Philosophy

College of Arts & Sciences

Please note: CAS PH 251S B1: Medical Ethics is FULL.

  • Introduction to Philosophy

    CAS PH 100

    Introduces the nature of philosophical activity through careful study of major philosophical topics. Topics may include the nature of reality, knowledge, God's existence, and the significance of human life. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 15)

    O2 (IND) Arranged Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateMonday, June 30, 2025
    Last day to addThursday, June 26, 2025
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeSaturday, July 12, 2025
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeSaturday, July 26, 2025
    Course End DateFriday, August 15, 2025
    Walter Hopp
    Online Course: Meets online every Mon & Wed 11 am-12 noon for a live class. Nonstandard course dates
    BU Financial Aid: Summer Term HUB Courses

    Financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for certain HUB courses in summer 2025, including this one. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu. Check out Summer 2025 HUB Course Scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information.

    Top

  • Politics and Philosophy

    CAS PH 155

    Online offering. What is justice' What are the foundations of property rights, liberty, and equality' Are anarchism and utopianism defensible' This course is an introduction to major themes and questions in political philosophy. It includes a study of classical and modern texts, as well as contemporary political issues. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

    Summer 1 (May 13-June 27)

    O1 (IND) Arranged Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateTuesday, May 13, 2025
    Last day to addFriday, May 9, 2025
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeSunday, May 25, 2025
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeSunday, June 8, 2025
    Course End DateFriday, June 27, 2025
    Susanne Sreedhar
    Online Course: Meets online every Mon & Wed 9-10 am for a live class. Nonstandard course dates
    BU Financial Aid: Summer Term HUB Courses

    Financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for certain HUB courses in summer 2025, including this one. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu. Check out Summer 2025 HUB Course Scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information.

    Top

  • Medical Ethics

    CAS PH 251

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: one philosophy course or sophomore standing. - Surveys ethical issues that arise in connection with medicine and emerging biotechnologies. Examines topics such as the right to healthcare, research on human subjects, euthanasia, abortion, cloning, genetic selection, disabilities, and the biomedical enhancement of human capacities. Students can expect to gain not only training in the concepts and methods of moral philosophy and the logic of argumentation, but also the resources needed for assessing ethically difficult questions that healthcare professionals routinely face. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

    B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateMonday, June 30, 2025
    Last day to addMonday, July 7, 2025
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeMonday, July 7, 2025
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeThursday, July 24, 2025
    Course End DateFriday, August 8, 2025
    Location: CAS B06A     
    Rachell Powell

    Top

  • Mind, Brain, and Self

    CAS PH 266

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - This course is devoted to exploring the relationships among consciousness, the mind, and the brain, the nature of the self or person, and other related topics. This course will also examine whether and to what extent these issues can be addressed by contemporary natural science. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Writing-Intensive Course, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

    B1 (IND) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 1-3:30 pm Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateMonday, June 30, 2025
    Last day to addMonday, July 7, 2025
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeMonday, July 7, 2025
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeThursday, July 24, 2025
    Course End DateFriday, August 8, 2025
    Location: CAS 233     
    Amber Sheldon

    Top