Philosophy Courses

GPHIL 101. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 credits.

An introduction to the basic problems and concepts of philosophy--the nature of man and the self, ethics, theories of knowledge, philosophy of religion, etc. as revealed in the writings of major philosophers.

GPHIL 120. Critical Thinking. 3 credits.

An introduction to the techniques for analyzing and evaluating information in everyday experience. The functions of language will be discussed. Techniques for judging the strengths of arguments and the probable truth of the arguments' premises will be examined.

PHIL/REL 218. Philosophy of Religion.    3 credits

An intensive examination of religion from the standpoint of philosophical thinking with particular emphasis on the way philosophers view such problems as the existence of God, evil, immortality, religious language, etc.

PHIL 250. Introduction to Symbolic Logic.  3 credits.

An introduction to the languages and techniques of propositional logic and first-order quantification theory.

PHIL 262. Problems in Applied Ethics.    3 credits.

Ethical theories are used to analyze contemporary moral issues in areas such as business and health care. Course content varies.

PHIL 270. Introduction to Ethics. 3 credits.

An introductory study of the basic ethical theories past and present with some application to moral problems.

PHIL 285. Philosophy, Art and Literature.  3 credits

This course will study artistic works (literary or otherwise) for their philosophical content. Related issues in the philosophy of art for example, the nature of tragedy, theories of interpretation may also be considered.

PHIL 300. Knowledge and Belief.  3 credits

An extensive examination of theories of knowledge and philosophical problems concerning knowledge and belief. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or permission of the instructor.

PHIL 310. Symbolic Logic. 3 credits.

The study and application of the principles and techniques of modern deductive logic to natural language. Also, examination of the properties of formal systems and of the logical implications and paradoxes of language. 

PHIL 311. Metaphysics.  3 credits

Examination of central questions regarding the fundamental nature of reality. Possible topics: universals and particulars, possibility and necessity, mind and body, identity over time, free will causality, time and God. Prerequisite: at least on other philosophy course or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 315. Logic and Legal Reasoning.  3 credits

Application of symbolic logic (first-order logic with identity) to legal language and deductive legal argument. Will include close logical analysis of at least one of the following: Supreme Court brief, Supreme Court decision, Supreme Court oral argument. Prerequisite: PHIL 250 or instructor consent.

PHIL 320. Inductive Logic. 3 credits.

Introduction to inductive logic and philosophical problems it raises. Topics discussed: the traditional problem of induction, the Goodman paradox and the new riddle of induction, the probability calculus and kinds of probability, Mill's methods of experimental inquiry and the nature of causality, abduction (inference to the best explanation) and confirmation theory.

PHIL 325. Crime, Punishment and Justice. 3 credits.

Theories of criminal punishment are examined in the context of philosophical theories of justice and in conjunction with material from the social sciences on crime, criminal offenders and the effects of penal sanctions.

PHIL 330. Moral Theory. 3 credits.

An examination, at the intermediate level, of both classical and contemporary moral theories. Critical analysis of the normative and meta-ethical issues these theories raise. 

PHIL 335. The Individual, the State and Justice. 3 credits.

Mid-level class in political philosophy. Will read classic and/or contemporary texts in philosophy influential on political thought. Focus may be on views of the justification for, and role of, the state. Consideration may also be given to the proper relationship of individuals and the state, political freedom autonomy. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 340. Ancient Greek Philosophy. 3 credits.

This course traces philosophical problems raised by the pre-Socratics, Parmenides, Heraclitus, Pythagoras and the Sophists, through their treatment by Plato and Aristotle. Emphasis is placed on selected writings of Plato and Aristotle.

PHIL 341. Modern Philosophy. 3 credits.

A selective survey of major issues and thinkers in Western philosophy from Descartes to Kant.

PHIL 342. Medieval Philosophy.  3 credits

A survey of the major issues and thinkers of the medieval philosophical world with emphasis on the philosophical writings of those within the Western tradition, such as (e.g.) Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and Scotus. Prerequisite: One other philosophy course, or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 344. Existentialism. 3 credits.

An examination of existentialism and its major spokesmen including such authors as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Marcel and Heidegger. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or permission of the instructor.

PHIL 350. The Philosophy of Feminism. An intermediate-level examination of philosophical problems in feminist theory and feminist contributions to philosophy. 3 credits.

PHIL 367. Topics in Philosophy of Law.  3 credits

Examination of the philosophical issues raised by the law, including the nature, foundations, and limits of the law, theories of its interpretation, and the fundamental interest it aims to protect. Prerequisites: PHIL 270 or PHIL 262 or PHIL 330 or PHIL 335

PHIL 370. American Philosophy. 3 credits.

A study of the main philosophical ideas in America, especially pragmatism, with particular emphasis being given to Pierce, James, Royce, Dewey and Whitehead. 

PHIL/REL 375. 19th Century Philosophy and Theology. 3 credits.

A selected study of 19th-century thought, with emphasis on controversies concerning the nature and limits of reason, the ultimate meaning of history, and the inner meaning and social significance of religion. Pertinent thinkers include Hegel, Marx, Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and others.

PHIL/ART 380. Seminar in Aesthetics. 3 credits.

Readings and discussions in the persistent philosophical problems of the arts, centering on consideration of the work of art, the artist and the audience. Prerequisite: GART 200, GARTH 205, GARTH 206 or GPHIL 101.

PHIL/REL 385. Buddhist Thought. 3 credits.

Buddhist thought from its origins to the contemporary world in South Asia and East Asia. Emphasis on the understanding of the human condition; analysis of the mind and of the nature of the cosmos; and the expression of Buddhist thought in the fine arts and social activism.

PHIL 390. Special Topics in Philosophy.  3 credits

Topics for this intermediate-level course may be drawn from any area or period of philosophy chosen by the instructor. The course is designed primarily for Philosophy majors and minors, but any suitably prepared student may take the course with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or instructor consent.

PHIL 392. Philosophy of Mind. 3 credits.

An examination of competing theories of the intrinsic nature of mental states and mental processes, including careful consideration of questions concerning the relation between the mind and the physical world. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 395. Philosophy and Scientific Inquiry. 3 credits.

An analysis of philosophical problems in science, such as the nature of scientific explanation, theory formation and confirmation of scientific hypotheses. Issues discussed include the role of models in theory formation, the relationships between experience and reasoning in theory construction and confirmation and the roles of paradigms in scientific thought. 

PHIL 430. Analytic Philosophy. 3 credits.

An examination of the origins and development of contemporary philosophical analysis, with special attention given to the nature and uses of language as well as logical structures of confirmation and explanation. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101, GPHIL 250 or permission of the instructor.

PHIL 440. Advanced Moral Philosophy. 3 credits.

Class will closely examine recent or historical work in (largely normative) moral philosophy, including at least two of the following: teleology (e.g. virtue theory), deontology, (e.g. Kantianism) and consequentialism (e.g. utilitarianism). Prerequisite: GPHIL 101, PHIL 330 or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 445. Advanced Political Philosophy. 3 credits.

In a seminar format, we will examine, in depth, questions of political philosophy. These may include: autonomy, democracy, freedom, impartiality, universalism, toleration, and the normative priority of individuals and communities. Prerequisites: GPHIL 101, PHIL 335, or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 460. Topics in Classical Philosophy. 3 credits.

An advanced study of major issues in or the writings of one or more thinkers in ancient Greece through the western medieval period. Prerequisite: PHIL 340 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with change of topics.

PHIL 465. Topics in Modern Philosophy. 3 credits.

An advanced study of some of the major issues in or the writings of one or more 17^th, 18^th, or 19^th century philosophers. Prerequisite: PHIL 101, PHIL 341, PHIL 375, or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

PHIL 470. Topics in Contemporary Continental Philosophy. 3 credits.

Intensive study of one or two major thinkers or themes in 20^th-century European philosophy. Possible topics include figures such as Heidegger, Habermas, Foucault, or Derrida; or themes such as phenomenology, critical theory, post-structuralism, or the critique of Enlightenment ideals. Prerequisite: PHIL 341, PHIL/REL 375, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

PHIL 475. Major Thinkers and Issues in Philosophy. 3 credits.

An advanced study of some of the major issues in philosophy or of the writings of one or two of the major persons in the history of philosophy, such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant and Wittgenstein. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: GPHIL 101 or permission of the instructor. 

PHIL 490. Special Studies in Philosophy. 3 credits.

Designed to give capable students an opportunity to complete independent study in philosophy under faculty supervision. 

PHIL 499. Honors. 6 credits.

Year course.

Religion Courses

GREL 101. Religions of the World. 3 credits.

An investigation of the world's major religions which will give attention to their origin, history, mythology and doctrines.

REL/HEBR 131-132. Elementary Biblical Hebrew.  4 credits

An introductory course for students who intend to acquire the ability to read the Massoretic text of the Bible. Systematic study of the fundamentals of grammar, with emphasis on reading, pronunciation and translation.

REL 200. Exploring Religion. 3 credits.

An examination of the various components in the study of religion including myths, rituals, mystical experiences, theologies, ethics and current issues. Examples will be taken from the sacred texts, rituals and the lives of religious personalities in traditions around the world.

REL 201. Introduction to Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. 3 credits.

A study of selected texts from the books of Genesis-Malachi that will examine their literary, historical and theological dimensions from the perspective of their ancient Israelite and Judahite contexts.

REL 202. Introduction to the New Testament. 3 credits.

This course discusses the literature of the New Testament in light of the historical, social and religious conditions from which it emerged. Particular attention is given to historical issues related to Jesus and the origins of Christianity.

REL/PHIL 218. Philosophy of Religion.   3 credits

An intensive examination of religion from the standpoint of philosophical thinking with particular emphasis on the way philosophers view such problems as the existence of God, evil, immortality, religious language, etc.

REL/HEBR 231-232. Intermediate Biblical Hebrew.  3 credits each semester  

An intensive reading course. Selections from the Massoretic text of the Bible. An introduction to the critical apparatus used within the Massoretic text as well as the variant reading apparatus printed in the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Prerequisite: One year of college biblical Hebrew or equivalent.

REL 240. Jesus and the Moral Life. 3 credits.

This is an introductory course that focuses on the ways in which the moral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, explored from both historical and multi-cultural perspectives, informed and continues to inform personal ideals and moral visions of society.

REL 270. Religious Ethics. 3 credits.

An investigation of the historical development of religious values and moral concepts in the Western religious traditions of Judaism, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

REL 280. Religion and Science.  3 credits.

This course will provide a historial survey of the relationship between religion and the sciences; offer overviews of scientific and theological theory; examine the development of theory formation; foruc on issues in astronomy, physics and biology; explore the ethical implications of scientific and religious theories; and trace developments.

REL 300. Selected Topics in Religion. 3 credits.

Selected topics in religion are studied in depth. See Schedule of Classes for current topic. Course may be repeated for credit when content changes.

REL 305. Islamic Religious Traditions.  3 credits.

This course introduces the Islamic religious traditions from its inception to the present. Topics covered include the message and style of the Qur'an, the life and experience of Muhammad, the major beliefs and practices of Islam, and the theological, philosophical and mystical movements in the Islamic empire. Attention is also given to modern Islamic movements and their relation to the world inside and outside the Middle East.

REL 310. Hindu Traditions.  3 credits

This course examines the notions of the world, community and self as experienced and interpretted by Hindus; the basic assumptions underlying their worldview; how these assumptions interrelate with the various dimensions of Hindu physical, psychological and cultural experience; how they are expressed in myth, ritual and social structures; and the tensions we find between the ideal and the real.

REL 312. Religions of East Asia. 3 credits.

An introduction to the religions of China and Japan, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, Folk Religions and the "New Religions" of Japan. Attention to the role of religion in the family and the state, classic texts, the importance of nature and expressions of spirituality in the fine arts.

  REL 313. Hindu Ethics.  3 credits.

This course is an introduction to Hindu modes of moral reasoning. It gives special attention to the concept of moral order and its relationship to the pursuit of pleasure and of wealth, on the one hand, and the quest for liberation, on the other hand. Attention is paid to common moral obligations as well as to specified, and sometimes gendered, vocational duties incumbent upon Hindus.

REL 314. Gandhi, Nonviolence and Global Transformations.  3 credits

Gandhi is unique as a social theorist, a philosopher and an activist. He challenged the dominant world structure of his time and struggled with some of the most significant issues of our time: violence, racism, oppression of women, role of religion, nature of capitalism, and conflict between ethnic and religious communities. This course examines his theory and praxis on these and other issues.

REL 315. Women and Religion. 3 credits.

Study of women and world religions, historically and today, emphasizing Buddhism, religions of China and Japan, Judaism and Christianity. The variety of women's religious roles and practices are studied in a comparative context. Feminist scholarship's proposals for revising our understanding of religious history and reforming religious traditions.

REL 316. Topics in Hinduism.    3 credits.

Study of selected topics in Hinduism. May be repeated for credit when course content changes.

REL 317. Exploring Gandhian Philosophy of Nonviolence.  3 or 6 credits.

The JMU in India Summer Program is a travel-study course. The program provides an interdisciplinary study of the history and contemporary application of the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence through course work, field studies and direct experience.

REL 318. Exploring Contemporary India.  3 or 6 credits.

The JMU in India Summer Program is a travel-study course. The program provides an interdisciplinary introduction to contemporary India from the point of view of religion, mythology, literature, music, art and architecture through course work, field studies and direct experience.

REL 320. Judaism. 3 credits.

An examination of the beliefs, practices and historical development of the various forms of Judaism represented in America today: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist.

REL/SOCI 322. Sociology of Religion. 3 credits.

A sociological analysis of religion; how it influences and is influenced by social existence. See cross listing in Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

REL 325. Catholicism in the Modern World. 3 credits.

Study of the variety of responses by contemporary Catholic theologians and philosophers to key elements in Christian doctrine and practice. Topics include Vatican II; scripture, tradition and modern scholarship; Jesus and Christology; contemporary Catholic spirituality; moral issues in the church; and ecumenism.

REL 330. African and African-American Religion. 3 credits.

An examination of the character and nature of religious traditions and liturgical practices of African and African-American communities through history.

REL 342. Quests for the Historical Jesus. 3 credits.

This course examines the various quests for the historical Jesus prominent in Biblical scholarship since the Enlightenment, with particular attention to the current debate. 

REL 344. Christianity in the Roman Empire. 3 credits.

This course examines the rise of Christianity in the social and religious context of the pagan Roman Empire. It focuses on crucial struggles and conflicts in the volatile period from Jesus to the fourth century A.D.

REL 346. Religions in Greece and Rome.  3 credits

This course explores the religious traditions of Greece and Rome. Through study of the diverse gods and goddesses and the divine honors paid to them, the course covers central aspects of Greco-Roman culture and society. Attention is also given to new religious traditions, in particular the Mystery religions, that gained prominence in the world of the Roman Empire.

REL 360. History of Western Religious Thought. 3 credits.

A survey of the development of western religious thought from the classical period through the modern period. The primary emphasis will be on the person, ideas, beliefs and critical turning points in the development of Christianity and Judaism, with some reference to Islam and to contemporary religious developments.

REL 370. Mysticism. 3 credits.

An examination of the nature of mysticism and its forms of practice in selected religious communities through the world.

REL/PHIL 375. The 19th Century: Age of Ideology. 3 credits.

A study of selected 19th-century philosophers and theologians with special attention to rationalism, romanticism and idealism. Views of Hegel, Schleiermacher, Ritschl, Marx and others are considered. 

REL 380. Contemporary Theologies. 3 credits.

A survey of one or more of the following contemporary theological movements: continental, North American, African and South American, including Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant approaches and covering themes such as the conflict between history and faith, Christology, fundamentalism and liberalism and the emergence of liberation, feminist, black, neo-conservative, secular, pluralist and ecological theologies.

REL/PHIL 385. Buddhist Thought. 3 credits.

Buddhist thought from its origins to the contemporary world in South Asia and East Asia. Emphasis on the understanding of the human condition; analysis of the mind and nature of the cosmos; and the expression of Buddhist thought in the fine arts and in social activism.

REL 450. Religion and Society. 3 credits.

A survey and/or selection of major western approaches to issues of religion and society, including but not limited to traditional understanding of church and state issues. Significant figures, texts and methodologies will be critically examined.

REL 460. Topics in Ancient Jewish and Early Christian Literature.  3 credits.

An in-depth examination of the literary, theological and historical dimensions of selected biblical texts. Texts will be studied in their ancient contexts, with a focus on ancient literary patterns and writing strategies. Students will apply critical methods used in the academic study of the Bible in their analyses. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.Prerequisite: REL 201, REL 202 or permission of the instructor.

REL 475. Inter-Religious Dialogue. 3 credits.

Dialogue is today the most important response of the world's religions to the diversity of world religions. It is a vehicle for mutual understanding, mutual challenge and joint response to contemporary problems. Students will study the theory and practice of dialogue and then engage in dialogue. Prerequisite: Familiarity with two world religions or permission of the instructor.

REL 490. Special Studies in Religion. 3 credits.

Designed to give capable students an opportunity to complete independent study in religion under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Permission of the department head.

REL 499. Honors. 6 credits.

Year course.