Courses Offered

The following undergraduate courses are offered by the Department of Philosophy.
Current Course Descriptions

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: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 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: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 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: 2.5 gpa; writ cons instr, dept chair, & asst dean for SAS.
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: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 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: QLB, HU
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 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: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 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: Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 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 3.0 overall gpa, & writ cons instr, dept chair, & asst dean for SAS.
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.