PHL - Philosophy

A study of philosophy within the seven major historical periods with primary consideration being given to outstanding thinkers and trends of thought such as rationalism, empiricism, idealism, realism, existentialism, and naturalism.

This is a beginning course in the study of Western philosophy from a biblical worldview. Attention is given to the historical development of philosophy by examining the key themes, ideas, and figures that have shaped this history. A focal point of the course is the relationship of these different philosophical viewpoints with biblical truth. Not open to students with credit in PHL-180.

A survey of the history of philosophy from the pre-Socratics to Bacon. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

A survey of the history of philosophy from Descartes to the present. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

A study of the fundamental ethical problems of the individual and society and a survey of the various fields of practical ethics. Prerequisite: PHL-180 or permission of department.

This course provides an overview of several subjects in the study of philosophy (e.g. ethics, epistemology, metaphysics) from a Christian worldview with a distinctively Wesleyan-Arminian perspective.

The fundamental principles of classical and modern logic. An investigation of the basic principles of reasoning, both inductive and deductive. Not open to freshmen. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

This course will examine ethical norms and decision making from a biblical perspective. Students will explore the fundamental principles of the Bible and Christian morality and think carefully about how these principles can be utilized to address and resolve the moral issues and problems that Christians in the modern world face.

Students develop a working knowledge of the most common arguments given for the existence of God in philosophical and apologetic literature. Students will learn the structures, strengths, and weaknesses of various arguments.

Students will be introduced to the philosophical field of metaphysics, examine issues addressed by metaphysicians, and explain which answers to metaphysical questions are compatible with a Christian worldview.

Realizing that the medium of film has become the principal mass vehicle for the transmission of philosophical and theological ideas, this course will study a variety of films with the intent to identify ontological, epistemological, and ethical presentations of both Christian and non-Christian world views. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

An investigation of the characteristics and significance of the nature of humanity and human religious experiences. Consideration will be given to the evidences for the nature of theism, the major challenges to the Christian faith, the persistent problems of naturalism versus supernaturalism, the existence of the non-Christian religions, and of evil in God's world. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

This course prepares students to perform basic research in which they learn to use Off Campus Library Services (OCLS), electronic periodical indexes, and information resources. Students will identify and select appropriate material for inclusion in a college level research project which will be submitted at the conclusion of the course.

This course covers a specialized and advanced topic in philosophy that is not covered in the normal curriculum. It is always offered with a subheading and is repeatable under a different subheading up to 12 hours. Prerequisite: PHL-180 and junior or senior classification.

A careful study from the philosophical perspective of the great oriental religious systems and the more recent cults that have emerged from these systems. Comparisons and differences will be noted and their major influence upon their respective cultures will be assessed. Especially recommendedfor missionary candidates. This course may be counted toward an Intercultural major or minor. Prerequisite: PHL-180. Meets General Education intercultural requirement.

Individually arranged reading, problem solving, or research in philosophy. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

This capstone course for Religion and Philosophy majors will explore contemporary questions concerning the points of interface and tension of religion and philosophy with contemporary society. In a seminar setting, each participant will select and research a particular issue confronting society, synthesize insights gained in prior coursework, and explore possible ramifications and responses to this issue. Restricted to senior Religion and Philosophy majors.

The purpose of this course is to develop a biblical, Christian worldview, not only in the area of philosophy and theology, but also in the areas of the arts, social sciences, and physical sciences. The student will be prepared to defend the Christian view in light of non-Christian challenges.

In this course students will explore a wide variety of current ethical dilemmas, apply the rich biblical, theological, and philosophical resources of Christian ethics to those dilemmas, and employ a seven-step process to formulate appropriate responses to those dilemmas.

This course examines ethics from biblical, theoretical, and applied perspectives. Students will focus upon ethics from both being and doing perspectives. Students will explore the vices commonly referred to as the "seven deadly sins" as well as Christian virtues that resist or overcome those vices. In addition, students will practice personal disciplines and reflection the cultivation of their own virtues.

This course presents the principles of Christian apologetics, with an emphasis on epistemology. Special attention is given to common philosophical inconsistencies held by non-believers and approaches to defending the Christian faith.