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A course in practical reasoning. How to distinguish between reasons that are rational and those that are not. Methods of evaluating arguments that will lead to truth.

A course in practical reasoning. How to distinguish between reasons that are rational and those that are not. Methods of evaluating arguments that will lead to truth.

The tools and techniques of philosophical reasoning: reading argumentative prose; analyzing conceptual models; writing critical essays. Problems of knowledge: the criteria of reliable knowledge; the formulation and justification of beliefs the sources and limits of knowledge; beliefs about the physical world, the past and future, and other minds. Critical standards applied to related metaphysical issues: theism, mind and self-identity, determinism.

The origins of the philosophical-scientific tradition. Early attempts at rational explanations of the natural world. Socrates and the foundations of moral criticism. Plato: His articulation of the problems of knowledge, his contributions to moral and political theory. Aristotle: His organization of scientific inquiry, formulation of ethical theory, and development of the science of logic. The philosophical tradition after Aristotle.

An examination of such questions as: Are there conditions under which value judgments can be rationally defended? If there are such grounds, what are they? If not, what consequences, if any, follow from ethical skepticism? Can value judgments about individuals or societies be justified on rationally acceptable grounds? Application of theories to moral problems.

An examination of such questions as: Are there conditions under which value judgments can be rationally defended? If there are such grounds, what are they? If not, what consequences, if any, follow from ethical skepticism? Can value judgments about individuals or societies be justified on rationally acceptable grounds? Application of theories to moral problems.

An examination of such questions as: Are there conditions under which value judgments can be rationally defended? If there are such grounds, what are they? If not, what consequences, if any, follow from ethical skepticism? Can value judgments about individuals or societies be justified on rationally acceptable grounds? Application of theories to moral problems.

An examination of such questions as: Are there conditions under which value judgments can be rationally defended? If there are such grounds, what are they? If not, what consequences, if any, follow from ethical skepticism? Can value judgments about individuals or societies be justified on rationally acceptable grounds? Application of theories to moral problems.

Survey of the origins, development, and current status of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender reform and liberation movements in the United States, with particular emphasis since WWII. Includes the lives, communities, organizations, and resistance movements created by LGBT peoples from diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds.

A survey of the colonial history of Latin America. Students examine historical, cultural, political, socio-economic, and artistic elements from the conquest to independence.