2026-2028 Catalog
How to Read Course Descriptions

PHIL Courses

PHIL 1101 Introduction to Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Philosophy major.

Foundational methods and central issues in contemporary philosophy including logic, epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. Advising and orientation to the Philosophy major for first-year students in their first quarter at Cal Poly. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 101.
PHIL 1126 Logic and Argumentative Writing (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Principles of argument analysis, evaluation and construction. Deductive and inductive reasoning, including analogical arguments, universal and statistical generalizations, and causal inferences. Principles of organizing and writing argumentative essays. Moral dimensions of rational discourse. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 126.
PHIL 2230 Philosophical Classics: Knowledge and Reality (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 3B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area C2
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of primary philosophical works with focus on the nature of reality and the sources and limits of human knowledge. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/PHIL 2230. Fulfills GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS/PHIL 230.
PHIL 2231 Philosophical Classics: Ethics and Political Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 3B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area C2
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of primary philosophical works, with focus on the identification and evaluation of the central ethical, social and political themes and arguments presented in them. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/PHIL 2231. Fulfills GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS/PHIL 231.
PHIL 2241 Symbolic Logic (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

The nature of deductive logical systems. Methods of notation, translation and proof in sentential and predicate calculi including truth-trees and natural deduction systems. Introduction to meta-theory. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 241.
PHIL 2270 Special Topics (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 270.
PHIL 3300 Philosophical Writing and Research (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: PHIL 230, PHIL 2230, PHIL 231, or PHIL 2231; and Philosophy major.

Develop writing and research skills by composing a substantial research paper on a specific topic. Revisions based on instructor and peer feedback. Oral presentation of research project. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 300.
PHIL 3301 Philosophical Topics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Examination and analysis of philosophical areas, movements, texts, or figures. Topics may be of historical or contemporary importance. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 301.
PHIL 3309 Early Greek Philosophy through Plato (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Beginnings of philosophy and science in Ancient Greece. The Presocratics, Socrates, and Plato. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 309.
PHIL 3310 Aristotle and Hellenistic Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Development of philosophy and science in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Aristotle, Epicureanism, Stoicism, Skepticism. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 310.
PHIL 3312 Medieval Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Development of medieval philosophy from Augustine to Ockham, including Anselm, Abelard, Roger Bacon, Bonaventure, Aquinas, and Duns Scotus. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 312.
PHIL 3313 Early Modern Rationalism (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Development of early modern rationalist philosophy from the late Renaissance through Leibniz, with special emphasis upon the epistemology and metaphysics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 313.
PHIL 3314 Early Modern Empiricism (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Development of early modern empiricist philosophy from the Renaissance through Mill, with special emphasis on metaphysics and epistemology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 314.
PHIL 3315 Kant and 19th Century European Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Primary issues and concepts found in European philosophy from 1780 to 1900, with emphasis on Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 315.
PHIL 3317 History of Analytic Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Major developments within 20th century analytic philosophy and similar related schools, such as Pragmatism. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 317.
PHIL 3318 Phenomenology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Methods and uses of phenomenological analysis through study of 20th century philosophers and contemporary applications. Phenomenological method, perception, meaning, and the role of experience in philosophical inquiry. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 318.
PHIL 3319 Existentialism (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Major recent existentialists such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, and Marcel. Existentialist themes in historical or contemporary context. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 319.
PHIL 3321 Philosophy of Science (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

The rational foundations of inquiry and explanation in the physical, biological and social sciences. Justification of scientific claims, the difference between science and pseudoscience, the relationship between science and other fields of investigation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 321.
PHIL 3322 Philosophy of Technology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analyses of the philosophical foundations and implications of technology. Technology and the human condition, technology and philosophical ethics, technology and political philosophy, technology and the metaphysics of human nature, and the relationship between science and technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 322.
PHIL 3323 Ethics, Science, and Technology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Ethical decision-making as applied to issues such as the use of robots, treatment of animals, sustainability, scientific fraud, feminist analysis of science and technology, and questions about whether technology is a value-neutral tool or, rather, embodies certain values. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/PHIL 3323. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS 325/PHIL 323.
PHIL 3327 Robot Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Introduction, short history, and overview of robot (meta)ethics, with applied ethics issues to include programming, environment, military uses, sex, legal implications, risk, liability, diversity, sustainability, healthcare, education, religion, and the home. Future issues of robot rights and personhood. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 327.
PHIL 3328 Technologies and Ethics of Warfare (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Ethics of killing in warfare, including requirements of justice in declaring and waging war. Terrorism, remotely piloted aircraft ('drones'), autonomous weapons ('killer robots'), cyber warfare, nuclear war, city bombing, and humanitarian intervention. Course may be classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 328.
PHIL 3331 Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analyses of various traditional and contemporary positions on the difference between right and wrong, if there is one. Theories of metaethics and normative ethics including the divine command theory, relativism, intuitionism, noncognitivism, virtue ethics, egoism, utilitarianism and duty-based ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 331.
PHIL 3332 History of Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

History of moral thought from Homer and Pre-Socratics to the 21st century. Theories of moral goodness and rightness of action. Issues and areas of thought, metaphysics, theology, science, politics, psychology freedom/determinism to be considered, where they shed light on moral thought. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 332.
PHIL 3333 Political Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analyses of the philosophical foundations of political ideologies, including theories of political authority, legitimacy, obligation, and rights, and of the proper function of the state, and the relation of these theories to issues in metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 333.
PHIL 3334 Philosophy of Law (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Normative and analytic questions about law. Nature of law and legal systems. Justification of law. Moral obligation to obey the law. Nature and justification of punishment. Guilt and legal responsibility. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 334.
PHIL 3335 Social Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Contemporary social-ethical problems, including arguments for proposed solutions to these problems. Features two or more of the following sample problems: abortion, suicide and euthanasia, capital punishment, family ethics, affirmative action, social justice, and the ethics of war. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/PHIL 3335. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS 336/PHIL 335.
PHIL 3336 Feminist Ethics, Gender, Sexuality and Society (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of the relations between gender, sexuality, ethnicity, society and ethics from feminist perspectives, with special attention paid to problems in contemporary applied ethics. Joint focus on theory and application. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as PHIL/WGQS 3336. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs); and USCP. Formerly PHIL/WGQS 336.
PHIL 3337 Business Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of ethical problems that arise in business. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 337.
PHIL 3339 Biomedical Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of problems in biomedical ethics, proposed solutions, and arguments for such solutions. Emphasis on two or more of the following: concepts of health and disease, human experimentation, informed consent, behavior control, genetic intervention, new birth technologies, euthanasia and physician-assisted dying. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 339.
PHIL 3340 Environmental Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analyses of various positions on the moral status of nonhuman entities and problems such as the treatment of animals, wilderness preservation, population, pollution and global warming. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 340.
PHIL 3341 Professional Ethics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Ethical problems in professions such as law, medicine, engineering, research and education: deception, paternalism, confidentiality, discrimination and others. Consideration of various professional codes of ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 341.
PHIL 3342 Philosophy of Religion (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Inquiry into rational and nonrational bases of religious claims. Arguments for and against the existence of God. Discussion of miracles, revelation, definition of God, problem of evil, relation of faith and reason, nature of religious experience, verification of religious claims. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 342.
PHIL 3343 Power, Alienation, and Political Life (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of social alienation, political resistance, and the interplay between power and individual life in historical and contemporary Continental philosophy. Emphasis on issues such as structural injustice, cultural membership and exclusion, work, media, and the political impact of technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 343.
PHIL 3350 Aesthetics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Critical examination of philosophical views of art from historical and contemporary perspective. Treatment of theories from Plato and Aristotle through those of the 21st century. Discussion of problems raised by modern art. Relation between aesthetic values and metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 350.
PHIL 3351 Philosophy of Literature (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of philosophical issues related to literature such as interpretation, authorial intention, linguistic expression, ethical responsibilities of writers and readers, and use of literary styles by philosophers. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 351.
PHIL 3361 Indian Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Philosophies developed in South Asia including the metaphysical, epistemological, and logical presuppositions of the six Hindu schools, the Buddhist and Jain schools, and select theistic traditions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 361.
PHIL 3362 Chinese and East Asian Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Philosophies developed in China, Japan and East Asia, including Buddhism, Confucian moral philosophy, Daoist metaphysics and social ecology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 362.
PHIL 3369 Postmodernism (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Primary issues and developments in recent and contemporary European philosophy. Examination of the influence of postmodern philosophy in areas such as art, literature, architecture, culture studies, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 369.
PHIL 3385 Ethics Bowl (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: PHIL 231, PHIL 2231, PHIL 323, PHIL 3323, PHIL 327, PHIL 3327, PHIL 328, PHIL 3328, PHIL 331, PHIL 3331, PHIL 332, PHIL 3332, PHIL 333, PHIL 3333, PHIL 334, PHIL 3334, PHIL 335, PHIL 3335, PHIL 336, PHIL 3336, PHIL 337, PHIL 3337, PHIL 339, PHIL 3339, PHIL 340, PHIL 3340, PHIL 341, PHIL 3341, PHIL 439, or PHIL 4439.

Preparation for participation in Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competitions. Preparation and discussion of current competition cases, development of research and presentation skills, and participation in competition. Field trip required. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 385.
PHIL 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly PHIL 400.
PHIL 4411 Metaphysics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Traditional and current ideas and arguments about substance, the relation of universals to particulars, space and time, events, causation and necessity, the self and free will. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 411.
PHIL 4412 Epistemology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of the concept of knowledge. Study of competing theories of epistemic justification. Inquiry into relationship between knowledge, belief, justification, and truth. Examination of skepticism. Study of expanded epistemology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 412.
PHIL 4421 Philosophy of Space, Time, and Matter (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Investigation of the philosophical foundations and interpretation of relativity theory and elementary quantum mechanics. Emphasis on philosophical issues relevant to contemporary philosophy of science such as scientific realism. Some discussion of very recent theories of space, time, and matter. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 421.
PHIL 4422 Philosophy of Mind (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Classic and current work in the problems and issues of the nature and unity of the self, consciousness, mental representations, and action, and of the relation of philosophy of mind to psychology, linguistics and computer science. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 422.
PHIL 4423 Philosophy of Language (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Traditional and contemporary philosophical issues that arise from the structure of language. Relevant concepts include: syntax, semantics, pragmatics, meaning, reference, truth, identity, thought, reality. Important distinctions: use/mention, relations/properties of relations, sentences/statements/propositions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 423.
PHIL 4429 Topics in the History of Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Advanced discussion of topics in the history of philosophy. Examination and analysis of philosophical movements (e.g., Stoicism, critical theory), particular philosophers (e.g., William James, W.E.B. Du Bois), or philosophical works (e.g., Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, Hannah Arendt's The Life of the Mind). The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 429.
PHIL 4439 Topics in Ethics and Political Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Advanced discussion of topics in ethics and political philosophy. Examination and analysis of ethical or political theories (e.g., utilitarianism, contractarianism) or alternatively, of particular philosophers or philosophical works (e.g., John Stuart Mill; John Rawls' A Theory of Justice). The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 439.
PHIL 4449 Topics in Recent Philosophy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Advanced discussion of topics in recent philosophy or of recent philosophers or recent philosophical works. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 449.
PHIL 4459 Senior Project Preparation (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Senior standing, Philosophy major, and consent of instructor.

Group and individual discussion of senior project advisor selection and initial research for senior project. Library research training, completion of exit interview, and career advising for Philosophy majors nearing graduation. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 1 laboratory. Formerly PHIL 459.
PHIL 4460 Senior Project (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
Prerequisite: Senior standing; Philosophy major; PHIL 241 or PHIL 2241; PHIL 300 or PHIL 3300; and consent of instructor. Corequisite: PHIL 459 or PHIL 4459.

Development and completion of a research project under faculty supervision. Results presented in a formal thesis. Formerly PHIL 460.
PHIL 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 470.