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  • 3.00 Credits

    This course deals with major conceptual issues arising in biology, along with their philosophical implications. Topics may include such issues as evolutionary patterns and their explanation; nature-nurture debates; the meaning of 'gene'; and varieties of biological explanation.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Explanation, prediction and methodology in the social and behavioral sciences; the role of values in the social and behavioral sciences; the social policy implications of the social and behavioral sciences.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Feminist philosophy of science has had a major impact on ideas about knowledge, objectivity, biology, and the brain. The relation between feminism and science is complex, as women have traditionally been excluded from scientific institutions and activities, or relegated to subordinate roles. The range of feminist responses to science engages fundamental philosophical questions: How does the ideal of knowledge relate to actual human practices? Is truly objective knowledge possible? What is the relation between the mind and the (sexed) body? Are categories of sex and gender essential ' and what could this mean, given what we know about biology? This course examines central topics and key works in feminist philosophy of science, highlighting the major debates and broader impacts on philosophy and science.
  • 3.00 Credits

    This course surveys issues in the ethics of technology and design. How do technologies transform our lives and communities? What new ethical problems might arise from emerging technologies? How might values and biases become embedded in technologies and the built environment? How might specific technologies further oppression ' or resist it? Discussion may include the ethical dimensions of issues such as: algorithmic bias; creating and training AI; data collection; genetic modification; video game design; surveillance; data-assisted policing; automation; performance enhancing drugs; transhumanism; and the interaction of technology and issues in gender, race, and sexuality. The course is intended both for students in philosophy and ethics and for students involved in creating and designing such technologies.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Exploration of issues in metaphysics and philosophy of mind. Topics include causation, determinism, the nature of consciousness, and the relation of language to thought and the world.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field studying the human mind. Related fields include philosophy, psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and linguistics. This course introduces students to the basic issues in the field and the contributions made by each discipline, especially philosophy of mind. The course can be used as a capstone for the cognitive science minor.
    General Education Course
  • 3.00 Credits

    Philosophical approaches to the nature of right and wrong, moral obligation, the source of moral rights and duties, ultimate moral values, etc.
    General Education Course
  • 3.00 Credits

    Moral issues in business such as justification of market allocation, problem of public goods, duties to consumers and employees, advertising, secrecy, and truth justifications for governmental regulation. Satisfies business ethics requirement for Management, David Eccles School of Business.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Moral issues arising out of advances in biological knowledge and technology, e.g., concerning behavior modification, genetic engineering, euthanasia, abortion, transplants, rights of patients.
    General Education Course
  • 3.00 Credits

    Basic theories of environmental ethics, issues in environmental ethics (e.g., wilderness/species preservation, animal rights, pollution control, development vs. preservation) distributive justice in relation to the environment.
    General Education Course