University of Calgary : Philosophy PHIL

Philosophy PHIL

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities.

Department Head – A. Kazmi

Illustrative Philosophy Course Groupings

This listing is provided to assist students in their selection of related groups of Philosophy courses. Detailed descriptions of all courses and sections of courses may be obtained from the Department Office.

Introductory:
201, 249†, 259, 275†, 279†

History of Philosophy:
301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 401, 403, 405, 407, 411, 501, 505, 507, 609

Moral Philosophy:
249†, 313†, 329†, 345, 347, 397, 449, 451, 547, 549, 649

Legal Philosophy, and Social and Political Philosophy:
313†, 325, 329†, 425, 453, 525, 553, 653

Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind:
383, 395, 407†, 423, 483, 523, 583, 623, 683

Logic:
275†, 279†, 377, 379, 479, 579, 679

Philosophy of Logic, Philosophy of Language:
307†, 407†, 471, 571, 671, 691

Epistemology and Philosophy of Science:
361, 367, 461, 467, 517, 561, 565, 567, 661, 667

Other Courses:
315, 317, 331, 333, 335, 337, 409, 435, 499, 527, 589, 595, 590, 597, 599, 601, 627

†Courses which appear in more than one category.

Junior Courses

Note: Philosophy 201 , 249 , 275 and 279 have no prerequisites and may be taken in any order, except that 275 is not open to students with credit in 279.

Philosophy 201

Mind, Matter and God

Provides an introduction to philosophy through the discussion of selected topics such as skepticism, perception, personal identity, free will and determinism, God.
Course Hours: H(3-1T)

Philosophy 249

Morality, Virtue and Society

Provides an introduction to philosophy through the discussion of morality, virtue and the role of morality in society.
Course Hours: H(3-1T)

Philosophy 259

Sex, Love and Death

Topics to be addressed may include the nature of sex, love, and death, the relation between sex and love, sexual ethics, sexual perversion, sexual harassment and pornography, abortion, suicide, euthanasia and the value of life.
Course Hours: H (3-1T)

Philosophy 275

Scientific and Critical Reasoning

Students will develop their critical thinking skills by learning how to analyze logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, from everyday discourse to scientific reports.
Course Hours: H(3-1T)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 279 or 377 .

Philosophy 279

Logic I

Sentential and first-order logic from both deductive and semantic points of view. Some elementary metatheorems.
Course Hours: H(3-1T)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 377 .

Senior Courses Note: Senior courses will not necessarily be taught in every academic year, but will be available in accordance with student requirements and the availability of staff. The Department will normally offer two of Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 each academic year.

Philosophy 301

The Classical Period

An introduction to Philosophy through the study of a period in its history. A selection of philosophers from the Pre-Socratics, through Plato and Aristotle, to the Hellenistic and Roman philosophers will be discussed.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 303

The Medieval and Renaissance Period

An introduction to Philosophy through the study of a period in its history. A selection of philosophers from Augustine to Montaigne, such as Boethius, Abelard, Ibn Rushd, Maimonides, Aquinas, Ockham, and Erasmus will be discussed.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 305

The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

An introduction to Philosophy through the study of a period in its history. A selection of philosophers from Descartes to Kant will be discussed.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 307

Nineteenth or Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy

An introduction to Philosophy through the study of a period in its history. A selection of philosophers from Mill to Quine, such as Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Ayer, Camap, Austin James, Dewey and Peirce will be discussed.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 309

Nineteenth Century European Philosophy

A study of some of the major currents in nineteenth-century European philosophy. Central figures in this tradition include Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Feuerbach, Marx, Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. The particular works and authors studied may vary from year to year.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 369)

Philosophy 311

Twentieth-Century European Philosophy

A study of some of the major currents in twentieth-century European philosophy. Central figures in this tradition include Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Adorno, Marcuse, Habermas, Foucault, Derrida, Kristeva and Irigaray. The particular works and authors studied may vary from year to year.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 469)

Philosophy 313

Bioethics

A critical and analytical examination of ethical and legal problems arising in and about health care. Issues to be considered may include euthanasia, abortion, the conditions for the withdrawal of treatment, the physician-patient relationship, research on human subjects, genetic engineering. The practical applications of ethical and legal theory are emphasized. Students with a background or special interest in the biological and medical sciences, health care, or medical jurisprudence may find this course particularly helpful.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 315

Philosophy in Literature

Designed to acquaint the student with various philosophical problems, theories and points of view as these find expression in works of literature from classical times to the present. Authors to be studied may range from Homer to Orwell and Huxley. In years when the course is offered a course outline giving authors and aspects of philosophy to be treated will be available from the Department office.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 317

Philosophy and Film

Designed to acquaint the student with various philosophical problems, theories and points of view as these find expression in works of film.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 325

Law and Morality

An introduction to legal and political philosophy. Topics studied may include the relation between law and morality, the nature of legal authority and political and social theory. For prospective law students and for undergraduates who want to increase their understanding of the character and role of law in a society.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 319.

Philosophy 329

Business Ethics

A critical and analytical examination of some central moral problems that arise in and for business. Emphasis throughout the course will be placed not only on the details of the particular problems studied but also on the conceptual and other tools needed to understand and resolve or solve such problems. Topics to be discussed will include the moral responsibilities and rights of corporations and their officers, codes of business ethics, and conflicts of responsibilities and rights.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 331

Philosophy of Religion

A philosophical examination of the fundamental concepts of religious thinking.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 205 or a previous course in Philosophy or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 333

Philosophy and Art

An examination of the criteria and concepts employed in aesthetic evaluation.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 335

Asian Philosophy

This course considers traditional philosophical topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, and environmental philosophy as they are dealt with in Asian traditions or texts, as well as topics that are more specific to Asian traditions, such as actionless action, sagehood, karma, rebirth, enlightenment/liberation, egoism, and attachment.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 337

Philosophy, Feminism and Gender

Study of social and political issues arising from philosophical considerations of gender including the intersection of gender and race. Particular attention will be paid to feminist analyses of gender. Topics may include feminist methodology as well as gender issues in such areas as knowledge and science, language, ethics and political theory.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 345

Issues in Environmental Ethics

A philosophical examination of selected issues concerning how human beings ought to conduct themselves in relation to other living species and the natural environment. Topics may include: obligations to future generations; animal liberation theories; population policy; pollution; the value of species diversity and species preservation; biocentric and holistic ethical theories of environment; ethical dimension of environmental policy formation.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 447)

Philosophy 347

Contemporary Moral Problems

A critical and analytical examination of some current moral issues. Topics to be investigated may include: authority, religion in society, suicide, sexual morality, abortion, the legal enforcement of morality, justice.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 361

Evidence

An investigation of philosophical perspectives on evidence. Topics may include the nature of evidence, whether and how much evidence is required for reasonable belief and action, what sort of evidence might be required for moral, scientific, religious, or mathematical belief, and the role of evidence in medical, legal, political, and social contexts.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 367

Science and Philosophy

For students in any discipline who would like to understand some of the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry. Topics will include scientific explanation, theory, prediction and confirmation.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Philosophy 377

Elementary Formal Logic

Sentential and first-order logic, with identity and descriptions, from both deductive and semantic points of view. Completeness, compactness, decidability for sentential logic.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 279 .

Philosophy 379

Logic II

Introduction to the metatheory of logical systems. Completeness, compactness, Löwenheim-Skolem, and undecidability theorems for first-order logic. Preview of non-standard models, second-order logic, and Göedel's first incompleteness theorem.

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 279 or 377 or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 383

Philosophy and Psychology

A study of topics such as: thought, emotions, action and the will, mind-body identity, personal identity, and theories about the nature of mind.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 381.

Philosophy 395

Mind and World

An intensive study of selected topics in philosophy of mind, metaphysics and epistemology. Intended for philosophy majors, including students in the history and philosophy of science programme.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or higher in Philosophy or in History and Philosophy of Science; or consent of the department.

Philosophy 397

Value Theory

An intensive study of selected topics in value theory. Intended for philosophy majors, including majors in the religious studies and applied ethics programme.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing in Philosophy or in Religious Studies and Applied Ethics; or consent of the department.

Philosophy 399

Topics in Philosophy

A detailed examination of a topic or tradition in European or Anglo-American philosophy. In years when the course is being offered a detailed course outline giving the topic or tradition to be discussed will be available.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 401

A Classical Philosopher

A study of the writings of a philosopher from the classical period.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in philosophy one of which must be Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 , 307 , 309 or 311 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 403

A Medieval or Renaissance Philosopher

A study of the writings of a philosopher from the medieval or renaissance period.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy one of which must be Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 , 307 , 309 or 311 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 405

A Seventeenth or Eighteenth Century Philosopher

A study of the writings of a seventeenth or eighteenth century philosopher.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 , 307 , 309 or 311 ; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 407

A Nineteenth or Twentieth Century Philosopher

A study of the writings of a nineteenth or twentieth century philosopher.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 , 307 , 309 or 311 ; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 411

Topics in the History of Philosophy

An investigation of a historical theme or movement in philosophy.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy one of which must be Philosophy 301 , 303 , 305 , 307 , 309 or 311 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 423

Metaphysics

An examination of some central topics in metaphysics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course and one of which must be 201 or 395; or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 421.

Philosophy 425

Philosophy of Law

An investigation of philosophical accounts of the nature of law and legal systems. Acquaints the student with central positions in jurisprudence, such as natural law, legal realism and legal positivism; and relations between law and morality.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course and one of which must be Philosophy 249 or 397 ; or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 319.

Philosophy 449

Contemporary Meta-Ethics

A study of recent theories about the meaning of moral terms, the nature of moral reasoning, and the relations between facts and values. Theories to be studied may include naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism, prescriptivism, and nihilism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course, and one of which must be Philosophy 249 or 397 ; or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 451

Contemporary Ethical Theories

A detailed investigation of some central normative ethical theories, including utilitarian, contractarian, and deontological theories.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy at least one of which must be at the 300 level or higher and one of which must be either Philosophy 249 or 397 ; or consent of the department.
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 349)

Philosophy 453

Social and Political Philosophy

A study of fundamental issues in social and political thought. Topics which may be studied include: rights, justice, authority, equality, freedom, democracy, property, liberalism, communitarianism, socialism, and Marxism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course and one of which must be Philosophy 249 or 397 ; or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 461

Epistemology

An examination of some central topics in the theory of knowledge.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course and one of which must be Philosophy 201 or 395 ; or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 463.

Philosophy 467

Problems in the Philosophy of Science

An examination of the central methodological and foundational issues arising in the sciences.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy one of which must be Philosophy 275 , 279 or 377 and one of which must be Philosophy 201 or 395 ; or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 471

Philosophy of Language

An examination of some central topics in the philosophy of language.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 279 or 377 , or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 371)

Philosophy 473

Philosophy of Logic

An examination of some central topics in the philosophy of logic.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 279 or 377 , or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 479

Logic III

Advanced metatheory for logical systems. Gödel's incompleteness theorems, models of arithmetic, and definability.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 379 or consent of the Department.

Philosophy 483

Philosophy of Mind

An examination of some central topics in the philosophy of mind.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a 300 or higher level course and one of which must be Philosophy 201 or 395 ; or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Philosophy 481.

Philosophy 499

Topics in Philosophy

An intensive study of a selected topic in Philosophy
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which is at the 300 level, or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 409)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 501

Advanced Topics in Ancient Philosophy

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be a course in the History of Philosophy and one of which must be a 400 or higher level course; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 503

Advanced Topics in Medieval Philosophy

Philosophy 505

Advanced Topics in Modern Philosophy

Philosophy 507

Advanced Topics in 19th or 20th Century Philosophy

An investigation of central issues in 19th and 20th century philosophy.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in philosophy at least one of which must be a course in the History of Philosophy and at least one of which must be at the 400 level; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 517

Advanced Topics in the History and Philosophy of Science

An intensive investigation of one or more issues in the history and philosophy of science.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 201 , 395 , 421, 423 , 461 , 463, 467 , 481 or 483 and one of which must be a 400 or higher level course; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 519

Formal Semantics of Natural Language

Central issues in the logical semantics of natural language, focusing on topics such as quantification, scope, and the interpretation of pronouns.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 279 or 377 or consent of the Department. Philosophy 371 or Linguistics 319 recommended.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Linguistics 509.
Also known as: (Linguistics 519 )

Philosophy 523

Advanced Topics in Metaphysics

An investigation of one or more issues in metaphysics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in philosophy at least one of which must be at the 400 level and one of which must be one of Philosophy 201 , 395 , 421, 423 , 461 , 463, 467 , 481, or 483 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 525

Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Law

An intensive investigation of one or more issues in the philosophy of law.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 249 , 397 , 425 , 449 or 453 and at least one of which must be a 400 level or higher; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 527

Advanced Topics in the Philosophy of Religion

An investigation of one or more issues in the philosophy of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy at least one of which must be at the 400 level; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 547

Advanced Topics in Applied Ethics

An intensive investigation of one or more issues in applied ethics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 249 , 397 , 425 , 449 or 453 and at least one of which must be a 400 level or higher; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 549

Advanced Topics in Ethics

An intensive investigation of one or more issues in normative ethical theory or meta-ethics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be Philosophy 249 , 397 , 425 , 449 or 453 and at least one of which must be a 400 level or higher; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 553

Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy

An intensive investigation of one or more issues in political philosophy.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be 249, 397, 425, 449 or 453 and at least one of which must be a 400 level or higher; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 561

Advanced Topics in Epistemology

An investigation of one or more issues in epistemology
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy at least one of which must be at the 400 level and one of which must be one of Philosophy 201 , 395 , 421, 423 , 461 , 463, 467 , 481 or 483 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 565

Philosophical Topics in the Sciences

A study of philosophical issues arising in a particular area of science. Possible topics include philosophy of biology, philosophy of social sciences, and philosophy of physics. Consult Department for specific topic in a given semester.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Notes: This course is intended for students who have already done advanced work either in philosophy or in one of the sciences.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 567

Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Science

An intensive study of one or more issues in the philosophy of science.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be 201 , 395, 421, 423, 461, 463, 467, 481 or 483 and one of which must be a 400 or higher level course; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 571

Advanced Topis in Philosophy of Logic and Philosophy of Language

An intensive study of one or more issues in the philosophy of logic or language
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, one of which must be either Philosophy 279 or 377 , and one of which must be a 400 or higher level course; or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 579

Advanced Topics in Logic

An investigation of one or more issues in logic.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 279 or 377 ; or consent of the department
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 583

Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Mind

An investigation of one or more issues in philosophy of mind
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in philosophy at least one of which must be at the 400 level and one of which must be one of Philosophy 201 , 395 , 421, 423 , 461 , 463, 467 , 481 or 483 ; or consent of the department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 590

Honours Thesis

Course Hours: F(0-3)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Honours program and consent of the Department.

Philosophy 595

Directed Reading

Directed reading for students in their third or fourth years. This course is intended primarily for Majors and Honours students, but is open to others.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Students wishing to register in this course must first consult with the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Philosophy 597

Honours Seminar

Course Hours: H(0-4S)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Corequisite(s): Philosophy 590 .
Notes: Students wishing to register in this course must first consult with the Department

Philosophy 599

Advanced Topics in Philosophy

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Two previous courses in Philosophy, at least one of which must be at the 400 level or above; or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Philosophy 589)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Graduate Courses

With the exception of Philosophy 590 and Philosophy 595 , courses numbered 500-599 may be taken for credit in the Graduate program in Philosophy. Details of the specific topics to be taught in all 600-level courses in Philosophy will be announced in the Department brochure and, when possible, in the Schedule of Classes.

Philosophy 601

Seminar in Selected Problems