Duluth campus
 
Duluth Campus

Philosophy Minor

Geography & Philosophy
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2022
  • Required credits in this minor: 16
The philosophy minor acquaints students with major figures and problems in our philosophical heritage and helps them develop critical-thinking skills.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Core Electives (6 cr)
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
· PHIL 1001 - Introduction to Philosophy [LE CAT7, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1003 - Ethics and Society [LE CAT8, LEIP CAT08, HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1005 - Philosophy through Dialogue and Debate [COMM & LAN] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1007 - Philosophy and World Religions [LE CAT7, LEIP CAT07, HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1008 - Critical Thinking [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 1018 - Logic [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 1021 - Classical Mythology [LE CAT9, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1025 - Introduction to Cognitive Science [NAT SCI] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 1xxx
Electives (10 cr)
Students take a minimum of 3 courses to reach a minimum of 10 credits. One course must be at the 3xxx level or higher for at least 3 credits.
Course List (2xxx)
Take 0 - 2 course(s) from the following:
· PHIL 2001 - Existential Philosophy and the Arts [HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 2011 - Philosophy of Language [LE CAT3, SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 2021 - Science and Pseudo-Science: Thinking about Weird Things [LE CAT8, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 2xxx
Course List (3xxx-4xxx)
Take 1 - 3 course(s) from the following:
· AMIN 4410 - American Indian Philosophies [HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3025 - Philosophy of Race and Racism [CDIVERSITY] (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3195 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (3.0-9.0 cr)
· PHIL 3222 - Medical Ethics (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3231 - Law and Punishment (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3242 - Values and Technology [LE CAT8, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3245 - Philosophy of Art (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3252 - Philosophy of Science (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3281 - Ethical Theory (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3291 - Current Social Political Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3301 - Greek Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3303 - The Birth of Modern Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3319 - 19th Century Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3320 - 20th Century Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3325 - Environmental Ethics [HUMANITIES, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3421 - Eastern Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3570 - Philosophy of Psychology (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3575 - Philosophy and Cognitive Science (3.0 cr)
· PHIL 3655 - Theory of Knowledge (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3900 - Colloquium for Majors (1.0 cr)
· PHIL 4900 - Seminar in Philosophy (4.0 cr)
· PHIL 3xxx-4xxx
Optional Experience
Take 0 - 3 credit(s) from the following:
· PHIL 5991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· PHIL 5997 - Intern Teaching Assistantship (2.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences


View checkpoint chart:
· Philosophy Minor
View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Duluth Admissions

Duluth Application

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
PHIL 1001 - Introduction to Philosophy (LE CAT7, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phil 1001/1101
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to philosophical heritage through examination of several classic philosophical problems such as the existence of God, nature of knowledge, free will versus determinism, and the relation of mind to body.
PHIL 1003 - Ethics and Society (LE CAT8, LEIP CAT08, HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Classic theories addressing questions of whether morality is subjective or objective, cultural relativism versus universal rules, how right and wrong should be determined. Moral issues such as euthanasia, the environment, population and birth control, nuclear deterrence, alternative life styles, and capital punishment in their international dimension. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for CLA 1101
PHIL 1005 - Philosophy through Dialogue and Debate (COMM & LAN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Oral communication has always been an essential part of Philosophy, both in the development of philosophical positions and in their rigorous evaluation and revision. This course will prepare students to communicate effectively in the oral communication methods most frequently used in Philosophy: dialogue, debate, presentation with question-and-answer, panel forum and open discussion. We will engage with foundational issues in the philosophical tradition, including: the nature and ethical aspects of communication and persuasion, questions of personal identity, arguments for and against the existence of God, among others.
PHIL 1007 - Philosophy and World Religions (LE CAT7, LEIP CAT07, HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Comparative philosophical examination of teachings and practices of several major world religions selected from ancient polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and various Native American and African religions.
PHIL 1008 - Critical Thinking (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Patterns of reasoning encountered in everyday life, including advertising, editorials, and politics. Use of language in formulating arguments; differences between deductive and inductive arguments; how to detect and avoid mistakes in reasoning.
PHIL 1018 - Logic (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phil 1018/1118
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to symbolic logic. Nature of language, species of arguments, informal versus formal arguments, techniques of translation, methods of sentential logic, and methods of predicate logic.
PHIL 1021 - Classical Mythology (LE CAT9, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Readings in Greek and Roman myths, especially in those that have influenced Western culture.
PHIL 1025 - Introduction to Cognitive Science (NAT SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The Cognitive Sciences investigate the mind from an interdisciplinary perspective using resources from such diverse disciplines as psychology, philosophy, computer science, and neuroscience. This class provides a general introduction to prominent theories/themes from Cognitive Sciences as well as a more detailed investigation of various select topics.
PHIL 2001 - Existential Philosophy and the Arts (HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course examines themes of absurdity, alienation, freedom, nihilism, and death through philosophical writings, short stories, plays, novels, animation, music, and film. The works of thinkers and artists like De Beauvoir, Beckett, Camus, Calvino, The Cohen Brothers, Dostoyevsky, Ellison, Fincher, Hertzfeld, Jarmusch, Kafka, Kierkegaard, Malick, and Sartre will be analyzed.
PHIL 2011 - Philosophy of Language (LE CAT3, SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to theories of meaning and truth and the structure of language. Relation of language to thought and the world; semantics and syntax; speech acts and performative utterances; descriptions and reference; and structuralism and the possibility of objective knowledge. prereq: Course in logic or literary analysis or human communication or CS or math or instructor consent
PHIL 2021 - Science and Pseudo-Science: Thinking about Weird Things (LE CAT8, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A critical introduction to the nature of knowledge and belief by focusing on contemporary issues, such as UFOs, ESP, mysticism, creationism and evolution, and near-death experiences, which explains the differences between rational beliefs and articles of faith and between science and pseudo-science.
AMIN 4410 - American Indian Philosophies (HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
In this course, we examine both historical and contemporary philosophical writings by American Indian thinkers from an array of different tribal nations. Engaging with Indigenous notions of time, gender, environmental interrelationships, and spiritual wellbeing, we explore the implications of these philosophies in addressing contemporary issues of environmental devastation, race/gender inequity, and, most critically, Native cultural and social resurgence in the 21st century. pre-req: minimum 60 credits
PHIL 3025 - Philosophy of Race and Racism (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course will examine the origins, current causes, and consequences of racism but only after addressing these more fundamental questions: Is race a biological phenomenon? What is it if it is not biological? Is race nothing at all? Given the real facts about race, how should we approach questions about racism? It will examine various metaphysical positions that have been offered to explain race - realist, constructivist, relativist, and nihilist - and the moral/political ramifications of each of these types of theories. prereq: minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
PHIL 3195 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 3.0 -9.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
In-depth examination of a particular philosopher or problem in philosophy. Specific course announced in [Class Schedule]. prereq: 1001 or instructor consent
PHIL 3222 - Medical Ethics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Values underlying the health care professions and ethical dilemmas in medical contexts. Patients' rights and autonomy, medical paternalism, confidentiality, truth-telling, euthanasia.
PHIL 3231 - Law and Punishment
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Nature of law, natural law theory, and legal positivism and their relationship to traditional and contemporary theories of punishment; deterrence, reform, retribution, rehabilitation, social defense, restitution. prereq: 1001 or SOC 1301 or CRIM 1301
PHIL 3242 - Values and Technology (LE CAT8, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Problems related to science and technology. Application of moral theory to issues raised by technology, such as distribution of power, effects on environment, labor and social life, privacy, intellectual property rights, product liability, and professional codes of ethics. prereq: 60 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3245 - Philosophy of Art
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Possibility of definition of art or of the aesthetic experience examined through survey of classic aestheticians; philosophy of art criticism. prereq: Min 45 cr or instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for 5245
PHIL 3252 - Philosophy of Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to the central issues in philosophy of science, such as the nature of scientific explanation, laws of nature, induction, prediction, evidence, confirmation, intertheoretic reduction, empiricism, and scientific realism. prereq: 1001 or 45 cr
PHIL 3281 - Ethical Theory
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Characteristics and criteria of value statements; justification of moral standards; some 20th-century ethical theories. prereq: 1001 or 1003 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for CLA 1101
PHIL 3291 - Current Social Political Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Detailed philosophical analysis of recent writings about social and political concepts such as freedom, democracy, socialism, communism, fascism, and anarchy. prereq: 1001 or 1003 or instructor consent
PHIL 3301 - Greek Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratic era through Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle to Neoplatonism and the rediscovery of Aristotle. Philosophy of nature, theories of persons, possibility of human knowledge, happiness, and the good life. prereq: 30 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3303 - The Birth of Modern Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Impact of science and secularity on the rationalism of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz and the empiricism of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. prereq: 30 cr, course in phil, hist, pol sci or lit or instructor consent
PHIL 3319 - 19th Century Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of the main issues and philosophers of the 19th century. prereq: Min 30 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3320 - 20th Century Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of the main issues and philosophers of the 20th century. prereq: Min 30 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3325 - Environmental Ethics (HUMANITIES, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Moral dimension of relationship between humans and earth's natural environment. Pollution, energy policy, economics, law, and environment; endangered species; rights of nonhumans; preservation and conservation; obligations toward future generations; ethical theory and environment. prereq: 30 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3421 - Eastern Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Overview of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, including their accounts of the meaning of life, community versus the individual, the role of religion, ethics, metaphysics, and other topics. Analysis of basic concepts of Indian and Chinese civilizations. prereq: minimum 30 credits
PHIL 3570 - Philosophy of Psychology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Current philosophical issues surrounding psychology: behaviorism, dualism, mind/brain identity theories, computer models of cognition, and functionalism. prereq: 1001 or Psy 1003, 60 cr or instructor consent
PHIL 3575 - Philosophy and Cognitive Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course will explore various topics at the intersection of Philosophy and Cognitive Science. In some cases, these topics may be about how various theories and ideas from Philosophy have influenced work in the Cognitive Science. For instance, certain ideas about the nature and limits of computation from Philosophical Logic lay down the theoretical foundations for treating the mind as a type of computer, while various influential Philosophical arguments against computational models of the mind continue to shape the discussion of topics such as consciousness and rationality. In other cases, topics explored in the class may be about how various theories and experimental results from Cognitive Science have influenced Philosophical theorizing. (For instance, certain experimental results from neuroscience have called into question that claim that we free will and recent evidence from both neuroimaging and developmental psychology have influenced Philosophical work being done on the nature of morality.) pre-req: 1025
PHIL 3655 - Theory of Knowledge
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Introduction to theory of knowledge interpreted broadly to encompass perceptual, deductive, inductive, and other modes of knowledge. Beginning with standard conception of knowledge as warranted true belief, explores strengths and weaknesses of alternative accounts.
PHIL 3900 - Colloquium for Majors
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students are advised to register for this course after completing 9 of the 12 colloquium presentations (department approved lectures/discussions) or during their last semester. prereq: department consent
PHIL 4900 - Seminar in Philosophy
Credits: 4.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Detailed examination of major topics or philosophical works. See department for details. prereq: 12 cr Phil or instructor consent; no grad credit
PHIL 5991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Work in problems of special interest to student arranged with instructor before registration. Written work required. May be taken in conjunction with another philosophy course. Prereq: instructor consent
PHIL 5997 - Intern Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in assisting teaching of philosophy. Application deadline one week before beginning of registration for the following semester. prereq: instructor consent