An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy, specifically in the study of metaphysics (the nature of reality) and epistemology (the nature of knowledge and justification). These fields are approached by addressing particular issues, such as skepticism, personal identity, the nature of the mind and its relation to the body, and free will and determinism.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099

Transfers to:

UBC PHIL 101 (3); ALEX PHIL 100 (3) & ALEX PHIL 110 (3) = UBC PHIL 100 (6)
SFU PHIL 100 (3), B-Hum
UVIC PHIL 1XX (1.5); ALEX PHIL 100 (3) & ALEX PHIL 110 (3) = UVIC PHIL 100 (3)
UNBC PHIL 1XX (3)
TRU PHIL 1100 (3)

An introduction to the central problems of ethics such as the nature of right and wrong, the objectivity or subjectivity of moral judgments, the relativity or absolutism of values, the nature of human freedom and responsibility. The course also considers general moral views such as utilitarianism, theories or rights and specific obligations, and the ethics of virtue. These theories are applied to particular moral problems such as abortion, punishment, distributive justice, freedom of speech, and racial and sexual equality.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099

Transfers to:

UBC PHIL 102 (3); ALEX PHIL 100 (3) & ALEX PHIL 110 (3) = UBC PHIL 100 (6)
SFU PHIL 120 (3)
UVIC ALEX PHIL 100 (3) & ALEX PHIL 110 (3) = UVIC PHIL 100 (3)
UNBC PHIL 1XX (3)
TRU PHIL 1XXX (3); TRU PHIL 1021 (3) OL

This course is a survey of skills for good reasoning, including argument analysis, basic logic and probability, and scientific methodology. It covers a wide range of real and imaginary examples from everyday life and from science. The overall purpose of the course is to equip students to think critically about evidence. Evidence given in support of a conclusion is an argument, so the course focuses on the reconstruction and evaluation of different kinds of arguments. It also covers hypothesis testing, and the design and interpretation of experiments.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098

Transfers to:

UBC PHIL 120 (3)
SFU PHIL 105 (3), Q/B-Soc/Sci
UVIC PHIL 201 (1.5)
UNBC PHIL 200 (3)
TRU PHIL 1110 (3)

An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, One of: PHIL 100, PHIL 110, or PHIL 120 (B-)

Transfers to:

UBC PHIL 2nd (3)
SFU PHIL 203 (3)
UVIC PHIL 252 (1.5)
UNBC PHIL 2XX (3)
TRU PHIL 2150 (3)

This course will examine what it means to be a global citizen from the perspective of individual (consumer), corporate (organizational), and government moral responsibilities. Students will explore contemporary global ethics issues through readings in classic and contemporary texts, considering a broad range of topics such as environmental ethics, human rights, first-world vs. third-world relations, war, terrorism, humanitarian aid, social media and information technologies, and other timely topics, as they arise.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PHIL 110

Transfers to:

UBC PHIL 235 (3)
SFU PHIL 121 (3)
UVIC PHIL 2XX (1.5)
UNBC PHIL 2XX (3)
TRU PHIL 2210 (3)