Courses Offered

The following undergraduate courses have been offered in the past by the Department of Philosophy—and may be available now or in the future.

Please go to Current Course Descriptions for courses available in the current or forthcoming term.

PHILOS 101 Introduction to Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to the philosophical thinking through examination of such topics as Plato's and Aristotle's contribution to Western civilization; free will and moral responsibility; God, morality, and knowledge.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May not be retaken for add'l cr; may be repeated for higher grade.
Last Taught: Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019.
PHILOS 111 Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Students learn a broad variety of fundamental logical methods - techniques used to identify, analyze, model, evaluate, and criticize different types of real-world reasoning.
Prerequisites: ACT math subscore of 18 or higher, or Math Placement Level 10, which is earned by any of the following: (a) Level 10 on Math Placement Test; (b) grade of C or better in MATH 90 or MATH 102; or (c) grade of D in MATH 94.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: PHILOS 111 and MATH 111 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019.
PHILOS 192 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017.
PHILOS 199 Independent Study
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
For further information, consult dept chair.
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2006, Fall 2002, Fall 1999, Summer 1999.
PHILOS 204 Introduction to Asian Religions
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Philosophy of Asian religions; emphasis on the Indian experience of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the Chinese experience of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019.
PHILOS 207 Religion and Science
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The alleged conflict between science and religion: case histories, analysis of the issues, implications for the concepts of religious beliefs and scientific knowledge.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
PHILOS 211 Elementary Logic
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to traditional and modern logic; the concepts of argument, validity; proof, fallacy, persuasion, and reasoning; the development of certain practical skills.
Prerequisites: satisfaction of QL-A.
General Education Requirements: HU, QLB
Last Taught: Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019.
PHILOS 212 Modern Deductive Logic
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A second course in symbolic logic that develops the skills in symbolic translation and proof construction acquired in Philos 211, investigates more abstractly the properties of formal systems of proof.
Prerequisites: grade C or better in Philos 211(P).
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
PHILOS 213 Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Course for beginning students dealing with such problems as induction vs deduction; hypotheses and theories and their relation to observation; explanation and prediction.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Summer 2003.
PHILOS 215 Belief, Knowledge, and Truth: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Grounds of rational belief and knowledge and methods used for obtaining them, with particular emphasis on problems of evidence and truth.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PHILOS 217 Introduction to Metaphysics
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to the major problems of metaphysics, such as the mind-body problem, the free will-determinism issue, and the nature of causality.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2017, Fall 2014, Spring 2014.
PHILOS 232 Topics in Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A course for beginning students dealing with such philosophical problems as freedom of will, skepticism, or a historical figure or movement.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 235 Philosophical Aspects of Feminism
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A course for beginning students dealing with selected philosophical issues underlying feminist ideas and problems.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2013, Fall 2010.
PHILOS 237 Technology, Values, and Society
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Discussion of controversies over whether modern technology is a progressive or regressive force in human life; impact of technology on individual and institutional values.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
PHILOS 241 Introductory Ethics
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of moral ideas. Criticism of ethical theories and of social institutions such as state, property, and family.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.
PHILOS 242 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Opposing philosophical views about man and his political and social life.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Spring 2014, Fall 2011, Spring 2009.
PHILOS 243 Moral Problems:
1 cr. Undergraduate.
Intensive study of one moral issue of current relevance.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.
PHILOS 244 Ethical Issues in Health Care:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Study of ethical issues facing patients, providers, and public policy planners: e.g., ethical response to terminal illness, equity in health care delivery.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019.
PHILOS 245 Critical Thinking and the Law:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of critical and analytical skills using legal reasoning as a model and law texts as sources.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Fall 2008.
PHILOS 250 God, Faith and Reason
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Major questions: What is God? Can God's existence (or non-existence) be proved? How? What is religious faith? Is faith rational? Is faith ethical or wise?
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PHILOS 253 Philosophy of the Arts
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The creation, appreciation, and criticism of works of art. Sources and use of standards.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Summer 2014, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2010.
PHILOS 271 Philosophical Traditions:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Survey of one significant philosophical tradition.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2009, Spring 2005, Fall 2004, Fall 2003.
PHILOS 272 Philosophical Classics:
1 cr. Undergraduate.
Intensive study of one short work of special importance in the philosophic literature.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2004, Spring 2003.
PHILOS 289 Internship in Philosophy, Lower Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of philosophy in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: intro course in philos; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
PHILOS 297 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined, and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.
PHILOS 299 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
PHILOS 303 Mind and Knowledge
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Studies the natures of action, belief and knowledge and the constraint that knowledge imposes on responsible action and belief, both in individuals and across society.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 101(P) or 215(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
PHILOS 303G Mind and Knowledge
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Studies the natures of action, belief and knowledge and the constraint that knowledge imposes on responsible action and belief, both in individuals and across society.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 101(P) or 215(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
PHILOS 317 Metaphysics
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of perennial philosophical issues about the nature of the world and our relation to it; realism, idealism, causality, the mind-body problem, time, truth.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Fall 2017.
PHILOS 317G Metaphysics
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of perennial philosophical issues about the nature of the world and our relation to it; realism, idealism, causality, the mind-body problem, time, truth.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Fall 2017.
PHILOS 324 Philosophy of Science
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of traditional and recent views about the nature, aim and ways of evaluating scientific theories, with reference to both the natural and social sciences.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2014.
PHILOS 324G Philosophy of Science
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of traditional and recent views about the nature, aim and ways of evaluating scientific theories, with reference to both the natural and social sciences.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2014.
PHILOS 332 Philosophical Problems:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific philosophical topic or issue, such as contemporary aesthetics, personal identity, the mind-body problem, the nature of beauty, equality, the just-war doctrine.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: Not open for cr to students w/cr in Philos 381 w/similar subtitle. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 335 Philosophy of Biology
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical study of topics in the biological sciences, such as evolutionary explanations, genetic determinism, the definition of life, what constitutes a biological individual.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2005.
PHILOS 335G Philosophy of Biology
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical study of topics in the biological sciences, such as evolutionary explanations, genetic determinism, the definition of life, what constitutes a biological individual.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2005.
PHILOS 337 Environmental Ethics
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Theories of environmental ethics, practical application. Responsibilities to nature/future generations; moral value/status of environment and organisms; philosophical issues concerning environmental studies and ecology.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 337G Environmental Ethics
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Theories of environmental ethics, practical application. Responsibilities to nature/future generations; moral value/status of environment and organisms; philosophical issues concerning environmental studies and ecology.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 341 Modern Ethical Theories
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Ethical theories and problems as discussed in the late nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first-centuries.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos; satisfaction of OWC-A.
General Education Requirements: OWCB
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 349 Great Moral Philosophers
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major themes of moral philosophy from Plato and Aristotle to Bentham and Mill, with critical study of the outstanding works.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 349G Great Moral Philosophers
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major themes of moral philosophy from Plato and Aristotle to Bentham and Mill, with critical study of the outstanding works.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 350 Introduction to the Comparative Study of Religion
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the nature of religion, of various comparative typological classifications and methodological approaches; basic problems in understanding the varieties of religious experience and expression.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 204(P), Philos/Hist/Hebr St 275(P) or Anthro 203(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2006, Spring 2004.
PHILOS 350G Introduction to the Comparative Study of Religion
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of the nature of religion, of various comparative typological classifications and methodological approaches; basic problems in understanding the varieties of religious experience and expression.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 204(P), Philos/Hist/Hebr St 275(P) or Anthro 203(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2006, Spring 2004.
PHILOS 351 Philosophy of Mind
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical study of the nature of mind and its relation to body and matter, with emphasis on recent advances in philosophy and psychology.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 351G Philosophy of Mind
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical study of the nature of mind and its relation to body and matter, with emphasis on recent advances in philosophy and psychology.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 355 Political Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical doctrines involved in justification of political decisions; analysis of fundamental concepts such as the common good, authority, justice, natural law, and natural rights.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 242(P) or a course in ethics.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 355G Political Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical doctrines involved in justification of political decisions; analysis of fundamental concepts such as the common good, authority, justice, natural law, and natural rights.
Prerequisites: jr st; Philos 242(P) or a course in ethics.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 358 Action, Will, and Freedom
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature of the will, agency, intentional action, and the problem of free will and determinism.
Prerequisites: jr st, 3 cr philos; or grad st.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2012.
PHILOS 358G Action, Will, and Freedom
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature of the will, agency, intentional action, and the problem of free will and determinism.
Prerequisites: jr st, 3 cr philos; or grad st.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2012.
PHILOS 360 Philosophy of Perception
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major issues in the philosophy of perception: the nature of sensation, perception and inference, the relationship of perception and belief.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in Philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2011, Spring 2010.
PHILOS 360G Philosophy of Perception
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Major issues in the philosophy of perception: the nature of sensation, perception and inference, the relationship of perception and belief.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in Philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2011, Spring 2010.
PHILOS 381 Honors Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Intensive study of selected philosophers, movements, or philosophical problems.
Prerequisites: soph st; Honors 200(P);cons Honors College dir.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2006, Fall 2005, Spring 2005, Fall 2004.
PHILOS 384 The Philosophy of Law
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The idea of law and its relationship to morality. Issues of legal obligation, rights, responsibility, and punishment.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos or previous course in political theory or law studies recom.
Course Rules: Philos 384 & Pol Sci 384 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
PHILOS 384G The Philosophy of Law
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The idea of law and its relationship to morality. Issues of legal obligation, rights, responsibility, and punishment.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos or previous course in political theory or law studies recom.
Course Rules: Philos 384 & Pol Sci 384 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
PHILOS 430 Great Thinkers of the Ancient Period
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of, and engagement with, the thought of some of the major philosophers of the ancient period, including the Pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018.
PHILOS 430G Great Thinkers of the Ancient Period
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of, and engagement with, the thought of some of the major philosophers of the ancient period, including the Pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2019, Fall 2018.
PHILOS 431 History of Medieval Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical and historical examination of writings of medieval philosophers such as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, Ockham, Al Farabi, Maimonides.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Spring 2008.
PHILOS 431G History of Medieval Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Critical and historical examination of writings of medieval philosophers such as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, Ockham, Al Farabi, Maimonides.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Spring 2008.
PHILOS 432 Great Thinkers of the Modern Period
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of the thought of representative philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 432G Great Thinkers of the Modern Period
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
An examination of the thought of representative philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 433 Nineteenth-Century Philosophers
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and others. The conflict of idealistic, materialistic, and irrationalist philosophies of the nineteenth century and their influence on its social, literary, and religious movements.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2012, Fall 2010.
PHILOS 433G Nineteenth-Century Philosophers
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and others. The conflict of idealistic, materialistic, and irrationalist philosophies of the nineteenth century and their influence on its social, literary, and religious movements.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2012, Fall 2010.
PHILOS 434 Survey of Contemporary Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Comparison of problems and solutions dealt with by currently active movements and philosophers, including Carnap, Croce, Dewey, Heidegger, Husserl, Moore, Russell, Sartre, and Wittgenstein.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 434G Survey of Contemporary Philosophy
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Comparison of problems and solutions dealt with by currently active movements and philosophers, including Carnap, Croce, Dewey, Heidegger, Husserl, Moore, Russell, Sartre, and Wittgenstein.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 435 Existentialism
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of existentialist thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2011.
PHILOS 435G Existentialism
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of existentialist thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2011.
PHILOS 437 Phenomenology
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Husserl's phenomenological method and its impact on recent continental philosophy, e.g. Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2012, Fall 2003.
PHILOS 437G Phenomenology
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Husserl's phenomenological method and its impact on recent continental philosophy, e.g. Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Spring 2012, Fall 2003.
PHILOS 461 Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Problems central to Islamic theology, philosophy, and mysticism, and their relations to the teachings of Islam.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2005, Spring 2002.
PHILOS 461G Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Problems central to Islamic theology, philosophy, and mysticism, and their relations to the teachings of Islam.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2005, Spring 2002.
PHILOS 474 Contemporary Religious Thought:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of two or more contemporary religious thinkers (e.g., Buber, Heschel, Tillich, Barth, Bultmann, death-of-God theologians, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Rahner, Chardin). Difficulties and objections are discussed.
Prerequisites: jr st, 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
PHILOS 474G Contemporary Religious Thought:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Analysis of two or more contemporary religious thinkers (e.g., Buber, Heschel, Tillich, Barth, Bultmann, death-of-God theologians, Moltmann, Pannenberg, Rahner, Chardin). Difficulties and objections are discussed.
Prerequisites: jr st, 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
PHILOS 475 Special Topics in Indian Religious Thought:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of selected Hindu and Indian Buddhist thinkers and schools of thought, e.g. the Vedanta of Sankara and Ramanuja, Mahayana thought, modern Vedanta, Gandhi.
Prerequisites: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Pereq: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2005, Fall 2003.
PHILOS 475G Special Topics in Indian Religious Thought:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of selected Hindu and Indian Buddhist thinkers and schools of thought, e.g. the Vedanta of Sankara and Ramanuja, Mahayana thought, modern Vedanta, Gandhi.
Prerequisites: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Pereq: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Last Taught: Fall 2005, Fall 2003.
PHILOS 489 Internship in Philosophy, Upper Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of advanced principles of philosophy in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: jr st; 300-level or above course in philos; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 1998.
PHILOS 497 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 497G Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 499 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Summer 1988.
PHILOS 511 Symbolic Logic
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
First-order predicate calculus; formal properties of theoretical systems; chief results of modern mathematical logic; advanced topics such as completeness and computability.
Prerequisites: jr st, either Philos 212(P) or 6 cr math at the 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: Jointly-offered w/& counts as repeat of CompSci/Math 511.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 511G Symbolic Logic
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
First-order predicate calculus; formal properties of theoretical systems; chief results of modern mathematical logic; advanced topics such as completeness and computability.
Prerequisites: jr st, either Philos 212(P) or 6 cr math at the 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: Jointly-offered w/& counts as repeat of CompSci/Math 511.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 516 Language and Meaning
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical issues of the semantics, syntax and pragmatics of language; relations between philosophy of language and metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of science.
Prerequisites: jr st & Philos 101(P) or 432(P).
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 516G Language and Meaning
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Philosophical issues of the semantics, syntax and pragmatics of language; relations between philosophy of language and metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of science.
Prerequisites: jr st & Philos 101(P) or 432(P).
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2015.
PHILOS 517 Special Problems in the Philosophy of Language and Linguistics:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
In depth study of one or more topics concerning the nature of language; its acquisition, use and formal structures.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic & cons advisor & instr to 6 cr max.
PHILOS 517G Special Problems in the Philosophy of Language and Linguistics:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
In depth study of one or more topics concerning the nature of language; its acquisition, use and formal structures.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic & cons advisor & instr to 6 cr max.
PHILOS 518 Philosophy of History
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature of historical knowledge and belief in terms of the justification of historical narration, explanation and prediction.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 518G Philosophy of History
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature of historical knowledge and belief in terms of the justification of historical narration, explanation and prediction.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 519 Special Problems in Metaphysics and Epistemology:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study in such topics as perception, skepticism, induction, mathematical knowledge, universals, causality, substance, determinism, possibility.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 519G Special Problems in Metaphysics and Epistemology:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study in such topics as perception, skepticism, induction, mathematical knowledge, universals, causality, substance, determinism, possibility.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 520 Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature and function of science; the logic of scientific method; clarification of such concepts as cause, law, theory, probability, determinism, and teleology.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 520G Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature and function of science; the logic of scientific method; clarification of such concepts as cause, law, theory, probability, determinism, and teleology.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 521 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature and scope of the social sciences; explanatory, interpretive, and normative concerns in theory construction, their interconnection, and their methodological implications.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 521G Philosophy of the Social Sciences
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The nature and scope of the social sciences; explanatory, interpretive, and normative concerns in theory construction, their interconnection, and their methodological implications.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
PHILOS 522 Special Topics in the Philosophy of Science:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Consideration of one or more of the following: logic of theory construction, theoretical entities, measurement, nature of laws, conventionalism, operationalism, and induction.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 522G Special Topics in the Philosophy of Science:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Consideration of one or more of the following: logic of theory construction, theoretical entities, measurement, nature of laws, conventionalism, operationalism, and induction.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
PHILOS 532 Philosophical Problems:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or two particular problems, such as determinism and freedom, ethical relativism, memory, or perception.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 532G Philosophical Problems:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or two particular problems, such as determinism and freedom, ethical relativism, memory, or perception.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 535 Philosophical Topics in Feminist Theory:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of selected feminist theorists with an emphasis on past or contemporary thinkers. Attention will be paid to the philosophical importance of the problems raised.
Prerequisites: jr st; a course in philos or women's stds.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Philos 535 & Wmns 535 are jointly offered; with same topic, they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PHILOS 535G Philosophical Topics in Feminist Theory:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Study of selected feminist theorists with an emphasis on past or contemporary thinkers. Attention will be paid to the philosophical importance of the problems raised.
Prerequisites: jr st; a course in philos or women's stds.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Philos 535 & Wmns 535 are jointly offered; with same topic, they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PHILOS 542 Punishment and Responsibility
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Views on the moral permissibility of punishment and other forms of penalization; the foundations of a general theory of moral responsibility.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos. Philos 241(R) or social science background recom.
PHILOS 542G Punishment and Responsibility
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Views on the moral permissibility of punishment and other forms of penalization; the foundations of a general theory of moral responsibility.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos. Philos 241(R) or social science background recom.
PHILOS 551 Aristotle
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or more of Aristotle's major works or of themes and problems in Aristotle's thought. Particular attention to careful analysis of the texts.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos; Philos 430(R).
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Spring 1995.
PHILOS 551G Aristotle
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or more of Aristotle's major works or of themes and problems in Aristotle's thought. Particular attention to careful analysis of the texts.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos; Philos 430(R).
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Spring 1995.
PHILOS 554 Special Topics in the History of Modern Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of a philosopher, movement, or historical problem in modern philosophy, e.g., Spinoza, British empiricists, Locke's influence upon the Enlightenment, overthrow of Hegelian idealism.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos; Philos 432(R); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 554G Special Topics in the History of Modern Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of a philosopher, movement, or historical problem in modern philosophy, e.g., Spinoza, British empiricists, Locke's influence upon the Enlightenment, overthrow of Hegelian idealism.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos; Philos 432(R); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.
PHILOS 555 Recent Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or more philosophers or philosophical movements of the recent past.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2005, Fall 2004.
PHILOS 555G Recent Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of one or more philosophers or philosophical movements of the recent past.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3 cr philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2005, Fall 2004.
PHILOS 562 Special Topics in Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of issues such as the concept of law, punishment, liberty, civil disobedience, the public good, and the applicability of scientific method to social issues.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 562G Special Topics in Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intensive study of issues such as the concept of law, punishment, liberty, civil disobedience, the public good, and the applicability of scientific method to social issues.
Prerequisites: jr st & 3 cr in philos.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 681 Seminar in Advanced Topics:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Seminar on a philosopher, philosophical movement, issue, or problem for majors and graduate students. Research papers required. Additional prereqs announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.
Prerequisites: sr st & 12 cr in philos at 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 681G Seminar in Advanced Topics:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Seminar on a philosopher, philosophical movement, issue, or problem for majors and graduate students. Research papers required. Additional prereqs announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.
Prerequisites: sr st & 12 cr in philos at 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.
PHILOS 685 Senior Capstone Research Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Seminar study of a philosopher, philosophical movement, text, or topic for senior philosophy majors. Research paper and presentation required.
Prerequisites: sr st; declared Philos major; or cons instr.
Course Rules: Satisfies L&S research req. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2013.
PHILOS 699 Independent Work
2-3 cr. Undergraduate.
See Advanced Independent Work, undergrad bulletin.
Prerequisites: jr st; 3.0 in major or 2.0 overall GPA, consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Only 6 cr count toward Philos major. No more than 3 cr with any one instr except with writ cons dept.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2014, Fall 2010.