AUPHI - Augustana Faculty - Philosophy

Introduction to the main problems and theories that have dominated philosophical thought, through study and critical discussion of selected classics of ancient and medieval philosophy.

Continuation of an introduction to the main problems and theories that have dominated philosophical thought, through study and critical discussions of selected classics of modern philosophy.

Elementary methods and principles for distinguishing correct from incorrect reasoning. Topics may include informal fallacies, introduction to the scientific method, elementary formal logic, rational decision procedures, and analysis of arguments.

Examination of traditional and contemporary topics such as Being and Nonbeing, the nature of time, freedom, appearance and reality, persons, and the mind-body problem.

Study of such central topics in epistemology as foundationalism, truth and rationality, skepticism and the limits of knowledge, relativism and the objectivity of knowledge, evidence and verifiability, and belief and justification.

Introduction to the main themes and perspectives in recent existential philosophy. Authors such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Heidegger Mounier, and Camus may be considered.

Survey of the history of Christian thought from its Judaic and Hellenistic origins up to and including the twentieth century.

Examination of questions of right and wrong, good and evil, and reasons for action, through study of ethical theories of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Mill.

An introduction to feminist issues in philosophy.

Investigation of contemporary culture, both popular and literate (film, theatre, music, writing).

Study of texts by historical or contemporary philosophical figures in Canada, centred on a chosen theme, in relation to the Canadian cultural and institutional context, and drawing from a multidisciplinary perspective on philosophy.

Philosophical approach to the presuppositions, attitudes, language, practices, and goals of the physical and social sciences. Topics may include theory evaluation, explanation, and the nature of scientific law.

Examines philosophical issues raised by scientific research into sex, sexual orientation, and gender.

Investigation of the philosophical and social issues related to technology and the environment. Topics may include the natural/artificial distinction, different meanings of environment, the ways we understand, package, and manage nature as well as issues in environmental ethics and aesthetics. May include texts by Western and Indigenous thinkers. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUPHI 355 and AUENV 355.

Introduction to the philosophy of religion by focusing on the question, What is religion? Through lectures, discussion, and reading of such thinkers as Schleiermacher, Feuerbach, Kierkegaard, and Otto, the course explores the concept of religion; the existence of God (and related proofs); meaning in religious language; and the relations between faith and reason, philosophy and religion. Prerequisite: None, but AUPHI 102 or 336 would be useful.

Considerations of theoretical issues related to visual arts, broadly understood and of sense experience.

Examines core issues in Indigenous thought and knowledge.

Study of philosophy as it takes place outside Europe and North America and outside the Western canon. Topics may include: relationship between philosophy, culture, and spirituality; tradition; reason; language; communitarianism and individualism; nonduality; colonialism; government and power; as well as topics proper to local philosophical traditions. Geographical areas covered vary from year to year.

Preparation of a literature review, research proposal, and presentation of a public life issue that will be explored from philosophical and/or religious perspectives. Research may be participatory archival, or community based. It may include a community service learning component. Classes provide supportive and critical analysis throughout the student's work and research process. Prerequisite: Third or fourth-year standing. Notes: Open only to students with a major in Philosophy and Religion. This course can be taken only by a student who is also registered in AUPHI 423. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUPHI 422 and AUREL 432.

Continuation of AUPHI 422. This course involves implementing research, presentation of results, and a final writing project. Research may be participatory, archival, or community based. Classes provide supportive and critical analysis throughout the student's work and research process. Prerequisites: AUPHI 422; third or fourth-year standing. Note: Open only to students with a major in Philosophy and Religion. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUPHI 423 and AUREL 433.

Intensive study of a specific area of Philosophy as defined by a student and a supervising instructor. Prerequisites: 9 units at a senior level in Philosophy and consent of the instructor. Note: An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.

Intensive study of a specific area of Philosophy as defined by a student and a supervising instructor. Prerequisites: 9 units at a senior level in Philosophy and consent of the instructor. Note: An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.