Most courses numbered 101 and below are suitable as first courses in philosophy. The Philosophy program is offered in cooperation with the other Claremont Colleges.
The department is offering the following courses this semester (updated December 5, 2005). For course offerings from other colleges, and for the latest scheduling information, please check the 5C Course Schedule.
1. Problems of Philosophy
A study of selected problems in philosophy, from such areas as ethics, philosophy of religion, theory of knowledge, and metaphysics. Classical and contemporary readings. Lecture and discussion.
» Thielke » Tu/Th 9:35–10:50 » PR 203
30. Knowledge, Mind and Existence Introduction to some of the central issues regarding the nature of knowledge, the mind and reality. Topics include skepticism, the analysis of knowledge, mental causation, dualism, reductive and nonreductive physicalism, proofs for the existence of God, and free will.
33. Social and Political Philosophy Survey of conceptual and normative problems in political and social theory, particularly issues involving freedom, equality, and rights. Readings from Locke, Marx, Rousseau, Mill, Rawls, Nozick, and others.
» Hurley » Mo/We 1:15–2:30 » PR 202
35. Normative Ethics
This course approaches the study of ethics thorugh a focus on principles, problems and applications, rather than (as Ethical Theory does) through the study of classical ethical theories and the foundations of ethics. The course will focus on different problems in different years; e.g., hard cases of J.S. Mill's Harm Principle and the concept of personahood and its role in ethics.
» Davis » Tu/Th 1:15–2:30 » PR 202
41. Medieval Philosophy
A wide variety of medieval philosophers and theologians will be considered, from Anceint philosophy of the Modern Age, including the mystical tradition. Original source readings range from Augustine to Ockham.
» Sontag » Tu/Th 9:35–10:50 » PR 202
42. Modern Philosophy
Major philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries (e.g., Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Leibniz, and Hume), emphasizing their views on metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind. Lecture and discussion.
» Thielke » Tu/Th 1:15–2:30 » PR 101
43. Continental Thought
Beginning with a review of Kant, German idealism (Fichte through Hegel), Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, and Derrida will be considered.
» Erickson » Mo/We 2:45-4:00 » PR 202
PZ 124. Native American Philosophy
» Brian Burkhart » Tu/Th 1:15–2:30 » Pitzer BD 208
PZ 103. Philosophy of Science
Introduction to topics in philosophy of science, including structure of scientific theories, nature of scientific progress, confirmation of scientific hypotheses, and contemporary critiques of science. Prerequisite: Logic, college level science courses, or permission of instructor.
185L. Topics in Epistemology, Metaphysics, and the Philosophy of the Mind An examination of various issues in contemporary epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. Topics may include the nature of consciousness, mental causation, the relationship between the mental and the physical, the nature of epistemic justification, and the status of testimony as a source of knowledge.
This year's seminar will focus on contemporary responses to the skeptical challenge.
185M. Topics: Mind and Language
Introduction to contemporary theories of language, cognition, truth, meaning, mind/body and intentionality. Prerequisite: PHIL 42 or 60, or permission of instructor. Same as LGCS 185M.
» Atlas » Tu/Th 1:15–2:30 » CA 110
185P. Topics: Value Theory
Contemporary treatments of some of the dominant topics in value theory. Egoism, ethical relativism, realism, objectivity, the fact/value distinction and weakness of will. Prerequisite: PHIL 31 or 32, or permission of instructor.
» Hurley » Mo 7:00 p.m.–9:50 p.m. » PR 203
186E. Heidegger and the Tradition
A selective examination of Heidegger’s understanding of poetry, tradition, and truth. Comparisons with Hegel, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and Derrida. Discussion. Spring 2005. [PAC 10]
» Erickson » Mo 7:00 p.m.–9:50 p.m. » PR 202
191. Senior Thesis
Senior exercise for the Philosophy major. A year-long sequence leading to the completion of a thesis supervised by faculty members. Students must enroll in 191 both in the fall and spring semester. A prospectus of the project as well as a substantial annotated bibliography will be due in early December; the final thesis must be submitted to the department in late April. Each semester.
198. Summer Research Projects
Summer reading and research on a topic agreed to by the student and the instructor. Normally, such study involves a set of short papers and/or culminates in a research paper of substantial length. Course or half-course.
Independent Study
Independent reading and research on a topic agreed to by the student and the instructor. Normally, such study involves a set of short papers and/or culminates in a research paper of substantial length. Course or half-course. Each semester.
Pomona College
Department of Philosophy • 551 N. College Ave • Claremont, CA 91711-6355
Tel: 909/607-2921 · Fax: 909/621-8540 · email the department
35. Normative Ethics