This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

PHIL 0002. Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
The concept of morality and values, Western systems of ethics including Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianisms, Kantian ethics, Feminist Moral Theory and their application to contemporary moral dilemmas. (C-ID PHIL 120) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0004. Introduction to Critical Thinking

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
A study of the principles of inductive and deductive inference and their practical applications in everyday situations such as analyzing, criticizing, and advocating ideas, evaluation of arguments, and problem solving. Examines the use of language, formal and informal fallacies, syllogistic argument forms and the scientific method. Develops the ability to integrate principles of critical thinking with the techniques of effective written argument. (C-ID PHIL 110) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0006. Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the method and primary problems of philosophy including argumentation, conceptual analysis, analysis and evaluation of fundamental assumptions and principles of various philosophical systems and philosophical interpretation of primary texts on topics from epistemology and metaphysics. (C-ID PHIL 100) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0010. Philosophy of Religion

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Analysis of the major philosophical issues raised by, but not limited to traditional Western religion. Includes an examination of the arguments for God's existence and nature, immortality, the problem of evil, miracles, rationality of religious belief, the relation of faith to reason, and theories on the meaning of the religious language. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0012. Introduction to Symbolic Logic

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the principles of deductive reasoning including formal techniques of sentential and predicate logic. (C-ID PHIL 210) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0013. Introduction to Asian Philosophy

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Major philosophies of Asia including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Focuses on issues such as immortality, the nature of reality, god, the self, society, transcendence and morality. Also looks at the influences of Eastern Philosophy on Western Culture. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0020. History of Ancient Greek Philosophy

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
A study of the origin and rise of Western Philosophy from the pre-Socratic philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, up to the Hellenistic period. (C-ID PHIL 130) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0021. History of Modern Philosophy

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Sixteenth through Eighteenth century philosophy with emphasis on broad epistemological or metaphysical theories, developments of empiricism and rationalism from Descartes to Kant. (C-ID PHIL 140) (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0027. Introduction to Philosophy of Women in Western Cultures

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the concepts of womanhood and feminism in mythic, classic, medieval and major philosophical traditions. Emphasis on the images, roles and beliefs about women found in the humanities and philosophy with respect to their impact and contemporary relevance. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PHIL 0030. Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Major philosophical issues surrounding the nature of society and justifications for the authority of the state. Focuses on how the concepts of the common good, individual rights, liberty, equality, and democracy relate to notions of justice, private property and the legitimate use of state power. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0060. Introduction to Environmental Ethics

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Philosophical survey of the ethical questions and issues raised when considering the relationship between human beings and the environment. Topics include the moral standing of animals, land use and preservation policy, growth and sustainability, and environmental justice. Theoretical approaches include deep ecology, social ecology, ecofeminism, multicultural perspectives, and environmental pragmatism. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0065. Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
The philosophical foundations of science such as criteria for distinguishing between science and pseudo-science, questions concerning scientific progress, justification of scientific hypotheses, the theory-dependence of observation, the nature of scientific revolutions, the possibility of objectivity and the challenges of relativism, feminism and marginalization. (CSU, UC)