COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHL – Philosophy 

PHL 113 – Worldviews: 3 credits

This course will examine and apply principles involved in the development of a worldview. The course will emphasize the development and application of a Christian worldview. Special emphasis will be given to critical, creative, and Christian thinking skills.

PHL 213 – Introduction to Philosophy: 3 credits

A survey of the fundamentals of philosophy, including: the history of philosophy, reasoning (logic), knowledge (epistemology), reality (metaphysics), ethics (axiology), and a unit on philosophy of religion and apologetics (the defense of the faith).

PHL 303 – Worldview Perspectives of City Life: 3 credits

Examines the development of worldview perspectives of groups and individuals within the urban context. Particular attention is given to philosophical and ethical dimensions of deism, existentialism, naturalism, nihilism, pantheism, pluralism, and postmodern thought.

PHL 306 – Urban Issues and Ethics: 3 credits

The city is used as a context for examining criminal justice, economic development, housing, public health, welfare reform, and other urban conditions. Examines ethical interpretations and response to issues such as economic impoverishment, political disenfranchisement, and social marginalization. Special attention is given to personal and group obligations to the urban community and the role of churches in Christian social justice.

PHL 323 – Apologetics: 3 credits

An examination of the intellectual responses of Christianity to the challenges that have been posed by some in history, philosophy, science, and related areas. An overview of meta-issues (the nature of Christianity, nature of knowledge or epistemology, etc.), discussions of specific issues (the existence of God, the reliability of Scripture, the problem of evil, etc.), and consideration of practical issues (how best to present arguments, etc.) are included. A brief synopsis of philosophy is presented for perspective as a course introduction.

PHL 343 – Ethics: 3 credits

An examination of historic and modern methods for ethical decision-making. Primary emphasis is given to using those methods to suggest Christian solutions for the personal, economic and religious problems of our day.

PHL/REL 353 – Traditions of Spirituality: 3 credits

An introduction to the methodology of comparative religions and a critical exploration of various religious traditions including, but not limited to: Animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Islam, mysticism, and occultism. An understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition is assumed.

PHL/REL 363 – Philosophy of Religions: 3 credits

A critical exploration of philosophy in relation to and within historic and contemporary religious systems. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of secular philosophies and various religious systems and the use of philosophy by systems in relation to the role of intellect, apologetics, other religions, God, salvation, history, eternity, etc.

PHL 491, 492 and 493 – Topics in Philosophy: 1-3 credits

Special topics of varied interest are offered as needed and as resources permit.

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