Philosophy
The list below describes each course we offer, as well as prerequisites (if any) and a few other details. (How to read a course description).
To find out when a course is actually offered during a particular time period, search for that course on Camlink and search for sections. Remember, in order to register for a credit course or courses you first need to apply to a college program. Apply now!
PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy
(3 credits) F, W (2,1,0,0,0)
An introduction to classical philosophical works concerning central philosophical issues such as the nature and possibility of knowledge, the existence of God, the nature of morality and justice, and the mind/body relationship.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment.
PHIL 102 Central Issues in Philosophy
(3 credits) F, W (2,1,0,0,0)
This course explores significant philosophical topics in metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy. Questions likely to be discussed include the following: What is the self? How should we live? Do we have free will? Does our existence have meaning? What makes a society just? Classic and contemporary texts will be studied.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment.
PHIL 104 Philosophy of Sex and Love
(3 credits) W (2,1,0,0,0)
This course introduces students to philosophy through an exploration of love and sex, by examining the history of concepts and ideals of love; evaluating ethics around issues such as abortion, adultery, pedophilia, and birth control; exploring biological versus environmental causes of sexual orientation; and investigating the value of monogamy.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment.
PHIL 110 Logic and Critical Thinking
(3 credits) F, W (2,1,0,0,0)
This course examines logical fallacies and issues such as distinctions between belief and attitude, objective and subjective, truth and validity. Real-life issues will be emphasized. In all cases the key question will be, "Have I been given good reasons for accepting a belief?"
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment.
PHIL 202 Contemporary Moral Issues
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
This course emphasizes the serious moral issues facing us today. The views of both modern and historical thinkers in relation to these issues will be considered, but the emphasis will remain on contemporary issues.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
PHIL 203 Knowledge, Truth, and Belief
(3 credits) W (2,1,0,0,0)
This course is an introduction to issues in epistemology, the study of the definition, foundation, and justification of knowledge claims. The main focus of the course will be central works of the modern Rationalists and British Empiricists. Classical and contemporary texts will supplement these materials.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Any first-year PHIL course.
PHIL 204 Environmental Ethics
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
This course focuses on theoretical ethical issues (e.g., do animals have moral standing?) as well as applied ethics (e.g., is it morally acceptable to eat meat?). There will be a major emphasis on common logical errors in constructing arguments.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150; or any first-year PHIL course.
PHIL 205 Philosophy of Religion
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
An introduction to philosophy of religion, the study of the arguments for the existence of God, related topics and historical discussions of these issues.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Any first-year PHIL course.
PHIL 206 The Good Life
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
Everyone has heard of 'the good life'. Popular culture portrays it as having unlimited money and leisure time, but many people think otherwise. Rather than present a particular view, this course will survey a variety of philosophical theories of the good life from both Eastern and Western traditions.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150; and any first-year PHIL course.
PHIL 207 Philosophy of Mind
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
This course examines contemporary philosophical theories about the nature of consciousness. Topics include: mind-brain activity, artificial intelligence, intentionality, self-awareness, subjective experience, individuality, the puzzle of pain, cognition, and the relationship between mental and physical properties.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Any first-year PHIL course.
PHIL 210 Introductory Symbolic Logic 1
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0,0)
Human beings daily engage in reasoning about their lives. This course investigates human reason through the academic discipline of logic. It contains a basic introduction to the ancient tradition (Aristotelian logic) and the modern tradition (translation, truth tables and derivations in sentence logic).
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment.
PHIL 212 Introductory Symbolic Logic 2
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
We communicate our reasons through language, and studying language can reveal truths about reason. This course continues with sentence logic derivations and pursues translation and derivations in predicate logic. PHIL 210 is a mandatory prerequisite except for those with a background in mathematics who obtain permission of the Chair.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 210; or permission of the Chair.
PHIL 215 Philosophy of Science
(3 credits) W (2,1,0,0,0)
The focus is on major issues that occupy philosophers of science: science vs. pseudoscience; scientific progress; social influences on scientific discovery; and problems of ethical and religious value. Students will study the work of the leading philosophers of science of the 20th Century and publications of leading contemporary philosophers.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Any first-year PHIL or Science course.
PHIL 236 Social & Political Philosophy
(3 credits) F (2,1,0,0,0)
This course examines issues arising in Western political philosophy. Topics may include theories of justice; the relationship between politics and morality; theories of democracy; interrelationships among economic, class, racial and gender oppression; and the nature of rights, liberty, and political legitimacy. Readings will include both contemporary and classic historical texts.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
PHIL 250 Healthcare Ethics
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
Students will develop an understanding of ethical theories in relation to ethical practice in healthcare and nursing. They will strengthen and apply their reasoning skills to ethical issues related to healthcare practice through participation in debates and discussions.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Enrolled in Nursing Year 2; or permission of the Chair.
PHIL 330 Ethics in Business
(3 credits) F, W (2,1,0,0,0)
Examining ethical issues arising in business settings, the course focuses on understanding ethical systems and concepts and the social/political context in which contemporary business operates. Topics include: corporate responsibility, employee rights, discrimination and affirmative action, conflicts of interest, "whistle-blowing," and general issues of honesty in business practice.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
