Spring 2012 Class Schedule
PHIL 120-01 - "Metaphysics"
Miner Hall 224
David Denby / Tuesday, Thursday 12:00-1:15
The aims will be to introduce some techniques of contemporary philosophy, introduce some of the classic problems in metaphysics and the main lines of response, and engage in philosophical debate. After an initial discussion of ontology, we will focus on six topics, though other issues will also come up: properties, substances, parts, change, causation, and modality.
PHIL 192-02 - "Metaethics"
Miner Hall 225
Lionel McPherson / Tuesday 1:30-4:00
This seminar will survey prominent positions and arguments in metaethics by philosophers ranging from G.E. Moore to John McDowell. Rather than directly diving into the debates-for example, naturalism vs. non-naturalism, cognitivism vs. non-cognitivism, and externalism vs. internalism-we will start with overviews before discussing representative primary sources. In the last section of the seminar, we will consider how these debates play out in the context of the question of moral obligation.
PHIL 192-07 - "Seminar: Contemporary Problems in Philosophy of Science"
Miner Hall 110
Patrick Forber / Wednesday 1:30-4:00
This seminar will review and assess contemporary perspectives on causal inference. We will begin be surveying the standard philosophical approaches and the apparent impasse. We will then examine different proposals for naturalizing the concept, evaluating their potential philosophical importance. Our exploration of new work on causal inference also intersects with recent discussion on the viability of naturalism as a strategy for philosophical theorizing, and we will conclude by discussing whether and how this sort of strategy can inform our theories of causation.
(Teaching Assistantship)
PHIL 024-01 - "Introduction to Ethics"
Robinson Hall 253
David Denby / Tuesday, Thursday 1:30-2:45
After a brief introductory discussion of logic and the nature of ethical theory we will spend most of the semester critically evaluating a number of normative ethical theories. These will include various forms of Relativism, religiously-based theories, Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Egoism and Social Contract theories. We will also discuss self-interest, values, and other matters. Finally, we will discuss how to apply what we've learned to issues of contemporary moral concern.