PHIL 1101 -- Introduction to Philosophy, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 2 and 6)This course is an introduction to the nature and aims of philosophy, to some of its central problems, and to the methods employed in philosophical discussion. Typical problems examined include the nature of reality, knowledge, values, and the self. Attention will be given to Western, non-Western, modern and feminist philosophy. PHIL 1105 -- Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 2 and 4)This course introduces students to the philosophical study of reasoning. Studies include the function and uses of language, the distinction between deductive and inductive arguments, methods for symbolizing and evaluating the validity of deductive arguments, and the detection of informal fallacies. Students will gain practical skills used in the evaluation of inductive and deductive arguments. PHIL 1110 -- Introduction to Ethics, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 6 and 9)This class examines the leading attempts to answer the basic philosophical questions about the moral life. It will include an inquiry into views of the good life, personal character, and moral choices in the private and public domain. Further inquiry will explore the grounds for arguing that some moral judgments are correct and others incorrect. PHIL 1115 -- Comparative World Religions, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 6 and 8)This course is an introduction to the central beliefs, history, sacred texts, and practices of living religions in the world today. The similarities and differences between religions, and within the religions, will be explored. The principal religions studied will be Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. PHIL 1120 -- Environmental Ethics, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 9 and 10)This course will explore moral obligations between humankind and our natural world. An introduction to ethical theory is included in the course. Topics will include such issues as the nature of our duties toward animal rights, preservation and conservation, climate change, and intergenerational justice. PHIL 1180 -- Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 8 and 9)This class provides an introduction to social and political philosophy. The basic question that social and political philosophy is concerned with is: How should we live together and what types of social and political institutions are best suited to create an environment where human beings can flourish? As such, the course takes up issues like social justice, the grounds and limits of governmental authority, rights, liberty, freedom, community, equality, and the like. PHIL 1189 -- Topics:, Common Course Outline This course has been developed as a potential permanent course. The course must follow all the same policies and procedures related to curriculum outlined by the college. It does not duplicate existing course offerings. Refer to course notes for specific course description. PHIL 1200 -- Medical Ethics, 3 credits Common Course Outline (MnTC Goals 6 and 9)This class will provide an introduction to classic and contemporary ethical theory and it will apply ethical analysis in the field of health care and other related fields. Studies will include considerations around patients' rights (to privacy, information, and autonomy), paternalism, personhood, the distribution of scarce resources, the right to treatment, and culturally relevant perspectives related to medical treatment. Applied topics may include euthanasia and physician assisted death, abortion, systemic injustice in healthcare, distribution of scarce resources, and reproductive technologies. Students will evaluate contemporary case studies using ethical theory developed in philosophy as well as the codes of ethics put forth by medical professional organizations. PHIL 2299 -- Independent Study, Common Course Outline Independent Study allows a student to earn credit while participating in a supervised learning experience in a community-based or work setting. Students must have successfully completed two courses in the discipline in which they want to undertake independent study. Forms are available in the Educational Services Office. All arrangements must be made prior to registration for the semester in which the project is scheduled and must be approved by the appropriate Dean of Educational Services. In addition, a project outline must be approved by the instructor who will supervise the student's work.
