Development of practical and logical skills important to all disciplines, with emphasis on standardizing and evaluating arguments. Students are introduced to types of arguments used across the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences.

We will explore some fascinating questions about human existence and discuss various answers offered by philosophers, such as: Does God exist? How should I live my life? What is justice? What is human nature? Do we have free will? What is the meaning of life?

Are there universal moral truths or is morality relative? What makes actions right or wrong, people good or bad, societies just or unjust? Students will discuss ethical theories that address these questions and will debate moral issues, such as abortion, genetic engineering, animal rights, feminism, and social justice.

The course will examine what role art plays in our lives by asking questions concerning the value of art, beauty, and by inquiring into the nature or essence of the work of art. In addition, the course will interrogate and discuss the work of art itself as a product of creativity, imagination, and understanding.

Introduction to the study of how to reason correctly and evaluate the validity of arguments.