PHIL 110 : Introduction to Critical Reasoning
Explores informal and inductive reasoning. Topics include recognizing and evaluating arguments and fallacies in ordinary, literary, and scientific contexts. Meets Core Curriculum Humanities Option.
Philosophy
The Department of Theology and Global Church Ministries offers a major, a concentration and a minor in Philosophy. These programs prepare students for graduate study and provide critical tools for a variety of academic endeavors.
For all programs in Philosophy, the department specifies how the Core Curriculum requirements shall be completed. The specific requirements are listed in an advising form available in the Department office. Students are advised to begin as early as possible to work out an individual program in consultation with an advisor in the Bible and Theology Department.
Degrees and Certificates
Classes
PHIL 111 : Introduction to Deductive Logic
Explains principles of correct thinking, focusing on deductive reasoning. Topics include symbolic logic, proofs of validity, and beginning predicate logic.
Credits
3PHIL 115 : Introduction of Philosophy
Introduces the nature, problems, methods, concepts, and divisions of philosophy. Topics include engaging key philosophical questions from a Christian perspective. Meets Core Curriculum Humanities Option.
Credits
3PHIL 218 : Introduction to Ethics
Introduces moral reasoning, key ethical systems, and a biblical ethical framework with a view to addressing the major moral issues in contemporary society.
Credits
3PHIL 230 : History and Philosophy of Science
Explores the history and philosophy of science and their effects on the actual practice of science today. Topics include an explanation of the logic and operation of science. Required by the State of Missouri for secondary science teacher certification. May be used to meet the Core Curriculum options.
Cross-listed as GSCI 230.
Credits
3PHIL 290/490 : Readings in Philosophy
Available as needed. Topics include individualized program of reading and writing in philosophy under direction of a faculty member.
Credits
1 - 3Prerequisites
PHIL 115 and permission of the department chair, academic advisor, and supervising professor.
PHIL 330 : Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Provides a strategic survey of western philosophy from the Pre-socratics through the 16th century Scholastics. Special attention will be given to Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Boethius, Anselm and Aquinas.
Credits
3Prerequisites
three (3) credits of philosophy.
PHIL 334 : Political Philosophy
Examines foundational principles of Western political and social philosophy from Augustine to the present. Topics include philosophers such as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx.
Cross-listed with GOVT 334.
Credits
3PHIL 335 : Ancient Philosophy
Examines the foundations of Western thinking in the Classical Greek period with emphasis on Plato and Aristotle, including their political thought.
Credits
3Prerequisites
Three (3) credits of philosophy.
PHIL 336 : Medieval Philosophy
Examines Medieval philosophy, A.D. 400 to 1600, with a detailed analysis of the Scholastic period. Emphasis on Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, and William of Ockham.
Credits
3PHIL 337 : Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Explores western philosophy from Descartes through Plantinga. Topics include important issues giving rise to the development of rationalism, empiricism, existentialism, postmodernism, and other important schools of philosophy. Meets Core Curriculum Humanities Option.
Credits
3PHIL 365 : Aesthetics
Explores the nature of art and beauty, including that of the natural world. Topics include key figures in the history of philosophy; theories regarding the nature of beauty, art, taste, and aesthetic experience; and Christian apologetic value of art and beauty. Meets Core Curriculum Artistic Expression Option.
Credits
3PHIL 415 : Metaphysics and Epistemology
Explores key topics and problems in metaphysics. Topics include general ontology- mind-body problem, and free will; epistemology- nature of knowledge, issues of foundationalism and coherentism, and skepticism.
Credits
3PHIL 433 : Philosophy of Religion and Apologetics
Examines topics in the philosophy of religion. Topics include relation of faith to reason, arguments for God's existence, problem of evil, nature of miracles, historicity of the resurrection, challenge of religious pluralism, and coherence of Christian theism and its effective communication.
Credits
3Prerequisites
PHIL 115.
PHIL 435 : Business Ethics
Discusses ethical problems in business.
Cross-listed with MGMT and ACCT 435.
Credits
3Prerequisites
Junior or senior standing. This class is available as needed.
PHIL 460 : Bioethics
Examines and explores the basic ethical principles and applications as they pertain to healthcare environments. This 3-credit course provides the opportunity for in-depth discussion of ethical principles. Extensive clinical situations and case analysis will also be utilized.
Cross-listed with BIOL 460.
Credits
3PHIL 470-479 : Special Topics in Philosophy
Available as needed. Topics include philosophical methodology, history, axiology, and special area studies. Course title is listed on the transcript.
Credits
3Prerequisites
Junior status and permission of professor
PHIL 496 : Philosophy Seminar
Available as needed.
Credits
1 - 3Prerequisites
Permission of professor.