief, the intellectual significance of religious disagreement, the problem of miracles in relation to contemporary science, models of faith and doubt, and strategies for living with doubt. |
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| PH 255 Faith, Philosophy and Science | 3 |
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Are science and religion in conflict? Or is there concord between them? What is the difference between science and non-science, and why does it matter? Does contemporary science rely on philosophical assumptions? If so, what are these assumptions, and in which worldviews can they find a home? What might the history of science teach us about the relationship between science and theology? Do contemporary scientific theories (e.g., evolution) make it irrational to believe in God? Do religious miracle claims conflict with science? Should belief in God be explained away as a trick of the brain? What challenges might contemporary science pose for atheism scientific naturalism? And, how might learning about the structure of scientific theories inform Christian approaches to the problem of religious doubt? The answers to these questions are central to understanding and operating within contemporary Western culture. This course is devoted to addressing them. |
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| PH 255H Faith, Philosophy and Science | 3 |
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Are science and religion in conflict? Or is there concord between them? What is the difference between science and non-science, and why does it matter? Does contemporary science rely on philosophical assumptions? If so, what are these assumptions, and in which worldviews can they find a home? What might the history of science teach us about the relationship between science and theology? Do contemporary scientific theories (e.g., evolution) make it irrational to believe in God? Do religious miracle claims conflict with science? Should belief in God be explained away as a trick of the brain? What challenges might contemporary science pose for atheism scientific naturalism? And, how might learning about the structure of scientific theories inform Christian approaches to the problem of religious doubt? The answers to these questions are central to understanding and operating within contemporary Western culture. This course is devoted to addressing them. |
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| PH 256 Asian Philosophy | 3 |
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A study of the major schools of Asian philosophy, with emphasis on Chinese thought. Spring semester, even years. Also listed as AS 256. |
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| PH 261 C.S. Lewis | 3 |
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The thought of C.S. Lewis, as found in his philosophical, theological and imaginative works, and the interconnections between those works. Critical evaluation of Lewis's ideas and application of those ideas to contemporary issues. Also listed as TH 261. Fall semester. |
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| PH 299 The Meaning of Life | 3 |
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What's the meaning of life? Does human existence have an overarching goal? What should I care most about? How can I make sure I don't waste my life? These are some of the most important questions that anyone can ask, and in this course we will explore them together. To help us do that, we'll draw on the resources of one of the best cities in the world - New York City. During our time in New York, we will have conversations with fascinating people, experience excellent art and architecture, discuss insightful readings, explore the city, and reflect on life's deepest questions. Also listed as TH 299. Offered Jan term, odd years in New York City. |
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| PH 301 Symbolic Logic | 3 |
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This course attempts to formalize the structure of proper logical reasoning through the use of an artificial symbolic language that assists in recognizing proper from improper argumentation. The main goal in this class is to begin mastering this symbolic language with the goal of learning to reason well. We will begin by looking at the nature of propositional statements, the truth-functional connectives they use, and translating statements made in our natural language to this artificial symbolic language. Then we will turn to the construction of arguments. We will learn to recognize valid from invalid arguments by constructing truth-tables to derive valid arguments using universal logical truths. Fall semester, even years. |
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| PH 302 Medical Ethics | 3 |
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Medicine and medical technologies present some of the most difficult ethical questions and scenarios. Given the prevalence and pressing nature of these ethical issues, this course thinks them through carefully and systematically, using our best lenses of ethical theory. |
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| PH 305 History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
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The development of philosophical ideas from the Pre-Socratics to the Middle Ages, using primary source readings. Special emphasis on Plato's and Aristotle's ideas on the major issue of life. Fall semester, even years. |
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| PH 306 History of Modern Philosophy | 3 |
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The development of philosophical ideas from Descartes through the 18th century, using primary source readings. Figures studied include: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibnitz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant. Spring semester, odd years. |
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| PH 307 History of Contemporary Philosophy | 3 |
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The development of philosophical ideas in the 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century Europe and America. Both the Continental and Anglo-American traditions will be explored. Fall semester, odd years. |
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| PH 319H Ethics Bowl | 1 |
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This course constitutes the research and practice leading up to the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, Northwest Regional, in November. It also includes the competition. As a team, students analyze, present on, and argue complex ethical cases. Course can be taken repeatedly for credit. Offered Fall and Spring semesters. |
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| PH 320 Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
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The place of reason in faith. Issues addressed include classical arguments for and against the existence of God, the relationship of faith and reason, and the nature of religious language, miracles and immorality. Recommended prerequisite: Core 250. Spring semester. |
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| PH 321W Ethics-Social/Behavioral Studies | 3 |
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This course focuses on four themes in moral philosophy: The Foundations of morality, Moral knowledge, Moral motivation, and Ethics in real life. The course will apply these ethical themes to topics in social and behavioral fields. Satisfies the Writing-intensive requirement. For continuing studies students only. |
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| PH 329H God, Knowledge, and Language | 3 |
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This course explores a number of issues at the intersection of postmodern thought, theology, and Anglo-American (analytic) philosophy. We'll begin with the question, What is the nature of truth?, a question that is sharply to be distinguished from the following two: . Which claims or propositions are true? . How do we know what is true? After a detailed inquiry regarding the nature of truth, we'll consider the extent to which it's sensible to think that some theological claims are true. In this connection, we'll examine classical and contemporary views of the Divine nature. We'll then proceed to consider postmodern views of knowledge and interpretation, taking Descartes' philosophical project as our backdrop. During this part of the course, we'll examine recent debates between postmodernists and their critics (these debates take place both within and outside of Christian circles). Finally, we'll consider the question, Can Christian belief be reasonable in today's intellectual climate? This inquiry will require a deep investigation of the nature of human rationality and the prospective sources for reasonable belief. Periodic Offering. |
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| PH 336 Social-Political Philosophy | 3 |
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An examination of the nature of justice and the extents of our social obligations. Considers both historical and contemporary sources, the latter including feminist and multicultural thinkers. Covers both theory and particular issues, like just war, economics and justice, rights to free expression, etc. Also counts as a PO elective. Fall semester, even years. Fulfills the FRCI requirement of Shared Curriculum. |
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| PH 340W Knowledge, Power, & Propaganda (epistemology) | 3 |
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The nature and limits of knowledge. Focus on contemporary issues raised in recent books and journals. Recommended prerequisites: PH 305 or PH 306, or CO 250. Fall semester, odd years. |
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| PH 341 Metaphysics | 3 |
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The ultimate nature of reality. Focus on issues raised in recent books and journals. Fall semester, even years. |
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| PH 344 Reasons for Faith | 3 |
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An examination of the rational status of Christian belief. Topics include the relationship between faith and reason, the evidence for God's existence, and the evidence for uniquely Christian doctrines (e.g., the Christ's Resurrection). Also listed as PH 244. Periodic Jan Term. |
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| PH 350 Social and Ethical Issues in Business and Economics | 3 |
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Contemporary social, political, environmental and ethical forces affecting today's business and economic world. Seminar format. Dialogue with top local business, government and union leaders. Fall and spring semesters. |
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| PH 355H Feminist and Multicultural Philosophy Honors | 3 |
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Mainstream Western philosophy faces significant challenges from both feminist and multicultural critics. Those challenges range from exposure of bias in methodology, to critiques of injustice in ethics and politics, to presentation of new theories to rival or replace longstanding conceptions. This course will examine some of the historical development of these critiques and will survey a number of issues covered by those critiques. Prerequisite: Core 250 or a History of Philosophy course. |
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| PH 368 Aesthetics | 3 |
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The nature of art, including purposes and theories of art, connections to beauty and truth and practical life, and moral implications of artworks. Suggested prerequisites: PH 110 or any of AR 260-264. Periodic Offering. |
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| PH 421 Philosophy of Science | 3 |
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An examination of various issues related to scientific methodology. Topics covered include the demarcation of science from pseudoscience, the rationality of induction, scientific explanation and confirmation, scientific laws, the realism/anti-realism debate, rationality and objectivity in science, and the relationship between science and faith. Spring semester, even years. |
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| PH 423W Marxism and the Socialist World | 3 |
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Focus on Marx's critique of capitalism. Later interpretations and application of Marx's theories in a variety of revolutions, from those of the Soviet Union, China, Yugoslavia and Cuba to current upheavals in the socialist world. Also listed as PO 423W. Periodic offering. |
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| PH 425 Philosophy of Mind | 3 |
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An exploration of one of the most actively debated and contentious issues in contemporary philosophy: What is the nature of the human mind? Examines current theories and the relationship to the claims of artificial intelligence, neuropsychology and Christian understandings of human nature, as well as the question of determinism versus free will. Spring semester, odd years. Prerequisite: PH 110 and either PH 196, PH 201, PH 256, PH 261, PH 305 PH 306W or PH 344. |
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| PH 498 Senior Capstone | 1 |
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Writing and discussion intended to give senior students an opportunity to integrate the various strands of their philosophical education and reflect on their future. Fall semester, senior year. |
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Requirements for a Philosophy Minor (15) |
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| 12 |
| CO 250 | Worldview & Role of Reason | 3 |
Requirements for an Ethics Minor (15) |
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| PH 221 | Ethics | 3 |
| CO 350 | Worldview in Policy ,Worldviews in Policy | 3 |
| 3 |
| Medical Ethics | |
| Social and Ethical Issues in Business and Economics | |
| Ethic, Soc & Leg Issues in CS | |
| Media Ethics | |
| Communication Ethics | |
| International Development,Justice and Difference in Contemporary Political Theory | |
| Environmental Ethics | |
| 3 |
| Philosophy in the Real World | |
| Utopia: Social Order vs. Individual Freedom? | |
| the Vices: Virtue and Evil | |
| The Ten Commandments as Moral Law | |
| The Philosophy of Forgiveness | |
| The Meaning of Life | |
| * | 3 |
| Ethics Bowl | |
| Social-Political Philosophy | |
| ,Feminist and Multicultural Philosophy | |
*Additional upper-division courses on the applied ethics list may also count toward this requirement.
Dean of Arts & Sciences
JOHN PELL
Chair
JOSHUE OROZCO
Professors
NATHAN KINGJOSHUE OROZCOKEITH WYMA