Academic Catalog 2024-2025

PHL - Philosophy

PHL 2001  Introduction to Philosophy (GE)  (3 Units)  

A historical survey of selected philosophical ideas, systems, and methods, especially as these have developed in Western civilization.

Letter grade.  
(GELO1D)  
PHL 2011  Ethics (GE)  (3 Units)  

The study of right and wrong in principle, character, and conduct; practical moral issues analyzed from the basis of sound moral theory; characteristics of an adequate, consistent code of ethics.

Letter grade.  
(GELO1D)  
PHL 2077  Logic and Reasoning  (3 Units)  

A study of the creation and appraisal of logical arguments with attention given to formal and informal reasoning processes.

Letter grade.  
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.  
PHL 3001  Plato and Aristotle  (3 Units)  

This course is designed to examine developments in Western philosophy with an emphasis on ancient Greek philosophers utilizing readings from significant and representative texts of the historical eras.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.  
PHL 3002  Descartes Through Hegel  (3 Units)  

This course examines developments in Western philosophy with an emphasis on modern philosophy from Descartes through Hegel utilizing readings from significant and representative texts of the modern historical period.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3021  Justice, Politics, and the Social World  (3 Units)  

This course traces the emergence and development of political and social philosophy, with special consideration given to Plato's notion of justice, Social Contract Theory, Marxism, racial justice, feminism and poststructuralism.

Letter grade.  
Also offered as SOC 3021.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3031  Existential Philosophy and Literature  (3 Units)  

A philosophical and historical examination of themes within existentialist literature and philosophy. This course includes such figures as Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Dostoevsky, and Camus.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3041  Philosophy and Art  (3 Units)  

Classical and recent theories of beauty, the sublime, and art, with selected coverage of such concepts as aesthetics, expression, mimesis, criticism and the relationship between art, the art-world, and society.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3050  God and Philosophy  (3 Units)  

This course provides an in-depth exploration of issues related to theological discourse, especially language about God. The class engages significant figures and ideas throughout the Western philosophical tradition. There will be a focus on Medieval Christian philosophers including St. Agustine, St. Anselm, and St. Aquinas. There will also be a rigorous exploration of justice issues related to gender, racial, and economic circumstances as they intersect with theology.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3060  Philosophy and the Sciences  (3 Units)  

A philosophical and historical examination of the nature and epistemological foundations of science, the scientific method, and the relationship between science and such areas as religion, morality, and culture.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3071  Education and the Ethical Life  (3 Units)  

An examination of significant works in the philosophical tradition from ancient Greek to contemporary texts that deal explicitly with the topics of education and pedagogy.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3080  Philosophy in Film  (3 Units)  

A philosophical exploration of the themes of alienation, transformation, and reconciliation through film. Possible foci include apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian genres.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 3081  Ethics, Responsibility, and Love  (3 Units)  

This course examines the ethical implications of love. The course includes such figures as Plato, St. Augustine, Kierkegaard, Buber, Levinas, and Irigaray.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 4001  Contemporary Voices in Philosophy, Ethics, and Language  (3 Units)  

This course will study contemporary philosophy and will reflect on the significance of the linguistic turn in philosophy and its impact on areas of study like feminist theory, post-colonial theory, deconstruction, and theology.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 4011  Being and Truth  (3 Units)  

An examination of the nature of reality, meaning, and knowledge, and what constitutes each. Possible topics include realism, nominalism, freedom and responsibility, God, space, time, causation, skepticism, belief, truth, and justification.

Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): PHL 2001 or PHL 2011  
PHL 4025  Martin Luther King, Jr. and Theological Ethics  (3 Units)  

This course introduces students to the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., with a particular focus on his theological influences, ethical commitments, and practical strategies for pursuing justice in the church and society.

Letter grade.  
PHL 4090  Special Studies in Philosophy  (1-3 Units)  

An investigation of a topic in philosophy not otherwise covered in the curriculum.

May be repeated up to a total of nine (9) units. Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.