PHIL 100: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Lect 11:00-11:50 MW/Disc 10:00-10:50, 11:00-11:50 or 12:00-12:50 F/Downing
We will read three great, influential works of philosophy (by Plato, Descartes, and Hume), which together treat many of the enduring problems of western philosophy. Issues addressed will include the following: Should we be moral? What kind of system is morality? What is the best way to live? What is a mind and how is it related to the human brain/body? What is the fundamental nature of reality and how can we gain knowledge of it? Does God exist? What is the basis of our beliefs about the natural world? Are we free and morally responsible agents?
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 100: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Lect 10:00-10:50 MW/Disc 10:00-10:50 or 11:00-11:50 F/Sinkler
This course will provide a general introduction to some of the central problems in philosophy: What do we know and how do we know it? Does a supremely perfect being exist? Do we have free will? What is the nature of morality? Readings will be from classic and contemporary sources.
Required Text: Philosophy and Contemporary Issues, eds. J. Burr and M. Goldinger
PHIL 100: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Lect 12:00-12:50 MW/Disc 11:00-11:50 or 12:00-12:50 F/Hilbert
An introduction to some fundamental questions of philosophy. The focus will be on questions concerning God and questions concerning human knowledge. Some well-known philosophical paradoxes will also be covered.
Required Text: Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings, eds. John Perry and Michael Bratman
PHIL 102: INTRODUCTORY LOGIC
Lect 9:00-9:50 MW/Disc 10:00-10:50 or 11:00-11:50 F/Severo
Sentential logic: representation of English sentences using truth-functional connectives, truth-table methods, natural deduction techniques. Introduction to predicate logic: representation of English sentences using quantifiers. Decision methods of monadic predicate logic.
Required Text: Understanding Symbolic Logic, Virginia Klenk
PHIL 102: INTRODUCTORY LOGIC
Lect 11:00-11:50 MW/Disc 11:00-11:50 or 12:00-12:50 F/Jarrett
This course will begin with a careful study of the principles governing valid deductive reasoning in sentential (“truth-functional”) logic. Here we will investigate the logical relationships that hold among sentences constructed in English using such words as not, and, or, if…, then…, and if and only if. Among the important logical relationships of this sort is that of logical implication: we will see what it means for a collection of sentences (the “premises” of an argument) to logically imply another sentence (the “conclusion” of that argument), thereby rendering the argument valid. Our examination of sentential logic will include the development of a system of proof for this language.
We will then move on to take a preliminary look at the language of first-order predicate logic (“quantification theory”). This is the logically richer language that results from the augmentation of sentential logic by incorporating into our logical formalism the means to express structure of two additional sorts: (i) that associated with quantity (as is accomplished, e.g., with such English locutions as at least, every, some, all, at most three, none, etc.); and (ii) that associated with predicates and relations (as is done, e.g. in ascribing particular properties to things or in asserting that one thing is larger than another).
If time permits, we will take a brief glimpse at one or two more advanced topics.
Logic requires the development of a range of skills. Some of these skills are similar to those employed in learning a foreign language. Logic employs a distinctive formal language with a characteristic vocabulary and rules of syntax and semantics. Much of logic involves learning how to “translate” back and forth between natural language (English, in this case) and this abstract formal language that (for purposes of logic) is considerably more perspicuous. Other necessary skills are very much akin to those employed in mathematics. This is so, in particular, when it comes to mastering the techniques for evaluating the logical “links” that hold among a given set of sentences in the formal language.
Required Text: Understanding Symbolic Logic, Virginia Klenk
PHIL 103: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS
Lect 11:00-11:50 TR/Disc 11:00-11:50 or 12:00-12:50 F/Laden
Almost everyone agrees that it is wrong to act in a racist or sexist manner. People disagree about the limits of what counts as a racist or sexist action, however. In this course, we will read a variety of authors who argue that many more of our actions than is usually thought are racist or sexist. In particular, we will look at arguments that claim that race and gender are socially created systems of inequality, and that all actions that help to perpetuate these systems should count as racist and/or sexist. In so doing, students will encounter various ideas and concepts that play a role in moral philosophy beyond questions of race and gender. They will also learn to appreciate and understand complicated arguments in support of unfamiliar positions and think critically about their place in the world: the hallmarks of philosophy.
Required Text: All readings are from contemporary sources and will be collected in a course packet on sale at the bookstore.
PHIL 104: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL/POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Lect 10:00-10:50 MW/Disc 10:00-10:50, 11:00-11:50 or 12:00-12:50 F/Mills
Social and political philosophy is focused on normative questions of justice and injustice, right and wrong, on the broader socio-political rather than individual scale: What is a just society? What rights should citizens have? How powerful should the government be? Is participatory democracy a better system than representative democracy? Are women and people of color subordinated, and if so, what should be done to end this subordination? The main aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the major figures and central themes of modern Western political philosophy, both the more orthodox viewpoints and the challengers to those viewpoints. We will focus on modern political philosophy, and, within modern political philosophy, on social contract theory.
Required Texts: Classics of Political and Moral Philosophy, ed. Steven M. Cahn; The Racial Contract, Charles W. Mills
PHIL 141: REVELATION IN MODERN JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
Lect 9:30-10:45 TR/Disc 9:00-9:50 or 10:00-10:50 F/Fleischacker
Many philosophers—in past centuries, at least—have argued that there is a God, but the God they have defended with their arguments is an unchangeable, immaterial Being that could not possibly intervene in history, speak to human beings, or take human form. What relation can this God of reason bear to the God described in the Torah and the Gospels? This question has vexed Jewish and Christian thinkers for much of the past 200 years. We will look in this class at a sampling of the most ingenious theories that have been proposed for how either Scripture should be re-interpreted, or the “God of philosophers” revised, to bring religious and philosophical understandings of God together. Readings from Moses Mendelssohn, Immanuel Kant, Søren Kierkegaard, Hermann Cohen, and Mordechai Kaplan.
Required Texts: Religion of Reason out of the Sources of Judaism, Hermann Cohen; Lessing’s Theological Writings, Gotthold Lessing; Nathan The Wise, Gotthold Lessing; Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone, Immanuel Kant; Philosophical Fragments, Søren Kierkegaard
Recommended Text: Jerusalem, Moses Mendelssohn
PHIL 203: METAPHYSICS
Lect-Disc 12:30-1:45 TR/Schechtman
Metaphysics is one of the most fascinating—and hard-to-define—areas of philosophy. In this course we will study classic metaphysical questions such as the problem of universals, necessity and possibilities, substance, identity, and realism. We will work on these issues via the text Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction by Michael J. Loux, with supplementary articles as needed. Coursework will include two papers and a take-home final examination. Much of the course will be conducted in a discussion format. Come prepared to participate, work hard, and think deeply.
Required Text: Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction, Michael J. Loux
PHIL 210: SYMBOLIC LOGIC
Lect-Disc 9:30-10:45 TR/Schmor
The focus of this course will be first-order quantification theory. We will begin by reviewing truth-functional logic, treating it in a somewhat more abstract and rigorous way than in Philosophy 102. Our study will proceed to monadic and polyadic quantification theory, for which a deduction system will be introduced. We will also consider meta-theoretic questions that arise about such a system—in particular, its soundness and completeness.
Note: The course is designed as a continuation of Philosophy 102, and should be accessible to students who have mastered the material of that course. In other words, it will presuppose a good understanding of the basic elements of truth-functional logic, and some acquaintance with quantification theory. As usual, aptitude and willingness to work hard can to some extent make up for a lack of background; some students may even be able to take this course as a first course in logic, but for most that would be unwise. Students who have not taken Philosophy 102 at UIC should see me as soon as possible.
Required Text: Deductive Logic, Warren Goldfarb
PHIL 220: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY I: PLATO AND HIS PREDECESSORS
Lect-Disc 11:00-11:50 MWF/Grossman
Plato is often regarded as the father of Western Philosophy. The breadth, depth, and beauty of the Platonic dialogues, together with their lasting influence, render them as important and relevant for study today as they were when they were first written over two thousand years ago. In this course we will read selected Platonic dialogues, including Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phadrus, Phaedo, Gorgias, and his masterpiece, The Republic.
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 221: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY II: ARISTOTLE AND HIS SUCCESSORS
Lect-Disc 11:00-12:15 TR/Meinwald
Designed to acquaint students with Aristotle’s philosophy. We will attain familiarity with his characteristic methods and results, and enter into philosophical debate with him. Topics include nature and explanation, change, the soul, ethics, and metaphysics.
Required Text: The Basic Works of Aristotle, Richard McKeon
PHIL 224: HISTORY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY II: KANT AND HIS PREDECESSORS
Lect-Disc 1:00-1:50 MWF/Downing
A survey of 18th century European philosophy, terminating in Kant. We will read Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant, stressing issues including the scope and nature of knowledge, ontology, causation, and the role and boundaries of science.
Required Texts: Readings in Modern Philosophy, Volume II (Locke, Berkely, Hume), eds. Roger Ariew and Eric Watkins; Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics, Immanuel Kant
PHIL 230: TOPICS IN ETHICS AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Lect-Disc 11:00-12:15 TR/Gunes
The main question we will focus on in this course is: What is power and how does it operate? An interesting and ground-breaking answer to this question is given by the 20th century philosopher Michel Foucault. We will read and critically discuss major works by Foucault and followers. The reading list includes Madness and Civilization, the first volume of The History of Sexuality, and his 1975-76 lectures at the Collège de France entitled Society Must Be Defended.
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 401: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Lect-Disc 11:00-12:15 TR/Roth
Two sets of concerns drive much theorizing in epistemology. First philosophers want to explain what knowledge is. Knowledge is not merely a matter of believing; it seems that my beliefs need to be justified as well. Is this enough? And how are we to understand justification? Second, epistemology is concerned with the possibility of knowledge. Are there compelling skeptical arguments that show that knowledge cannot be attained? These sets of concerns are related. We might formulate an account of knowledge in such a way as to avoid skepticism. And skeptical arguments might turn out to presuppose mistaken views about what is necessary for knowledge. We will explore various conceptions of knowledge and justification, and articulate and address skeptical arguments and claims, such as the thesis that we do not or cannot know that there is an external world or reality more or less as our beliefs depict it.
Although Phil 201 (Theory of Knowledge) is a prerequisite, the first few weeks will be devoted to a quick introduction and survey of some epistemological issues and concepts. The focus of the course, however, will be recent discussion of a number of topics, including (1) the epistemology of testimony, (2) perception and skepticism about the external world, (3) attempts to reconcile externalism in the philosophy of mind with first-person authority, and (4) self-knowledge and agency. We will be concerned throughout with the notion of epistemic entitlement (as opposed to justification).
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 404: PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
Lect-Disc 10:00-10:50 MWF/Hilbert
An examination of the differences between good and bad science and science and non-science. We will start with a brief survey of standard philosophical characterizations of the nature of science and the scientific method. We will then look at a few examples of bad, fraudulent or otherwise defective science. We will continue with examples of fringe science, areas of inquiry that have some of the characteristics of science but that are usually regarded as not really being science. We will finish with an examination of the controversy between religiously inspired accounts of the existence and nature of life on earth and those found in the biological sciences. One specific focus will be the claim of proponents of “intelligent design” that they are putting forward a scientific theory.
No required texts.
PHIL 417: METALOGIC II
Lect-Disc 9:30-10:45 TR/Hart
We will go through proofs, due basically to Gödel, of the incompleteness and undecidability of first order elementary number theory in detail. Time permitting we’ll then go on to recursion theory and Post’s Problem.
Required Text: Introduction to Mathematical Logic, Elliott Mendelson.
Prerequisite: Phil 210 or consent of the instructor.
PHIL 431: PHILOSOPHY AND RACE
Lect-Disc 12:30-1:45 MW/Mills
While there has long been an extensive literature on race in such subjects as sociology and political science, philosophy has not traditionally had much to say on the issue. Yet racial privilege and disadvantage have obviously been central realities shaping people’s lives for hundreds of years, and thus part of the “human condition” philosophy claims to be mapping. Happily, in recent years, with the emergence of what has come to be called “critical race theory,” a growing number of philosophers have begun to look at race with the discipline’s distinctive lenses. In this course we will survey some of this literature.
Required Texts: Racism: A Short History, George Fredrickson; Race: A Philosophical Introduction, Paul C. Taylor; Race and Racism, ed. Bernard Boxill
PHIL 441: TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
Lect-Disc 12:00-12:50 MWF/Sinkler
In this course we will study in depth one of the three classical proofs for the existence of God: the Cosmological Argument, which states that there must be a God to create the world or nothing would exist in the world.
Readings will be from classic and contemporary sources.
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 501: SEMINAR: TOPICS IN ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY
Lect-Disc 3:15-5:45 T/Meinwald
Designed to acquaint students with Plato’s work, and with the enterprise of interpreting it. We will look at the writings of some of Plato’s predecessors (such as Parmenides, Anaxagoras, and Philolaus) where that is relevant to the emergence of his program. Plato’s texts will be our basic reading. Famous contributions to the secondary literature will be indicated to provide education in standard views, which we may then regard as providing guidance or as mistaken. We will inquire into whether Plato propounded a Theory of Forms, what this theory was supposed to be, and whether Plato abandoned it in his later works as the result of self-criticism in the Parmenides.
Required Text: Plato Complete Works, John M. Cooper
PHIL 504: THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
Lect-Disc 3:30-5:50 T/Balbus
This course encourages a careful reading of three of the most important, widely discussed and debated works of philosophy of the last quarter of the 20th century that raise questions about the epistemologies that govern the study of politics: Richard Rorty’s Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature, Hans-Georg Gadamers’ Truth and Method, and Jurgen Habermas’s The Theory of Communicative Action: Volume I. Thus the course also serves as an introduction to central issues in analytic philosophy, hermeneutics, and critical theory. Richard Bernstein’s overview, Beyond Objectivism and Relativism, is also required, as is a take-home final examination and one oral presentation in class.
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 510: HISTORY OF ETHICS AND SOCIAL/POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Lect-Disc 12:30-3:00 T/Fleischacker
This class will focus on the debate between realists and antirealists in moral philosophy, and the related question of what exactly is meant by “moral intuition.” We will consider these issues, first, in the context of the 17th-18th century debate between figures like Ralph Cudworth and Francis Hutcheson, and then in the context of the early twentieth century debate between G. E. Moore or David Ross and C. L. Stevenson. We will take the opportunity to consider Moore’s and Ross’s thought, in particular, in some detail.
Required Texts: Principia Ethica, G.E. Moore; The Right and the Good, W.D. Ross; British Moralists, Vol. I, D.D. Raphael
PHIL 526: ETHICS
Lect-Disc 12:30-3:00 R/Laden
We will read a variety of contemporary material on practical reason with the aim of making sense of the distinction between the rational and the reasonable, and what, if any, connection there might be between them. Some questions that will no doubt come up: what is the relationship between rationality and morality? What is a practical reason? What does practical reasoning involve? Why does anyone care? Readings are still being determined, but they are likely to include though not necessarily be limited to authors from the following list: Nagel, Gauthier, Korsgaard, Herman, Laden, Darwall, Cavell, Milgram, Frankfurt. Readings will be made available for Xeroxing or downloading.
PHIL 538: PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE: INDEXICALS
Lect-Disc 1:00-3:30 M/Edelberg
Indexicals are expressions whose semantic content (in one sense of that term) depends crucially on aspects of the context in which they are used. Study of the paradigmatic indexicals—‘I’, ‘you’, ‘here’, ‘now’, the tenses, and demonstrative uses of ‘that’, ‘she’, etc.—has generated some of the best work on philosophical semantics. Indexicalized accounts of other terms of philosophical interest—verbs of knowledge and belief, adjectives connoting actuality, normative verbs, quantifier phrases, common nouns, and predicates, for instance—range from the provocative to the highly illuminating. We will discuss some of the most important work on indexicality from the last forty years. The seminar will begin with a brief general introduction to semantic theory; we will then turn to papers on indexicals by David Kaplan, John Perry, Gareth Evans, David Lewis, Robert Stalnaker, Richmond Thomason, and others. The seminar will assume familiarity with first-order logic and the basic concepts of metalogic; Philosophy 416 or an equivalent logic course is recommended. Those without a previous course in philosophy of language might wish to read Parts I and II of William G. Lycan, Philosophy of Language, Routledge, 1999.
Required Texts: TBA
PHIL 542: PHILOSOPHY OF SPECIAL SCIENCE
Lect-Disc 3:15-4:45 R/Jarrett
This seminar is devoted to a study of the foundations of quantum mechanics (you might think of it as “What Every Philosopher Should Know About Quantum Mechanics”). It is intended to be of interest and accessible to students in philosophy as well as to those in physics.
As far as technical material is concerned, the course will be largely self-contained. No extensive special background in the subject will be presupposed, but students who are distressed at the very thought of basic algebra, trigonometry, ordinary (real, 3-dimensional) vector spaces, etc. probably do not belong in this class. Relevant mathematical topics will be developed in class at a modest level of rigor, but we will not, for example, be solving differential equations or doing perturbation theory (as one would, say, in a standard quantum mechanics course in the physics department).
We will focus on questions that arise in the attempt to give an adequate elucidation of the logical and conceptual structure of the theory, questions that appear most dramatically in connection with such topics as Bell’s Theorem and the measurement problem. These questions challenge our most fundamental ideas about the structure of our world and our place in it; and the principal goal of the course is to provide formulations of such questions in a manner that affords the student a genuine understanding of what is at stake in debates over the “interpretation” of quantum mechanics.
Grades for the course will be based on class participation (including a few problem sets): 50%; a take-home exam: 25%; and a 10-15 page term paper: 25%.
Required Text: The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics, R. I. G. Hughes
PHIL 563: METAMATHEMATICS II
Lect-Disc 11:00-11:50 MWF/Aschenbrenner
The focus of this course will be incompleteness and undecidability in mathematics. In particular, it will provide an introduction to two landmarks of 20th century mathematical logic: Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems, and the undecidability of Hilbert’s Tenth Problem. (Hilbert had asked for an algorithm to decide whether a given polynomial equation with integer coefficients has a solution in the integers. Matiyasevich, based on work of Putnam, Davis, and Robinson, proved that no such algorithm exists.) Time permitting, we will contrast this with positive results such as the decidability of Presburger arithmetic. Prerequisites are Math 502/Phil 562 (Metamathematics I) and some familiarity with elementary number theory.
Required Texts: TBA
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