Philosophy 200 Course Descriptions
PHIL 200 TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS: FALL 2026
The Philosophical Roots of the American Revolution
This course will explore some of the debates about political theory that helped shape the American Revolution. We will also talk about how those debates influenced decisions about what kind of government to establish in the aftermath of the Revolution, and decisions about changes to that government in the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War.
Dr. Brady, PHIL 200 03, MWF 12-12:50, 93012
Skepticism, Faith, and Knowledge
This PHIL 200 class focuses on the epistemological philosophy of various Doctors of the Catholic Church in dialogue with ancient and modern forms of skepticism. Will explore the question of what knowledge is in relation to truth, justification, belief and faith and how knowledge is reached in different ways. Readings include Saint Augustine’s Against the Academic Skeptic, Saint Anselm’s De Veritate, St. Thomas Aquinas, Rene Descartes’ Discourse on Method of Knowing, and Saint John Henry Newman’s Grammar of Assent.
Prof. Herr, PHIL 200 02H, TR 10-11:15, 93002; PHIL 200 04, TR 1-2:15, 93008; PHIL 200 05, TR 2:30-3:45, 93012
Faith, Reason, and Science
In this course we will discuss ancient Greek, Christian, and modern scientific approaches to questions about faith, reason, knowledge, and God. We will explore questions about the existential dilemmas of belief and unbelief that face us in our day by reading and discussing primary texts in the history of philosophy. Using Descartes’s Discourse on Method as the key text of the course, we will discuss the rise of modern science and technology in the 17th century and beyond and address questions such as: Are humans unique in the universe? Is there any meaning to life? Does a God exist and what is God’s nature? How can we reconcile the existence of a divine being with the presence of evil and suffering in the world? What is the value of thoughtfulness, self-reflection, and dialogue, especially with respect to a possible relation to the divine? Along the way we will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating and developing philosophical arguments in speech and in writing.
Dr. Dwyer, PHIL 200 08, MWF 1-1:50, 93001; PHIL 200 09, MWF 2-2:50, 93011
Psychologies Ancient and Modern
In this course, we will examine the psychological ideas of two influential philosophers, Aristotle and Descartes, who not only epitomized their respective eras but also continue to shape contemporary thought. Our analysis will include their views on topics most relevant to psychology, beginning with their respective accounts of knowledge. As we will see, their distinctive psychological accounts also lead to divergent modes of psychological health and human thriving.
Dr. Tsalla, PHIL 200 06, TR 11:30-12:45, 95335; PHIL 200 07, TR 1-2:15, 93009
Theory of Knowledge
Ancient and modern philosophers will help us reflect, analyze, and understand some fundamental questions about knowledge, or as it is formally called, epistemology. What does it mean to know something? Is it the case that what we observe actuality represents reality? Is there an independent reality beyond perception or opinion? What exactly is an opinion? Is there any absolute, objective truth? We will not settle these questions, but you will become more aware of them and will explore, criticize, and defend some possible answers. In this way, you may become more thoughtful and articulate. We will examine each philosopher’s theory of knowledge, and you will have a chance to reflect upon many of the current debates in epistemology (the study of knowledge).
Dr. McKinley, PHIL 200 12A, 1st Session, 100% online, 96164; PHIL 200 13B, 2nd Session, 100% online, 95583