Fall 2008
HU2700 Introduction to Philosophy
Course Policies and Regulations
Some Philosophical Questions
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Cosmological Argument: Aquinas's Argument from Efficient Causes
Design Argument for the Existence of God
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
Materialism, Idealism, and Dualism
The Mind-Body Problem
Paper 1: Topics and Instructions
Old Exam 1
Exam 1 Study Questions
The Self
Determinism and Freedom
Compatibilism
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Ethics Questionnaire
Ethical Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Kant's Non-consequentialist Theory of Obligation
Paper 2: Topics and Instructions
Exam 2 Study Questions
Final Examination (take-home)
HU3700 Philosophy of Science
Course Policies and Regulations
Course Schedule (partial)
Some Questions in the Philosophy of Science
A Common View of Science
Scientific Observation is Objective and Fallible
Experiment in Science
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Inductivism: Pro and Con
Falsificationism: the Original Version
Sophisticated Falsificationism
Objections to Sophisticated Falsificationism
The Copernican Revolution
Kuhn's Philosophy of Science
Detailed Notes on The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (optional)
Discussion of Kuhn's Philosophy of Science on National Public Radio (optional)
Lakatos's Research Programs
Broadcast of Lakatos Lecture on Science and Pseudoscience (optional)
Absolutism and Relativism
Feyerabend's Anarchistic Philosophy of Science
Paper 1: Topics and Instructions
Old Exam 1
Exam 1 Study Questions
Realism and Antirealism in Science
Questionnaire on the Philosophy of Science
Background Information on Evolutionary Biology
Background on Intelligent Design Theory: Irreducible Complexity
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony I
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony II
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony III
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony IV
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony V
Dover, PA trial: Behe testimony VI
Dover, PA trial: Judge Jones's decision
Paper 2: Topics and Instructions
Exam 2 (take home)
Final Examination (take home)
Spring 2008
HU2701 Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Policies and Requirements
Logic and Critical Thinking: A Preview
Tentative Course Schedule
Analyzing Arguments, Deductive Arguments: Validity
Inductive Arguments: Strength, Cogency
Extended Arguments
Old Exam 1(answers)
Introduction to Propositional Logic
Tautologous, Self-Contradictory, and Contingent Propositions
Relationships Among Propositions, Validity/Invalidity via Truth Tables
Indirect Truth Tables, Some Valid/Invalid Argument Forms
Old Exam 2(answers)
Natural Deduction
Rules of Inference
More Rules of Replacement, Conditional Proof
Indirect Proof
Old Exam 3(answers)
Old Final Exam
HU3710 Engineering Ethics
Course Policies and Requirements
Ethics Questionnaire
Larry Hinman's Ethics Site
Tentative Course Schedule – revised March 4, 2008
Theories of Obligation; Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories, Theories of Intrinsic Value
Non-consequentialist Theories: Divine Command, Kant
Non-consequentialist Theories: prima facie duties, moral rights
Virtue Ethics
Individual and Collective Obligation
Common, Personal, and Professional Morality
Analyzing Cases
Sample Case Analysis
Line-Drawing
Codes of Engineering Ethics
1914 ASCE Code
Applying the Codes
Florman's Criticisms of the First Fundamental Canon
Honesty and Dishonesty in Engineering
Course Paper Topics and Assignment
Old Exam 1
Study Questions for Exam 1
Intellectual Property, Expert Witnessing
Conflicts of Interest
Safety: Assessing and Evaluating Risks
Safety: Risk Perception, the Respect-for-Persons Standard,
Legal Liability
Organizational Disobedience and Whistleblowing
Old Exam 2(with answers to Part I)
Study Questions for Exam 2
Enforcing and Promoting Engineering Ethics
Final Exam
HU3711 Biomedical Ethics
Course Policies and Requirements
Ethics Questionnaire
Larry Hinman's Ethics Site
Tentative Course Schedule
Theories of Obligation; Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories, Theories of Intrinsic Value
Non-consequentialist Theories: Divine Command, Kant
Non-consequentialist Theories: prima facie duties, moral rights
Virtue Ethics
Feminist Moral Theory
Casuistry in Ethics
Study Questions for First Exam
Old Exam 1
Case Discussion Initiators
Course Paper Assignment
Old Final Exam
Study Questions for Final Exam
Fall 2007
HU3700: Philosophy of Science
Course Policies and Requirements
Provisional Course Schedule(revised Nov. 9, 2007)
Discussion Questions for Chalmers, chapter 1
A Common View of Science
Scientific Observation is Objective and Fallible
Experiment in Science
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Inductivism: Pro and Con
Falsificationism: the Original Version
Sophisticated Falsificationism
Objections to Sophisticated Falsificationism
The Copernican Revolution
Old Exam 1
Study Questions for Exam 1
Kuhn's Philosophy of Science
Course Paper Assignment
Lakatos's Research Programs
Absolutism and Relativism
Feyerabend's Anarchistic Philosophy of Science
The New Experimentalism
Realism and Antirealism in Science
Old Exam 2
Study Questions for Exam 2
Exam 3 - take home
Exam 3 Answer Key
Final Exam
HU5117: Theories of Language
Some Possible Course Paper Topics
Fall 2006
HU2701: Logic and Critical ThinkingCourse Policies and RequirementsProvisional Course ScheduleLogic and Critical Thinking: A PreviewAnalyzing Arguments, Deductive Arguments: ValidityInductive Arguments: Strength, CogencyExtended ArgumentsOld Exam 1Introduction to Propositional LogicTautologous, Self-Contradictory, and Contingent PropositionsRelationships Among Propositions, Validity/Invalidity via Truth TablesIndirect Truth Tables, Some Valid/Invalid Argument FormsOld Exam 2Responding to Constructive/Destructive DilemmasNatural DeductionRules of InferenceMore Rules of Replacement, Conditional ProofIndirect ProofOld Exam 3Introduction to Predicate Logic, Symbolization Inference Rules in Predicate Logic: UI, EI, UG, EGOld Exam 4Old Final ExamHU2702: Ethical Theory and Moral ProblemsCourse Requirements and PoliciesCourse ScheduleLarry Hinman's Ethics WebsiteSome Basic Concepts of EthicsEthical RelativismTheories of Right and WrongEthical Egoism; Psychological EgoismConsequentialism; Utilitarian Theories of Moral ObligationThe Divine Command TheoryStudy Questions for Exam 1Natural Law EthicsKant's Ethical TheoryCourse Paper AssignmentDistributive JusticeVirtue Ethics: Plato and AristotleVirtue Ethics: Augustine and NietzscheFeminist Moral TheoryStudy Questions for Exam 2Prima Facie Duties and Moral Rights Theories of ObligationRawls's Contractarian Ethical TheoryRobert Holmes's Ethical TheoryExam 3Study Questions for Final ExamHU3700: Philosophy of ScienceCourse Policies and RegulationsCourse Schedule: Reading Assignments, etc.Discussion Questions for Chalmers, chapter 1A Common View of ScienceScientific Observation is Objective and FallibleExperiment in ScienceA Brief Introduction to LogicInductivism: Pro and ConFalsificationism: the Original VersionSophisticated FalsificationismObjections to Sophisticated FalsificationismThe Copernican RevolutionOld Exam 1Study Questions for Exam 1Kuhn's Philosophy of ScienceCourse Paper AssignmentLakatos's Research ProgramsAbsolutism and RelativismFeyerabend's Anarchistic Philosophy of ScienceThe New ExperimentalismRealism and Antirealism in ScienceOld Exam 2Study Questions for Exam 2Exam 3Study Questions for Final Exam
Spring 2006
HU2701: Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Policies and Requirements
Provisional Course Schedule
Logic and Critical Thinking: A Preview
Analyzing Arguments, Deductive Arguments: Validity
Inductive Arguments: Strength, Cogency
Extended Arguments
Old Exam 1
Introduction to Propositional Logic
Tautologous, Self-Contradictory, and Contingent Propositions
Relationships Among Propositions, Validity/Invalidity via Truth
Tables
Indirect Truth Tables, Some Valid/Invalid Argument Forms
Old Exam 2
Responding to Constructive/Destructive Dilemmas
Natural Deduction
Rules of Inference
More Rules of Replacement, Conditional Proof
Indirect Proof
Old Exam 3
HU3710: Engineering Ethics
Course Policies and Requirements
Provisional Course Schedule (revised 2/20/06)
Theories of Obligation; Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories, Theories of Intrinsic Value
Non-consequentialist Theories
Virtue Ethics
Individual and Collective Obligation
Analyzing Cases
Sample Case Analysis
Line-Drawing
Codes of Engineering Ethics
1914 ASCE Code
Applying the Codes
Florman's Criticisms of the First Fundamental Canon
Honesty and Dishonesty in Engineering
Study Questions for Exam 1
Intellectual Property, Expert Witnessing
Conflicts of Interest
Safety: Assessing and Evaluating Risks
Safety: Risk Perception, the Respect-for-Persons Standard,
Legal Liability
Organizational Disobedience and Whistleblowing
Enforcing and Promoting Engineering Ethics
Topics for Course Papers
HU3711: Biomedical Ethics
Course Policies and Requirements
Provisional Course Schedule (revised 2/16/06)
Presentation Schedule (revised 2/16/06)
Theories of Obligation; Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories, Theories of Intrinsic Value
Non-consequentialist Theories: Divine Command, Kant
Non-consequentialist Theories: prima facie duties, moral rights
Virtue Ethics
Feminist Moral Theory
Casuistry in Ethics
Codes of Biomedical Ethics
American Medical Association
Principles of Medical Ethics
Fundamental Elements of the Patient-Physician
Relationship
The Patient-Physician Relationship
Informed Consent
Surrogate Decision-Making
Abortion
Mandatory Parental Consent to Abortion
Withholding or Withdrawing Life-sustaining Medical
Treatment
Euthanasia
Physician-assisted Suicide
Hippocratic Oath
Study Questions for Exam
Larry Hinman's Ethics Site
Topics for Course Papers
- Fall 2005
HU3700 Philosophy of Science
Course Policies and Regulations
Course Schedule: Reading Assignments, etc. (revised 11/14/05)
Discussion Questions for Chalmers, chapter 1: pp. 3-9
A Common View of Science
Scientific Observation is Objective and Fallible
Experiment in Science
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Inductivism: Pro and Con
Falsificationism 1
Sophisticated Falsificationism
Arguments against Sophisticated Falsificationism
The Copernican Revolution
Study Questions for Exam 1
Kuhn's Philosophy of Science
Kuhn on Paradigm Shifts
Lakatos on Research Programs
Absolutism and Relativism in Science
Feyerabend's Anarchistic Philosophy of Science
Chalmer's Criticism of Feyerabend
Bayesian Philosophy of Science
The New Experimentalism
The Nature of Scientific Laws
Realism and Anti-Realism in Science
Study Questions for Exam 2
Introduction to Evolutionary Biology
Introduction to Intelligent Design
Course Paper Assignment
Exam 3
Study Questions for Final Exam
UN1001 Perspectives on Inquiry (Origins)
Course Policies and Regulations
Reading Assignment Schedule
Major Paper Assignment I
Topics for Paper 3 and Class Presentations
Topic Assignments for Major Paper 3 and Class Presentations
- Spring 2005
HU2700 Introduction to Philosophy
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Absolutism and Relativism
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Analyzing Arguments
Metaphysics
The Mind-Body Problem
The Self
Determinism and Freedom
Compatibilism
Study Questions for First Exam
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Truth I
Truth II
Truth in Science
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God: Aquina's Argument from
Efficient Causes
Design Argument for the Existence of God
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
Religious Faith
Topics for Course Papers
Study Questions for Second Exam
Old Exam 2
Ethical Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Non-consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Study Questions for Third Exam
Old Exam 3
Study Questions for Final Exam
Old Final Exam
HU2701 Logic and Critical Thinking
Class Notes, Jan. 13
Class Notes, Jan. 18
Class Notes, Jan. 20
Class Notes, Jan. 27
Old Exam 1
Class Notes, Feb. 3
Class Notes, Feb. 8
Class Notes, Feb. 15
Class Notes, Feb. 17
Class Notes, Feb. 22
Old Exam 2
Class Notes, Mar. 1
Class Notes, Mar. 3, 8, 10
Class Notes, Mar. 15, 17
Class Notes, Mar. 22
Old Exam 3
Class Notes, Apr. 5
Class Notes, Apr. 7
Class Notes, Apr. 12
Class Notes, Apr. 14
Old Final Exam
HU3710 Engineering Ethics
Syllabus
Course Schedule
Introduction to Ethical Theory: Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Introduction to Ethical Theory: Consequentialist Theories
Introduction to Ethical Theory: Nonconsequentialist Theories
Cases for Course Projects
Case Analysis and Evaluation: Key Questions
Line-drawing
A Sample Course Paper
Study Questions for Exam 1
Honesty
Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest
Safety
Whistleblowing
Notes on Chapter 11
Study Questions for Exam 2
Tentative Presentation Schedule
Final Examination
- Fall 2004
HU2700 Introduction to Philosophy
Course Information and Policies
Course Schedule
Divisions of Philosophy
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Analysis of Arguments
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Absolutism and Relativism
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Analyzing Arguments
Metaphysics
The Mind-Body Problem
The Self
Determinism and Freedom
Compatibilism
Study Questions for First Exam
Old Exam 1 - Fall, 2001
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Truth I
Truth II
Truth in Science
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God: Aquina's Argument from
Efficient Causes
Design Argument for the Existence of God
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
Religious Faith
Course Paper Assignment
Study Questions for Second Exam
Ethical Absolutism, Relativism, Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Non-consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Peter Singer on Our Obligations to Famine Victims and Animals
Study Questions for Third Exam
Study Questions for Final Exam
HU3700 Philosophy of Science
Course Information and Policies
Course Schedule
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Inductivist Versions of the Scientific Method
The Problem of Induction
Possible Responses to Hume's Argument
More Problems of Inductivism
Falsificationism
The Duhem Problem
Problems with Falsificationism
Study Questions for Exam 1
Old Exam 1
Thomas Kuhn on Scientific Revolutions
Incommensurability of Competing Paradigms
Professor Sewell's lectures
The realism/anti-realism controversy
Idealism and Logical Positivism
New Course Schedule - October 27, 2004
Course Paper Assignment
Scientific Explanation
Scientific Explanation (cont.)
Exam 2 (take-home)
Introduction to Evolutionary Biology
Introduction to Intelligent Design
Exam 3 (take-home)
Study Questions for Final Exam
- Spring 2004
HU2701 Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Syllabus
Homework Schedule
Class Notes, Jan. 13
Class Notes, Jan. 15
Class Notes, Jan. 20
Class Notes, Jan. 27
Old Exam 1
Class Notes, Feb. 10
Class Notes, Feb. 12
Class Notes, Feb. 17
Class Notes, Feb. 19
Class Notes, Feb. 24
Old Exam 2
Class Notes, Mar. 9, 11, 16
Class Notes, Mar. 18, 23
Class Notes, Mar. 25
Old Exam 3
Class Notes, Apr. 6
Class Notes, Apr. 8, 13
Class Notes, Apr. 20
Old Exam 4
Old Final Exam: Spring, 2002
- Fall 2003
UN1001:Perspectives on Inquiry – Origins
Study/Discussion Questions
Topics for Paper 3 and Class Presentation
HU2700: Introduction to Philosophy
Course Information and Policies
Some Philosophical Questions
Divisions of Philosophy
Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God: Aquina's Argument from Efficient Causes
Design Argument for the Existence of God
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Religious Faith
Old Exam 1 - Fall, 2001
Study Questions for Exam 1
Metaphysics
The Mind-Body Problem
Determinism and Freedom
Compatibilism
The Self
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Study Questions for Exam 2
Old Exam 2 - Spring, 2003
Truth I
Truth II
Truth in Science
Introduction to Ethics; Absolutism, Relativism, and Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Divine Command, Natural Law, and Kant's Theories of Obligation
Prima Facie Duties and Moral Rights Theories of Obligation
Topics for Paper 3
HU3700: Philosophy of Science
Hempel—
Notes on Hempel, chapters 1 and 2
Notes on Hempel, chapter 3
Notes on Hempel, chapter 4
Notes on Hempel, chapter 5
Notes on Hempel, chapter 6
Notes on Hempel, chapter 7
Kuhn—
Study Questions for Thomas Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Notes on Kuhn (preview)
Notes on Kuhn: preface and chapter 1
Notes on Kuhn: chapter 2
Notes on Kuhn: chapters 3 and 4
Notes on Kuhn: chapters 5 and 6
Notes on Kuhn: chapters 7 and 8
Notes on Kuhn, chapter 9
Notes on Kuhn, chapter 10
Notes on Kuhn, chapters 11 and 12
Notes on Kuhn, chapter 13
“Creation-Science” and Evolutionary Biology—
Gish's Defense of "Creation Science"
The Arkansas Law: Ruse's Argument and Judge Overton's Decision
The Demarcation Problem: Laudan's Views On
Laudan Versus Ruse on Judge Overton's Opinion
Notes on the History of Science—
Professor Sewell's lectures
Topics for Papers—
Topics for Paper 1
Topics for Paper 2
Topic for Paper 3
Study Questions—
Study Questions for Exam 1
Study Questions for Exam 2
- Spring, 2003
HU2700: Introduction to Philosophy
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Religious Faith
Old Exam 1 - Fall, 2001
Study Questions for Exam 1
Determinism and Freedom
The Mind-Body Problem
Compatibilism
The Self
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Topics for Paper 2
Study Questions for Exam 2
Old Exam 2 - Fall, 2001
Truth I
Truth II
Introduction to Ethics; Absolutism, Relativism, and Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Divine Command, Natural Law, and Kant's Theories of Obligation
Prima Facie Duties and Moral Rights Theories of Obligation
Topics for Paper 3
Study Questions for Exam 3
Study Questions for Final Exam
Old Final Exam, Fall 2001
HU2701: Logic and Critical Thinking
Old Final Exam, Spring 2002
HU4703: Issues in Communication Ethics
Readings (password protected)
- Spring, 2002
HU2701: Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Policies and Requirements
Tentative Course Schedule
Revised Course Schedule: March 12-May 2
Class Notes, Jan. 15
Class Notes, Jan. 17
Class Notes, Jan. 22
Class Notes, Jan. 24
Class Notes, Feb. 5
Class Notes, Feb. 12
Class Notes, Feb. 14
Class Notes, Feb. 19
Class Notes, Feb. 21
Class Notes, Feb. 26
Class Notes, Mar. 12
Class Notes, Mar. 14
Class Notes, Mar. 21
Class Notes, Apr. 9
Third Exam Answer Key
Class Notes, Apr. 11, 16
Class Notes, Apr. 23
Fourth Exam Answer Key
Final Exam: Spring, 2001
HU3710:Engineering Ethics
Notes on Ethical Theory
Case Analysis and Evaluation: Questions to Consider
A Sample Case: “Working Overtime”
Class Notes on "Working Overtime"
Sample Course Paper
Tentative Case Presentations Schedule
Notes on Safety and Risk
Final Examination
- Fall, 2001
HU2700: Introduction to Philosophy
Tentative Course Schedule
A Brief Introduction to Logic
Atheism and the Problem of Evil
St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Religious Faith
Study Questions for First Exam
Debate on the Existence of God
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Pragmatism, Logical Positivism, and Realism/Antirealism
Topics for Course Paper
Determinism and Freedom; Time
The Mind-Body Problem
Compatibilism
The Self
Introduction to Epistemology, Rationalism
Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume; Skepticism
Kant's Theory of Knowledge: Transcendental Idealism
Study Questions for Second Exam
Course Paper Guidelines
Truth I
Truth II
Introduction to Ethics; Absolutism, Relativism, and Subjectivism
Consequentialist Theories of Obligation
Divine Command, Natural Law, and Kant's Theories of Obligation
Prima Facie Duties and Moral Rights Theories of Obligation
Study Questions for Final Exam