Philosophy
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CAS PH 487: Topics in the Philosophy of Science
A discussion-based introduction to core issues in the philosophy of science, focusing on the topics of scientific realism, theory change, reductionism, explanation, models, and natural kinds. -
CAS PH 488: Topics in Aesthetics
Undergraduate Prerequisites: sophomore standing.
Consideration of selected topics in aesthetics, with particular attention to the relationship between aesthetic experience and analytical accounts of the experience; topics include expression, perception, qualities, the good, the ideal, and the sublime. -
CAS PH 489: Henry James and New Media
James's writing exposed moral and aesthetic dimensions of society's play with status, wealth, and romance. After exploring contemporary dating apps, social media, and films of James's works, students complete a video, graphic novel, or other form of "new media" criticism. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Aesthetic Exploration, Creativity/Innovation. -
CAS PH 491: Directed Study
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, consent of instructor and department, and approval of CAS Academic Advising.
Individual or small group tutorial instruction and directed research on selected topics. -
CAS PH 492: Directed Study
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, consent of instructor and department, and approval of CAS Academic Advising.
Individual or small group tutorial instruction and directed research on selected topics. -
CAS PH 493: Meaning, Memory, and History
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing.
Explores central issues in the philosophy of history, from Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche to Collingwood, Popper, and Danto. Topics include: is history a science? If so, what kind? How does it differ from tradition and memory? Does it have a meaning? Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings. -
CAS PH 495: Philosophy and Mysticism: Jewish and Islamic Perspectives
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar; and one course from among the following: Philosophy, Religion, Core Curriculum (CC101 and/or CC102)
A thematic introduction to mysticism and philosophy, with a focus on the dynamics of religious experience. Readings will be drawn from medieval Jewish and Islamic philosophy; Sufi mysticism and philosophy; Kabbalah, Sufi poetry, Hebrew poetry from the Golden Age of Muslim Spain. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing- Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings. -
CAS PH 496: Topics in Religious Thought
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS WR 120 or equivalent and one course from among the following: Religion, Philosophy, Core Curriculum (CC 101 and/or CC 102).
Topic for Fall 2023: Buddhism as Philosophy. An exploration of the major problems of Indian Buddhist thought, with special attention to theories of knowledge and rationality, ethics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of mind. The course studies the arguments Buddhist philosophers used to defend their views against their critics. It also considers what we can learn from them philosophically today. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Critical Thinking. Effective Spring 2023 this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings.
