Philosophy

College of Arts & Sciences

  • 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: $3100

    Summer 1 seven-week course (May 16-June 30)

    OL (LEC) Arranged Add & Drop Dates
    (DIS) Mon./Thurs. 11 am-12 noon
    Course Start DateTuesday, May 16, 2023
    Last day to addFriday, May 12, 2023
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeTuesday, May 23, 2023
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeTuesday, June 13, 2023
    Course End DateFriday, June 30, 2023
    Walter Hopp
    Online Course
    Meets online every Mon & Thurs 11 am-12 noon for a live class. Nonstandard course dates
    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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  • Introduction to Ethics

    CAS PH 150

    Many of us want to lead meaningful lives. But what is it for a life to be meaningful? What makes some lives better or more meaningful than others? Can life as a whole have some significance or meaning? 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: $3100

    Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

    B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 6-8:30 pm Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateThursday, July 6, 2023
    Last day to addTuesday, July 11, 2023
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeTuesday, July 11, 2023
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeFriday, July 28, 2023
    Course End DateTuesday, August 15, 2023
    Location: CAS B06A     
    Amber Sheldon

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  • 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: $3100

    Summer 2 seven-week course (July 5-August 22)

    OL (LEC) Arranged Add & Drop Dates
    (DIS) Mon./Wed. 9-10 am
    Course Start DateWednesday, July 5, 2023
    Last day to addFriday, June 30, 2023
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeWednesday, July 12, 2023
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeFriday, August 4, 2023
    Course End DateTuesday, August 22, 2023
    Susanne Sreedhar
    Online Course
    Meets online every Mon & Wed 9-10 am for a live class. Nonstandard course dates
    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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  • Medical Ethics

    CAS PH 251

    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: $3100

    Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

    B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 6-8:30 pm Add & Drop Dates
    Course Start DateThursday, July 6, 2023
    Last day to addTuesday, July 11, 2023
    Last day to drop without "W" gradeTuesday, July 11, 2023
    Last day to drop with "W" gradeFriday, July 28, 2023
    Course End DateTuesday, August 15, 2023
    Location: CAS 208     
    Rachell Powell

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