Philosophy (PHIL)

PHIL 101. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 Credits.

Basic problems, concepts, and methods of philosophy.

PHIL 111. Professional Responsibility and Ethics. 3 Credits.

The ethical responsibilities of professionals are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.

PHIL 157. Critical Thinking and Informal Logic. 3 Credits.

Through applied informal logic, students are introduced the elements of reasoning, universal intellectual standards, and intellectual traits through readings, discussions, and practical application activities. By examining evidence and arguments, each student consciously develops the critical thinking concepts, skills, and strategies in learning he or she uses every day.

PHIL 194. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 196. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

PHIL 199. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 210. Ethics. 3 Credits.

Overview of different types of approaches to ethical dilemmas such as theistic ethics, naturalistic ethics, and situational ethics. Covers the ethical issues confronted in personal, public, and professional life.

PHIL 215. Contemporary Moral Issues. 3 Credits.

Many contemporary moral issues, such as the developed world's duties to the developing world, war, ethical technology, and gender issues are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.

PHIL 216. Business Ethics. 3 Credits.

Many of the central moral issues of business, such as consumer rights, advertising, employee rights, and business competition, are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.

PHIL 221. Indian Philosophical Tradition. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the philosophical tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. The course focuses on the major orthodox (astika) schools of Vedic philosophy, Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Yoga, while also discussing the heterodox (nastika) Buddhist, Jain, and Materialist (Carvaka) schools. The course will present the major figures, teachings, and arguments of these schools with a special focus on their metaphysical and ethical views.

PHIL 225. Environmental Ethics. 3 Credits.

An investigation of ethics and the environment, including but not limited to ecofeminism, economics as environmental policy, and deep ecology.

PHIL 257. Traditional Logic. 3 Credits.

Study of the art and science of critical thinking; scientific method emphasized.

PHIL 291. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 292. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

PHIL 294. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 299. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 321. Ancient Philosophy. 3 Credits.

Greco-Roman philosophy from pre-Socratics to the Stoics and Epicureans.

PHIL 322. Medieval Philosophy. 3 Credits.

Western philosophy from St. Augustine to Ockham and Marsilius of Padua.

PHIL 323. Modern Philosophy. 3 Credits.

Western philosophy from Descartes to Kant.

PHIL 324. Contemporary Philosophy. 3 Credits.

An overview of the main philosophical thinkers and positions in the contemporary period.

PHIL 327. Ethics, Engineering, and Technology. 3 Credits.

Students will learn a unique and systematic approach to deal with the ethical issues that are increasingly inherent in technology and engineering practice. Using human morality, this course will examine the emergence of advanced technological systems and how they affect our individual and social behaviors, and in return, how they are affected by those behaviors and our shared and individual morality. Students will examine a broad range of ethical topics in design, sustainability and emerging technologies, professional codes of ethics and case studies. Cross-listed with ENGR 327.

PHIL 352. Knowledge and Reality. 3 Credits.

An extensive overview of the philosophical analysis of knowledge, reality, and associated concepts. In technical terminology, this is the study of Epistemology and Metaphysics.

PHIL 369. Philosophy of Religion. 3 Credits.

An introduction of the philosophical analysis of the core concepts of religion, focusing on the possible existence and nature of God, understood philosophically as the maximally perfect being.

PHIL 379. Global Seminar. 1-6 Credits.

NDSU instructed experience or field study in a foreign country. Conducted in English for residence credit. Pre-requisite: Prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. May be repeated. Standard Grading.

PHIL 391. Seminar. 1-3 Credits.

PHIL 392. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

PHIL 394. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 399. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 450. Metaphysics. 3 Credits.

Historical and systematic philosophical study of fundamental principles of reality, especially as concerns the human person.

PHIL 451. Skepticism and the Possibility of Knowledge. 3 Credits.

A detailed study of the philosophical analyses of skepticism, the nature and possibility of knowledge, and associated concepts. Prereq: PHIL 257.

PHIL 470. Social and Political Philosophy. 3 Credits.

An overview of the key social and political philosophical theories in the western tradition.

PHIL 475. Philosophy of Law. 3 Credits.

Philosophy of law examines the nature of law and law's relationship to other systems of norms, especially ethics and political philosophy. It asks questions such as "What is the basis of law?", "How should laws be interpreted?", "What is the relationship between law and morality?", and "What is justice?".

PHIL 486. Philosophy & Literature. 3 Credits.

Philosophical elements of selected works from Western literature, such as those of Dante, More, Milton, and Newman. Prereq: PHIL 101.

PHIL 487. Aesthetics. 3 Credits.

Principles of aesthetics as revealed by artists, writers, and philosophers.

PHIL 491. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 491H. Seminar. 3 Credits.

PHIL 492. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

PHIL 494. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 496. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

PHIL 499. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

PHIL 625. Environmental Ethics. 3 Credits.

An investigation of ethics and the environment, including but not limited to ecofeminism, economics as environmental policy, and deep ecology. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see PHIL 425.}.

PHIL 899. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-15 Credits.