PHIL 391 Issues in Systematic Philosophy (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)
This course will examine issues concerning whether philosophy should be systematic, and if so, how. Specific issues to be considered may include the interrelations among being, thinking, and talking (ontology, epistemology, and semantics), and of philosophy and the natural sciences, particularly with respect to
the universe as a whole (treated by both physics and metaphysics) and human
beings (treated by psychology and cognitive science, but also by philosophical
anthropology and the philosophy of mind). Authors likely to be considered include Dummett, Puntel and White, Quine, Frege, and Searle.
Format: seminar. Requirements/method of evaluation: attendance, participation,
responsibility for leading discussions, two papers (6-8 pages each).
Prerequisite: Philosophy 102 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 15
(expected: 8-10). Preference to Philosophy majors and potential majors.