Philosophy (PHIL)

Attempts to identify the types of questions historically central to philosophical inquiry and to show how fundamental philosophical issues are embedded in the ordinary concerns of the other disciplines and everyday life. Through an exploration of the origin and nature of philosophic problems, the course exhibits the value, function, and branches of the discipline and develops the student's analytical, critical and communicative abilities.

Surveys selected classical and contemporary theories of human nature such as: Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Sartre, Skinner and Freud. Special attention will be given to an explication of "person" including intellectual and volitional powers.

Is a course on the philosophy and theology of St. Francis and St. Clare and the intellectual, spiritual, and ministerial tradition they founded. Course topics include the historical and contemporary Franciscan contributions to theology, philosophy, aesthetics, and ministry. The course is designed to actively engages the students in applying the basic academic skills required of USF students: reading, writing, and dialogue and critical thinking.

In this course, we will explore various facets of the Franciscan tradition through discussion on key aspects of the life of Francis of Assisi. In doing so, we will complement our discussion with tenets of spiritual leadership, identifying the ways in which Francis & Clare’s leadership have impacted generations in life’s transforming journey.

Develops a student's ability to critically analyze contemporary philosophical works. The content may center around a theme or a school of philosophy. Attempts will be made to indicate the importance of the philosophical theme or school for understanding contemporary life.

A course in basic ethical theory that provides an overview of the principles and techniques required for rational decision-making especially in the educational domain. It approaches ethics from a philosophical point of view and develops a theory of applied ethics. The course develops reasoning skills needed to understand and apply ethical theories in order to solve moral problems as encountered in case studies regarding educational dilemmas. This course will engage students in philosophical inquiry.

Is a title given to a course which covers broad themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily at non-majors and may be used for general education where approved.

Explores the cosmological theories of the Pre-Socratics and the beginnings of metaphysics and ethics. Then through an analysis of some Platonic dialogues, students will critically examine some key issues in philosophy. Further development of the student's critical thinking will be encouraged through reading and analyzing excerpts from the writings of Aristotle. Implications will be drawn and applications made to life today. Designed for the eager and serious student of philosophy.

Is designed to meet the liberal education requirements for either philosophy or theology. It is able to do this since it touches upon those basic issues at the heart of these disciplines. The course will focus on the relationship of reason and revelation. It is precisely in an examination of this issue that the unique natures of philosophy and theology become evident. Questions concerning the nature of faith, the intelligibility of reality, nature and creation, the nature of God and the relationship between man and God will be examined. These questions are foundation to the understanding of human existence both from a theological and philosophical perspective.

Begins with a review of the metaphysical foundations of ethics and then proceeds to a survey of ethical approaches. Then it will delve into several issues with which our society, our world is struggling. Areas of concern may include: world hunger/poverty, the morality of nuclear war, stewardship of this planet's resources, ethics in the marketplace and medical ethics. Students will practice ethical deliberation and decision-making, applying the various ethical theories.

Involves the study of basic concepts of political philosophy from a historical point of view. Through a comparison with ancient political philosophy, the development of modern political philosophy will be assessed. Topics to be studied include: the nature and purpose of political association; the origin of obligation in natural law, natural rights and historical process; the role of authority, law, and liberty; property, equality and justice. Philosophers to be studied may include Aristotle, Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Burke, and Marx.

Introduces students to several theories of normative ethics: classical, contemporary and specifically environmental. The environmental issues to be studied will be determined in terms of those issues which appear to be most urgent in our world today and also those which appear currently in daily living. Practice in the application of ethical theories, discussion of the attitudes, values and virtues needed by individuals and society in today's world as well as research pertaining to the environmental issues discussed will form the structure and content of the course.

Is designed to acquaint students with some basic approaches to ethics and morality and to equip them with the essential vocabulary to discuss ethical and moral problems/issues. The course also seeks to help students explicate their own ethical/moral code and system of values in order to develop and modify them for practical use in modern society. Various ethical issues, such as suicide, capital punishment, war, abortion, traditional/non-traditional marriage, and euthanasia will be discussed.

Examines major ethical issues in business such as the social responsibilities of a corporation, marketing, truth in advertising, environmental impact, insider trading and corporate takeovers, hiring, discrimination and affirmative action. The course begins with an overview of ethical theories as applied to business. Case studies will be employed.

Is designed to reawaken a sense of wonder concerning the larger questions of life pertaining to reality, the meaning/purpose of life, the definition of the good life, and the meaning of one's human state. By reflecting on these and other philosophical questions, students will become more aware of their own philosophical orientation in modern society. The course will also study great thinkers of the past and present.

Is a title given to a course which covers specific themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily to student majoring in the subject area and could be used to complete major requirements. The course will provide an in-depth study of a specific topic.