Philosopy Courses

Philosophy 102: Moral Problems
This lower-level course introduces students to moral philosophy through the study of contemporary moral problems. Students will apply moral theories to various problems such as those posed by poverty and wealth, sexual equality, affirmative action and hate speech, and abortion and animal rights. Students will learn to identify kinds of moral reasons in scholarly, legal and popular arguments, to compare and evaluate moral arguments, and to build consensus on moral issues.
Fall. HUMANITIES EXPLORATION
 
Philosophy 212/Biology 212: Bioethics
This 200-level course introduces students to the problems faced in medicine. We will discuss how to die well and the challenges we face as we care for others at the end of their lives. Next, we will look at injustice in the medical system. We examine what to do when we do not have enough resources, and the challenges that different people face in getting the care they need. What options do we have, and how can we do better?  Finally, we talk about the beginning of life. What ethical issues do reproductive decisions raise? How should we use our ever-increasing power over our reproductive capacities? We visit a local hospice and a free clinic, and learn about the history of Black medical practitioners in Shreveport. HUMANITIES EXPLORATION
 
Philosophy 301: Plato and Aristotle
The first task of a philosopher is to “know thyself.” To that end, Plato wrote a series of dialogues that tested the reader and prompted them to become lovers of wisdom. We will learn to pursue urgent questions about how to live a good life, what we can know, and how we should live together by engaging with some of the greatest minds in the European tradition. Plato, Aristotle, and their critics still have a lot to teach us about how to live today. HUMANITIES EXPLORATION