The courses listed below are provided by the JHU Public Course Search. This listing provides a snapshot of immediately available courses and may not be complete.
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
×
Introduction to Formal Logic AS.150.118 (01)
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room: Gilman 50; Bloomberg 176
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 4/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.118 (02)
Introduction to Formal Logic
MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Achinstein, Peter
Gilman 50; Gilman 17
Spring 2025
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
×
Introduction to Formal Logic AS.150.118 (02)
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room: Gilman 50; Gilman 17
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.118 (03)
Introduction to Formal Logic
MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Achinstein, Peter
Gilman 50; Hackerman 320
Spring 2025
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
×
Introduction to Formal Logic AS.150.118 (03)
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room: Gilman 50; Hackerman 320
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 8/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.118 (04)
Introduction to Formal Logic
MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Achinstein, Peter
Gilman 50; Maryland 104
Spring 2025
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
×
Introduction to Formal Logic AS.150.118 (04)
An introduction to symbolic logic and probability. In the first two parts of the course we study formal ways of determining whether a conclusion of an argument follows from its premises. Included are truth-functional logic and predicate logic. In the third part we study the basic rules of probability, and learn how to make probability calculations and decisions in life.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room: Gilman 50; Maryland 104
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.141 (01)
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy
MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Dong, Hao
Gilman 50; Gilman 17
Spring 2025
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
×
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy AS.150.141 (01)
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
Days/Times: MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Instructor: Dong, Hao
Room: Gilman 50; Gilman 17
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 6/21
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN, ARCH-RELATE
AS.150.141 (02)
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy
MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Dong, Hao
Gilman 50; Gilman 186
Spring 2025
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
×
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy AS.150.141 (02)
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
Days/Times: MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Instructor: Dong, Hao
Room: Gilman 50; Gilman 186
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 7/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN, ARCH-RELATE
AS.150.141 (03)
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy
MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Dong, Hao
Gilman 50
Spring 2025
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
×
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy AS.150.141 (03)
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
Days/Times: MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Instructor: Dong, Hao
Room: Gilman 50
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN, ARCH-RELATE
AS.150.141 (04)
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy
MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Dong, Hao
Gilman 50; Gilman 400
Spring 2025
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
×
Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy AS.150.141 (04)
This is a survey of the main philosophers and philosophical schools in China from the classical age to the early modern age. Special focus is given to three historical periods: the pre-Qin era, the Wei-Jin era, and the Song-Ming era. We will see how Chinese philosophers tackled important questions such as what the world is like, are human beings special, how we should live our lives, and how we should construct a political community. Some of the philosophers surveyed are Confucius (Kongzi), Laozi, Mencius (Mengzi), Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Guo Xiang, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming..
Days/Times: MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM, F 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Instructor: Dong, Hao
Room: Gilman 50; Gilman 400
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN, ARCH-RELATE
AS.150.205 (01)
Introduction to the History of Modern Philosophy
MW 12:00PM - 12:50PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Connolly, Patrick
Hodson 203; Gilman 186
Spring 2025
An overview of philosophical thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. We shall focus on fundamental questions in epistemology (knowledge, how we acquire it, its scope and limits), metaphysics (the ultimate nature of reality, the relation of mind and body, free will), and theology (the existence and nature of God, God’s relation to the world, whether knowledge of such things is possible): all questions that arose in dramatic ways as a result of the rise of modern science. The principal philosophers to be discussed are Descartes, Locke, Hume and Kant, though we shall also make the acquaintance of Spinoza, Leibniz and Berkeley.
×
Introduction to the History of Modern Philosophy AS.150.205 (01)
An overview of philosophical thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. We shall focus on fundamental questions in epistemology (knowledge, how we acquire it, its scope and limits), metaphysics (the ultimate nature of reality, the relation of mind and body, free will), and theology (the existence and nature of God, God’s relation to the world, whether knowledge of such things is possible): all questions that arose in dramatic ways as a result of the rise of modern science. The principal philosophers to be discussed are Descartes, Locke, Hume and Kant, though we shall also make the acquaintance of Spinoza, Leibniz and Berkeley.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 12:50PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
An overview of philosophical thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. We shall focus on fundamental questions in epistemology (knowledge, how we acquire it, its scope and limits), metaphysics (the ultimate nature of reality, the relation of mind and body, free will), and theology (the existence and nature of God, God’s relation to the world, whether knowledge of such things is possible): all questions that arose in dramatic ways as a result of the rise of modern science. The principal philosophers to be discussed are Descartes, Locke, Hume and Kant, though we shall also make the acquaintance of Spinoza, Leibniz and Berkeley.
×
Introduction to the History of Modern Philosophy AS.150.205 (02)
An overview of philosophical thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. We shall focus on fundamental questions in epistemology (knowledge, how we acquire it, its scope and limits), metaphysics (the ultimate nature of reality, the relation of mind and body, free will), and theology (the existence and nature of God, God’s relation to the world, whether knowledge of such things is possible): all questions that arose in dramatic ways as a result of the rise of modern science. The principal philosophers to be discussed are Descartes, Locke, Hume and Kant, though we shall also make the acquaintance of Spinoza, Leibniz and Berkeley.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 12:50PM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (01)
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (02)
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (03)
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (04)
An introduction to moral philosophy through in-depth and critical reading of selected texts from the history of philosophy. The philosophers whose texts will be discussed include Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Hannah Arendt.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
×
Introduction to Political Philosophy AS.150.240 (01)
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
×
Introduction to Political Philosophy AS.150.240 (02)
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Prometheus is Johns Hopkins' undergraduate philosophical society. The society organizes a conference and publishes a journal each year and more generally provides a community for philosophically-minded students. The Prometheus workshop facilitates this through open philosophical discussion; interaction with faculty, graduate students, and other members of the Philosophy Department; and other activities. For more information, please visit . Prerequisite: MUST have taken one philosophy course
×
Prometheus Workshop AS.150.300 (01)
Prometheus is Johns Hopkins' undergraduate philosophical society. The society organizes a conference and publishes a journal each year and more generally provides a community for philosophically-minded students. The Prometheus workshop facilitates this through open philosophical discussion; interaction with faculty, graduate students, and other members of the Philosophy Department; and other activities. For more information, please visit . Prerequisite: MUST have taken one philosophy course
Days/Times: T 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.301 (03)
Majors Seminar: John Locke
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Connolly, Patrick
Spring 2025
This course is an overview of John Locke’s epistemological and metaphysical thought with particular focus on his famous Essay Concerning Human Understanding. We will focus on his treatment of classic philosophical topics such as perception, knowledge, belief, substance, quality, identity, natural kinds, and language. A key overarching question will relate to the question of whether or not Locke’s views form a coherent systematic whole. And special efforts will be made to situate Locke with respect to his philosophical predecessors and successors.
×
Majors Seminar: John Locke AS.150.301 (03)
This course is an overview of John Locke’s epistemological and metaphysical thought with particular focus on his famous Essay Concerning Human Understanding. We will focus on his treatment of classic philosophical topics such as perception, knowledge, belief, substance, quality, identity, natural kinds, and language. A key overarching question will relate to the question of whether or not Locke’s views form a coherent systematic whole. And special efforts will be made to situate Locke with respect to his philosophical predecessors and successors.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Connolly, Patrick
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 12/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN, PHIL-SEM
AS.150.330 (01)
Decisions, Games & Social Choice
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Bledin, Justin
Hodson 315
Spring 2025
We investigate rational decision-making at the individual and group level. The first part of this course covers decision theory, which is concerned with how agents should act in different situations given their knowledge (or lack thereof) about the world and their particular risk profiles. The second part focuses on game theory, exploring different kinds of competitive and cooperative strategic interactions between rational agents and defining different solution concepts for these games. The final part of the course covers social choice theory, which is concerned with decision-making at the society-wide scale and addresses famous impossibility results by Arrow and Sen.
×
Decisions, Games & Social Choice AS.150.330 (01)
We investigate rational decision-making at the individual and group level. The first part of this course covers decision theory, which is concerned with how agents should act in different situations given their knowledge (or lack thereof) about the world and their particular risk profiles. The second part focuses on game theory, exploring different kinds of competitive and cooperative strategic interactions between rational agents and defining different solution concepts for these games. The final part of the course covers social choice theory, which is concerned with decision-making at the society-wide scale and addresses famous impossibility results by Arrow and Sen.
Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Bledin, Justin
Room: Hodson 315
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/28
PosTag(s): PHIL-MIND, PHIL-LOGSCI, MSCH-HUM
AS.150.334 (01)
He Said, She Said: Topics in Feminist Philosophy of Language
T 4:15PM - 6:45PM
Campbell, Elsie A
Gilman 377
Spring 2025
Feminist Philosophy of Language began as a critical movement that called for changes within language to reflect the goals of the early Feminist movement. These critiques were aimed both at the discipline of Philosophy of Language and at language itself. In the late 20th century, a second branch of Feminist Philosophy of Language emerged and has since grown considerably. This branch contains a range of emancipatory projects that adopt the tools, frameworks, and concepts developed in the Philosophy of Language to address oppressive features of our world. Emancipatory projects in Feminist Philosophy of Language are broadly concerned with the identification of speech related harms, the clarification of linguistic devices and mechanisms that constitute modes of oppression, and the development of theory that aids in the resistance of oppression in ordinary language context. This course will focus on this recent branch of Feminist Philosophy of Language and the emancipatory projects it contains. In this course students will be introduced to the central Pragmatic theories in Philosophy of Language which underpin emancipatory projects in Feminist Philosophy of Language. Using these theories as a foundation, this course will be cover to topics such as practices of silencing, hate speech and slurs, political and propagandistic rhetoric, sexual consent, and oppressive speech.
×
He Said, She Said: Topics in Feminist Philosophy of Language AS.150.334 (01)
Feminist Philosophy of Language began as a critical movement that called for changes within language to reflect the goals of the early Feminist movement. These critiques were aimed both at the discipline of Philosophy of Language and at language itself. In the late 20th century, a second branch of Feminist Philosophy of Language emerged and has since grown considerably. This branch contains a range of emancipatory projects that adopt the tools, frameworks, and concepts developed in the Philosophy of Language to address oppressive features of our world. Emancipatory projects in Feminist Philosophy of Language are broadly concerned with the identification of speech related harms, the clarification of linguistic devices and mechanisms that constitute modes of oppression, and the development of theory that aids in the resistance of oppression in ordinary language context. This course will focus on this recent branch of Feminist Philosophy of Language and the emancipatory projects it contains. In this course students will be introduced to the central Pragmatic theories in Philosophy of Language which underpin emancipatory projects in Feminist Philosophy of Language. Using these theories as a foundation, this course will be cover to topics such as practices of silencing, hate speech and slurs, political and propagandistic rhetoric, sexual consent, and oppressive speech.
Days/Times: T 4:15PM - 6:45PM
Instructor: Campbell, Elsie A
Room: Gilman 377
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 11/18
PosTag(s): PHIL-MIND, PHIL-ETHICS
AS.150.376 (01)
Philosophy of Perception
TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Green, E. J.
Croft Hall B32
Spring 2025
A discussion of central issues in the philosophy of perception, including but not limited to: Do we perceive external objects directly? What is the distinction between seeing and thinking? How do we distinguish the various sense modalities (vision, hearing, touch, etc.)?
×
Philosophy of Perception AS.150.376 (01)
A discussion of central issues in the philosophy of perception, including but not limited to: Do we perceive external objects directly? What is the distinction between seeing and thinking? How do we distinguish the various sense modalities (vision, hearing, touch, etc.)?
Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Green, E. J.
Room: Croft Hall B32
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 9/30
PosTag(s): COGS-PHLMND, PHIL-MIND, MSCH-HUM
AS.150.417 (01)
Kant's 'Critique Of Pure Reason'
Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Allais, Lucy; Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Gilman 288
Spring 2025
An examination of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, with emphasis on The Critique of Pure Reason.
×
Kant's 'Critique Of Pure Reason' AS.150.417 (01)
An examination of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, with emphasis on The Critique of Pure Reason.
Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Allais, Lucy; Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 4/17
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN
AS.150.426 (01)
Philosophy and Disability
M 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Bok, Hilary
Bloomberg 172
Spring 2025
In this course, we will consider various philosophical issues related to disability. What counts as a disability? What obligations do we have, both as individuals and as a society, to people with disabilities? What counts as respecting people with disabilities, and what counts as unjustifiable discrimination against them?
×
Philosophy and Disability AS.150.426 (01)
In this course, we will consider various philosophical issues related to disability. What counts as a disability? What obligations do we have, both as individuals and as a society, to people with disabilities? What counts as respecting people with disabilities, and what counts as unjustifiable discrimination against them?
The course is an in-depth study of Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise. Among the topics to be discussed are: Spinoza’s Bible criticism, the nature of religion, philosophy and faith, the nature of the ancient Hebrew State, Spinoza’s theory of the State, the role of religion in Spinoza’s political theory, the freedom to philosophize, the metaphysics of Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise, and finally, the reception of the TTP.
×
Spinoza’s Theological Political Treatise AS.150.428 (01)
The course is an in-depth study of Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise. Among the topics to be discussed are: Spinoza’s Bible criticism, the nature of religion, philosophy and faith, the nature of the ancient Hebrew State, Spinoza’s theory of the State, the role of religion in Spinoza’s political theory, the freedom to philosophize, the metaphysics of Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise, and finally, the reception of the TTP.
Days/Times: W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN
AS.150.452 (01)
Freedom of Will & Moral Responsibility
W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Bok, Hilary
Gilman 277
Spring 2025
What are freedom of the will and moral responsibility? Are they compatible with determinism or naturalism? This course will examine various philosophers' answers to these questions.
×
Freedom of Will & Moral Responsibility AS.150.452 (01)
What are freedom of the will and moral responsibility? Are they compatible with determinism or naturalism? This course will examine various philosophers' answers to these questions.
Days/Times: W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Instructor: Bok, Hilary
Room: Gilman 277
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 6/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS
AS.150.471 (01)
Philosophy and AI
T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Gross, Steven
Gilman 288
Spring 2025
This course explores philosophical issues raised by developments in Artificial Intelligence. For example, can a machine be conscious? (What is consciousness?) Who is responsible for a bad decision made by AI? What light, if any, do developments in AI shed on age-old debates about nature vs. nurture?
×
Philosophy and AI AS.150.471 (01)
This course explores philosophical issues raised by developments in Artificial Intelligence. For example, can a machine be conscious? (What is consciousness?) Who is responsible for a bad decision made by AI? What light, if any, do developments in AI shed on age-old debates about nature vs. nurture?
In this class, we will investigate many aspects of the ethics of making babies, asking not only which children we should create and how we should create them, but whether we should make any more people at all. Investigating these questions will take us through large chunks of moral theory, bioethics, and public health ethics. For more information, or to request permission of the instructor (for those who do not meet the prerequisite requirements), email Travis Rieder at [email protected].
Recommended Course Background: One course in ethics or bioethics, or permission of the instructor.
×
The Ethics of Making Babies AS.150.479 (01)
In this class, we will investigate many aspects of the ethics of making babies, asking not only which children we should create and how we should create them, but whether we should make any more people at all. Investigating these questions will take us through large chunks of moral theory, bioethics, and public health ethics. For more information, or to request permission of the instructor (for those who do not meet the prerequisite requirements), email Travis Rieder at [email protected].
Recommended Course Background: One course in ethics or bioethics, or permission of the instructor.
Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Rieder, Travis N
Room: Gilman 381
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 2/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, PHIL-BIOETH, MSCH-HUM
AS.150.495 (01)
Moral Repair
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Hodson 313
Spring 2025
In this course, we will examine various philosophical views concerning the nature and ethics of moral repair. We will consider questions such as: Under what conditions might one count as being redeemed for a moral wrongdoing? What does it mean to forgive? Are we ever morally required to forgive or to withhold forgiveness? When, and to what extent, does disappointed trust warrant feelings of distrust and/or betrayal?
×
Moral Repair AS.150.495 (01)
In this course, we will examine various philosophical views concerning the nature and ethics of moral repair. We will consider questions such as: Under what conditions might one count as being redeemed for a moral wrongdoing? What does it mean to forgive? Are we ever morally required to forgive or to withhold forgiveness? When, and to what extent, does disappointed trust warrant feelings of distrust and/or betrayal?
Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Room: Hodson 313
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.512 (01)
Directed Study
Allais, Lucy
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (01)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Allais, Lucy
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (02)
Directed Study
Pickard, Hanna
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (02)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Pickard, Hanna
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (03)
Directed Study
Gross, Steven
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (03)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Gross, Steven
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (04)
Directed Study
Moyar, Dean
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (04)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (05)
Directed Study
Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (05)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (06)
Directed Study
Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (06)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (07)
Directed Study
Bok, Hilary
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (07)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bok, Hilary
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (08)
Directed Study
Bett, Richard
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (08)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (09)
Directed Study
Williams, Michael
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (09)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Williams, Michael
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (10)
Directed Study
Bledin, Justin
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (10)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bledin, Justin
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (11)
Directed Study
Achinstein, Peter
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (11)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (12)
Directed Study
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (12)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (13)
Directed Study
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (13)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (14)
Directed Study
Phillips, Ian B
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (14)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Phillips, Ian B
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.512 (16)
Directed Study
Ismael, Jenann T
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Directed Study AS.150.512 (16)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Ismael, Jenann T
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (01)
Honors Project
Allais, Lucy
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (01)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Allais, Lucy
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (02)
Honors Project
Pickard, Hanna
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (02)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Pickard, Hanna
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (03)
Honors Project
Gross, Steven
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (03)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Gross, Steven
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (04)
Honors Project
Moyar, Dean
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (04)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (05)
Honors Project
Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (05)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (06)
Honors Project
Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (06)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (07)
Honors Project
Bok, Hilary
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (07)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bok, Hilary
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (08)
Honors Project
Bett, Richard
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (08)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (09)
Honors Project
Williams, Michael
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (09)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Williams, Michael
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (10)
Honors Project
Bledin, Justin
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (10)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bledin, Justin
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (11)
Honors Project
Achinstein, Peter
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (11)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (12)
Honors Project
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (12)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (13)
Honors Project
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (13)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (14)
Honors Project
Phillips, Ian B
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (14)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Phillips, Ian B
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/1
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (15)
Honors Project
Holguín, Ben
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (15)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Holguín, Ben
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (16)
Honors Project
Ismael, Jenann T
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (16)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Ismael, Jenann T
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (17)
Honors Project
Carroll, Sean Michael
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (17)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Carroll, Sean Michael
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (18)
Honors Project
Velleman, James David
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (18)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Velleman, James David
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (19)
Honors Project
Connolly, Patrick
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (19)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Connolly, Patrick
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (20)
Honors Project
Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (20)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.552 (22)
Honors Project
Green, E. J.
Spring 2025
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
×
Honors Project AS.150.552 (22)
By special arrangement, at the discretion of the Instructor.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Green, E. J.
Room:
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.225.328 (01)
The Existential Drama: Philosophy and Theatre of the Absurd
T 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Martin, Joe
Gilman 217
Spring 2025
Existentialism, a powerful movement in modern drama and theatre, has had a profound influence on contemporary political thought, ethics, and psychology, and has transformed our very notion of how to stage a play. Selected readings and lectures on the philosophy of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, and Sartre -- and discussion of works for the stage by Sartre, Ionesco, Genet, Beckett, Albee, Pinter, and the late plays of Caryl Churchill. Opportunities for projects on central European Absurdism in works by Dürrenmatt, Havel, Witkiewicz, and Mrozek. Students may also choose to examine post-colonialism in the work of Frantz Fannon and second-wave feminism in essays by Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre's long-time collaborator.
×
The Existential Drama: Philosophy and Theatre of the Absurd AS.225.328 (01)
Existentialism, a powerful movement in modern drama and theatre, has had a profound influence on contemporary political thought, ethics, and psychology, and has transformed our very notion of how to stage a play. Selected readings and lectures on the philosophy of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, and Sartre -- and discussion of works for the stage by Sartre, Ionesco, Genet, Beckett, Albee, Pinter, and the late plays of Caryl Churchill. Opportunities for projects on central European Absurdism in works by Dürrenmatt, Havel, Witkiewicz, and Mrozek. Students may also choose to examine post-colonialism in the work of Frantz Fannon and second-wave feminism in essays by Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre's long-time collaborator.
Days/Times: T 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Instructor: Martin, Joe
Room: Gilman 217
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 12/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.143 (11)
Introduction to the Philosophy of Art: What is Art?
MF 9:00AM - 11:00AM, W 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Campbell, Elsie A
Gilman 288; Gilman 288
Summer 2025
The disciplines of Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art are concerned with philosophical questions about beauty and art, respectively. This course will explore one of the primary questions that threads through both disciplines: what is art? Is art representation? Is art expression? Is art only art in virtue of its context? Maybe art is a social and political tool? This class will begin its exploration through the historical perspectives of some of the great philosophers of the Western World, such as Plato and Hume, and work our way towards more contemporary views by philosophers such Arthur Danto and bell hooks. Beyond the chronology of art, this course will cover perspectives on “not art” art, art that (some argue) has been wrongly excluded from the dominant Western canon, such as craft and folk art.
×
Introduction to the Philosophy of Art: What is Art? AS.150.143 (11)
The disciplines of Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art are concerned with philosophical questions about beauty and art, respectively. This course will explore one of the primary questions that threads through both disciplines: what is art? Is art representation? Is art expression? Is art only art in virtue of its context? Maybe art is a social and political tool? This class will begin its exploration through the historical perspectives of some of the great philosophers of the Western World, such as Plato and Hume, and work our way towards more contemporary views by philosophers such Arthur Danto and bell hooks. Beyond the chronology of art, this course will cover perspectives on “not art” art, art that (some argue) has been wrongly excluded from the dominant Western canon, such as craft and folk art.
Days/Times: MF 9:00AM - 11:00AM, W 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Campbell, Elsie A
Room: Gilman 288; Gilman 288
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.144 (21)
Eco-justice
MF 1:00PM - 3:00PM, W 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Torab, Kia Arash
Gilman 400; Gilman 400
Summer 2025
Some of the most urgent moral issues arise from our impact on the environment, such as climate change and pollution. This course is an introduction to contemporary philosophical thinking about these issues. We will address questions like: What is the environment, and what role should humans play in it? What obligations, if any, do we have to future generations, other species, or ecosystems? In what ways, if any, does our impact on the environment constitute injustice? What should we do as individuals – should we just focus on political change or should we also make radical changes in our own lifestyles? What are appropriate forms of activism – is violent or destructive action ever justified to prevent disasters? Can environmental catastrophe be avoided within capitalism?
This course does not assume any prior background in philosophy or environmental studies.
×
Eco-justice AS.150.144 (21)
Some of the most urgent moral issues arise from our impact on the environment, such as climate change and pollution. This course is an introduction to contemporary philosophical thinking about these issues. We will address questions like: What is the environment, and what role should humans play in it? What obligations, if any, do we have to future generations, other species, or ecosystems? In what ways, if any, does our impact on the environment constitute injustice? What should we do as individuals – should we just focus on political change or should we also make radical changes in our own lifestyles? What are appropriate forms of activism – is violent or destructive action ever justified to prevent disasters? Can environmental catastrophe be avoided within capitalism?
This course does not assume any prior background in philosophy or environmental studies.
Days/Times: MF 1:00PM - 3:00PM, W 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Torab, Kia Arash
Room: Gilman 400; Gilman 400
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 18/18
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS
AS.001.245 (01)
FYS: American Indian Philosophy
TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Connolly, Patrick
Gilman 134
Fall 2025
More than 500 federally-recognized Native tribes and many more who are not federally recognized live within the borders of the United States. Each of these communities has its own history, identity, traditions, relationship to the land, and story of survivance. This First-Year Seminar examines the views of Indigenous communities on topics such as truth, knowledge, identity and the self, causation, and ethics. It also investigates contemporary American Indian thought as it relates to colonialism and anti-colonialism, land, futurity, sovereignty, and resistance. Students will hear from guest lecturers working at the forefront of the discipline and enrich their learning through a trip to the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
×
FYS: American Indian Philosophy AS.001.245 (01)
More than 500 federally-recognized Native tribes and many more who are not federally recognized live within the borders of the United States. Each of these communities has its own history, identity, traditions, relationship to the land, and story of survivance. This First-Year Seminar examines the views of Indigenous communities on topics such as truth, knowledge, identity and the self, causation, and ethics. It also investigates contemporary American Indian thought as it relates to colonialism and anti-colonialism, land, futurity, sovereignty, and resistance. Students will hear from guest lecturers working at the forefront of the discipline and enrich their learning through a trip to the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Instructor: Connolly, Patrick
Room: Gilman 134
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/12
PosTag(s): CES-LE
AS.150.112 (01)
Philosophical Problems
MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Gilman 132; Gilman 313
Fall 2025
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
×
Philosophical Problems AS.150.112 (01)
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 132; Gilman 313
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 1/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.112 (02)
Philosophical Problems
MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Gilman 132; Gilman 313
Fall 2025
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
×
Philosophical Problems AS.150.112 (02)
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 132; Gilman 313
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 6/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.112 (03)
Philosophical Problems
MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Gilman 132; Shriver Hall 001
Fall 2025
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
×
Philosophical Problems AS.150.112 (03)
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 132; Shriver Hall 001
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.112 (04)
Philosophical Problems
MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Gilman 132; Bloomberg 276
Fall 2025
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
×
Philosophical Problems AS.150.112 (04)
An introduction to philosophy through several central problems. This year’s topics are free will, death, time, and race.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:20PM, F 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 132; Bloomberg 276
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.136 (01)
Philosophy & Science: An Introduction to Both
MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Dulani, Saakshi
Hodson 213; Hodson 203
Fall 2025
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
×
Philosophy & Science: An Introduction to Both AS.150.136 (01)
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
×
Philosophy & Science: An Introduction to Both AS.150.136 (02)
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
×
Philosophy & Science: An Introduction to Both AS.150.136 (03)
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
×
Philosophy & Science: An Introduction to Both AS.150.136 (04)
Philosophy helps us form consistent beliefs. Science helps us learn about the world and our relationship to it. Philosophy of science, then, sits at the interface—helping us form consistent beliefs about the world and our relationship to it. How do we construct a narrative of (our) reality from scientific theories (i.e., the scientific image)? How do we conceptualize the worldly backers of scientific explanations, such as natural laws and causation?
Philosophy of science also treats science itself as a subject of philosophical inquiry. What counts as science, and why is it considered a privileged source of knowledge? Are there shared methods across the sciences? Does science transcend—or reflect—social, political, and economic forces?
Throughout this course, we will explore these questions by engaging with contemporary works in the metaphysics of science, social epistemology, and the philosophy of specific sciences—from physics to the social sciences.
Days/Times: MW 11:00AM - 11:50AM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
A survey of the earlier phase of Greek philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle will be discussed, as well as two groups of thinkers who preceded them, usually known as the pre-Socratics and the Sophists.
×
Introduction To Greek Philosophy AS.150.201 (01)
A survey of the earlier phase of Greek philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle will be discussed, as well as two groups of thinkers who preceded them, usually known as the pre-Socratics and the Sophists.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room: Ames 218; Maryland 114
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 2/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN
AS.150.201 (02)
Introduction To Greek Philosophy
MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Bett, Richard
Ames 218; Krieger 180
Fall 2025
A survey of the earlier phase of Greek philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle will be discussed, as well as two groups of thinkers who preceded them, usually known as the pre-Socratics and the Sophists.
×
Introduction To Greek Philosophy AS.150.201 (02)
A survey of the earlier phase of Greek philosophy. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle will be discussed, as well as two groups of thinkers who preceded them, usually known as the pre-Socratics and the Sophists.
Days/Times: MW 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room: Ames 218; Krieger 180
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 14/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ANCIEN
AS.150.220 (01)
Introduction to Moral Philosophy
MW 4:30PM - 5:20PM, F 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Hieronymi, Pamela Darlene
Gilman 50; Gilman 186
Fall 2025
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (01)
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (02)
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (03)
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
×
Introduction to Moral Philosophy AS.150.220 (04)
While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it?
This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
×
Introduction to Political Philosophy AS.150.240 (01)
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 12:50PM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PM
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
×
Introduction to Political Philosophy AS.150.240 (02)
This course begins by reviewing canonical texts in modern political philosophy beginning with Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and ends by exploring classic questions in contemporary debates in race, gender, and identity.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 12:50PM, F 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
×
Philosophy and Democracy AS.150.257 (01)
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room: Gilman 50; Krieger Laverty
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, CES-LSO, AGRI-ELECT
AS.150.257 (02)
Philosophy and Democracy
MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Moyar, Dean
Gilman 50; Bloomberg 276
Fall 2025
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
×
Philosophy and Democracy AS.150.257 (02)
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room: Gilman 50; Bloomberg 276
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, CES-LSO, AGRI-ELECT
AS.150.257 (03)
Philosophy and Democracy
MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Moyar, Dean
Gilman 50; Maryland 217
Fall 2025
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
×
Philosophy and Democracy AS.150.257 (03)
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room: Gilman 50; Maryland 217
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, CES-LSO, AGRI-ELECT
AS.150.257 (04)
Philosophy and Democracy
MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Moyar, Dean
Gilman 50; Bloomberg 276
Fall 2025
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
×
Philosophy and Democracy AS.150.257 (04)
Philosophers have been famously hostile to democracy as a form of government, yet in more recent times philosophers have generally sought to justify liberal democracy. This course examines why, historically, philosophy has been opposed to democratic government, and what, in the present, the prospects are of philosophy bolstering the cause of democracy. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche and Dewey.
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 3:50PM, F 4:30PM - 5:20PM
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room: Gilman 50; Bloomberg 276
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, CES-LSO, AGRI-ELECT
AS.150.300 (01)
Prometheus Workshop
W 7:15PM - 8:05PM
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
Prometheus is Johns Hopkins' undergraduate philosophical society. The society organizes a conference and publishes a journal each year and more generally provides a community for philosophically-minded students. The Prometheus workshop facilitates this through open philosophical discussion; interaction with faculty, graduate students, and other members of the Philosophy Department; and other activities. For more information, please visit . Prerequisite: MUST have taken one philosophy course
×
Prometheus Workshop AS.150.300 (01)
Prometheus is Johns Hopkins' undergraduate philosophical society. The society organizes a conference and publishes a journal each year and more generally provides a community for philosophically-minded students. The Prometheus workshop facilitates this through open philosophical discussion; interaction with faculty, graduate students, and other members of the Philosophy Department; and other activities. For more information, please visit . Prerequisite: MUST have taken one philosophy course
Days/Times: W 7:15PM - 8:05PM
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.332 (01)
Ethics and Technology
TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
In this course, we will examine philosophical debates concerning the moral permissibility of developing, distributing, and/or using certain controversial technologies. Candidate technologies for consideration include, but are not limited to, nootropics (smart drugs), moral bioenhancement, so-called “ultraviolent” video games, memory-alteration technologies, the development of drugs that aim to create, sustain, or eliminate love, and AI intended to function as therapists, romantic interests, or interactive representations of deceased loved ones
×
Ethics and Technology AS.150.332 (01)
In this course, we will examine philosophical debates concerning the moral permissibility of developing, distributing, and/or using certain controversial technologies. Candidate technologies for consideration include, but are not limited to, nootropics (smart drugs), moral bioenhancement, so-called “ultraviolent” video games, memory-alteration technologies, the development of drugs that aim to create, sustain, or eliminate love, and AI intended to function as therapists, romantic interests, or interactive representations of deceased loved ones
Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Instructor: Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-ETHICS, PHIL-BIOETH
AS.150.420 (01)
Mathematical Logic I
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
Mathematical Logic I (H,Q) is the first semester of a year long course studying the logical methods used in mathematical reasoning. The first semester explores the construction of formal languages in which to cast mathematical discourse, introduces systems of proof for deriving propositions from assumptions, and develops a formal semantics that provides a precise criterion of logical consequence. We expect a system of proof to allow the derivation only of propositions that are logical consequences of the assumptions (soundness). A principal result establishes the converse: these systems of proof are such that any logical consequence is derivable (completeness). This provides us with a purely mathematical characterization of logic within which mathematical theories can be formulated and their properties studied (decidability, axiomatizability, consistency, completeness), a pursuit commonly known as metamathematics.
×
Mathematical Logic I AS.150.420 (01)
Mathematical Logic I (H,Q) is the first semester of a year long course studying the logical methods used in mathematical reasoning. The first semester explores the construction of formal languages in which to cast mathematical discourse, introduces systems of proof for deriving propositions from assumptions, and develops a formal semantics that provides a precise criterion of logical consequence. We expect a system of proof to allow the derivation only of propositions that are logical consequences of the assumptions (soundness). A principal result establishes the converse: these systems of proof are such that any logical consequence is derivable (completeness). This provides us with a purely mathematical characterization of logic within which mathematical theories can be formulated and their properties studied (decidability, axiomatizability, consistency, completeness), a pursuit commonly known as metamathematics.
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI
AS.150.435 (01)
Philosophy of Cosmology
TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Carroll, Sean Michael
Ames 234
Fall 2025
This course will consider philosophical topics in the foundations of physics, with an emphasis on cosmological issues. Entropy and the arrow of time -- why time has a direction, whether it can be explained in terms of entropy, and what role the arrow of time plays in causation and emergence. Anthropics and indexical uncertainty -- approaches to probability, reference classes, the cosmological multiverse, Boltzmann brains, simulation and doomsday arguments. Foundations of quantum mechanics -- the measurement problem, many-worlds, probability and structure, alternative approaches.
×
Philosophy of Cosmology AS.150.435 (01)
This course will consider philosophical topics in the foundations of physics, with an emphasis on cosmological issues. Entropy and the arrow of time -- why time has a direction, whether it can be explained in terms of entropy, and what role the arrow of time plays in causation and emergence. Anthropics and indexical uncertainty -- approaches to probability, reference classes, the cosmological multiverse, Boltzmann brains, simulation and doomsday arguments. Foundations of quantum mechanics -- the measurement problem, many-worlds, probability and structure, alternative approaches.
Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Carroll, Sean Michael
Room: Ames 234
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 23/60
PosTag(s): PHIL-LOGSCI, MSCH-HUM
AS.150.439 (01)
Catastrophe Ethics
F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Rieder, Travis N
Gilman 55
Fall 2025
Catastrophe Ethics explores the question, “how do you live a morally decent life in an era of massive, structural catastrophes?” Most of what we do contributes to harm and injustice as a result of climate change, ecological devastation, child labor and exploitation in the global supply chain, the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19, animal welfare issues, and much more. And yet, as individuals with incredibly little power, most of us can’t make a difference to any of these problems no matter what we choose. So our actions seem to matter morally (Recycle! Boycott bad companies! Go vegan!), and yet also to matter not at all (You don’t make a difference!). In attempting to address this problem—the puzzle of individual responsibility amidst collective threats—this course takes students on a tour of both traditional moral philosophy, and newer, disruptive moral concepts. By the end of the semester, students will be provided with tools to think more clearly about living in our chaotic world and hopefully, to do better and feel better about the mark that they’re leaving on the planet and on society.
×
Catastrophe Ethics AS.150.439 (01)
Catastrophe Ethics explores the question, “how do you live a morally decent life in an era of massive, structural catastrophes?” Most of what we do contributes to harm and injustice as a result of climate change, ecological devastation, child labor and exploitation in the global supply chain, the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19, animal welfare issues, and much more. And yet, as individuals with incredibly little power, most of us can’t make a difference to any of these problems no matter what we choose. So our actions seem to matter morally (Recycle! Boycott bad companies! Go vegan!), and yet also to matter not at all (You don’t make a difference!). In attempting to address this problem—the puzzle of individual responsibility amidst collective threats—this course takes students on a tour of both traditional moral philosophy, and newer, disruptive moral concepts. By the end of the semester, students will be provided with tools to think more clearly about living in our chaotic world and hopefully, to do better and feel better about the mark that they’re leaving on the planet and on society.
This course explores philosophical issues raised by developments in Artificial Intelligence. For example, can a machine be conscious? (What is consciousness?) Who is responsible for a bad decision made by AI? What light, if any, do developments in AI shed on age-old debates about nature vs. nurture?
×
Philosophy and AI AS.150.471 (01)
This course explores philosophical issues raised by developments in Artificial Intelligence. For example, can a machine be conscious? (What is consciousness?) Who is responsible for a bad decision made by AI? What light, if any, do developments in AI shed on age-old debates about nature vs. nurture?
Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Gross, Steven
Room: Bloomberg 139
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-MIND, CES-TI, COGS-PHLMND
AS.150.477 (01)
The Philosophies of Locke and Leibniz
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Connolly, Patrick; Dong, Hao
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
In this course we will do a close reading of Locke's Essay along with Leibniz's New Essays, which is a point-by-point critique of the former. The aim of this course is to clarify the main differences between the two philosophers and how they relate to the two philosophical systems as a whole. Since Locke and Leibniz are widely regarded as champions of empiricism and rationalism respectively, this course will give the students a deep grasp of pre-Kantian European philosophy.
×
The Philosophies of Locke and Leibniz AS.150.477 (01)
In this course we will do a close reading of Locke's Essay along with Leibniz's New Essays, which is a point-by-point critique of the former. The aim of this course is to clarify the main differences between the two philosophers and how they relate to the two philosophical systems as a whole. Since Locke and Leibniz are widely regarded as champions of empiricism and rationalism respectively, this course will give the students a deep grasp of pre-Kantian European philosophy.
Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Connolly, Patrick; Dong, Hao
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 9/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN
AS.150.478 (01)
The Philosophy of Hasdai Crescas
W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
The seminar is a study of Hasdai Crescas' major work: The Light of the Lord. Topics to be discussed include: Crescas' defense of actual infinity; determinism; plurality of (possible) worlds; the nature of belief; the infinity of God's attributes; Crescas' influence on Spinoza.
×
The Philosophy of Hasdai Crescas AS.150.478 (01)
The seminar is a study of Hasdai Crescas' major work: The Light of the Lord. Topics to be discussed include: Crescas' defense of actual infinity; determinism; plurality of (possible) worlds; the nature of belief; the infinity of God's attributes; Crescas' influence on Spinoza.
Days/Times: W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 10/15
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN
AS.150.489 (01)
Spinoza's Philosophy of Mind and Psychology
M 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Gilman 288
Fall 2025
The seminar will focus on Spinoza's philosophy of mind and pyschology (Ethics, Parts II-III) Topics to be discussed include: the nature of the mind; mind-body parallelism; imagination and temporality; the three kinds of cognition; the conatus doctrine; emotions. No previous knowledge will be assumed.
×
Spinoza's Philosophy of Mind and Psychology AS.150.489 (01)
The seminar will focus on Spinoza's philosophy of mind and pyschology (Ethics, Parts II-III) Topics to be discussed include: the nature of the mind; mind-body parallelism; imagination and temporality; the three kinds of cognition; the conatus doctrine; emotions. No previous knowledge will be assumed.
Days/Times: M 4:30PM - 7:00PM
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room: Gilman 288
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 3/16
PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN
AS.150.511 (01)
Directed Study
Allais, Lucy
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (01)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Allais, Lucy
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (02)
Directed Study
Pickard, Hanna
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (02)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Pickard, Hanna
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (03)
Directed Study
Gross, Steven
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (03)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Gross, Steven
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (04)
Directed Study
Moyar, Dean
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (04)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (05)
Directed Study
Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (05)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (06)
Directed Study
Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (06)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (07)
Directed Study
Dong, Hao
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (07)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Dong, Hao
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (08)
Directed Study
Bett, Richard
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (08)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (09)
Directed Study
Williams, Michael
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (09)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Williams, Michael
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (10)
Directed Study
Bledin, Justin
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (10)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bledin, Justin
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (11)
Directed Study
Achinstein, Peter
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (11)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (12)
Directed Study
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (12)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (13)
Directed Study
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (13)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (14)
Directed Study
Phillips, Ian B
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (14)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Phillips, Ian B
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (15)
Directed Study
Holguín, Ben
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (15)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Holguín, Ben
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (16)
Directed Study
Ismael, Jenann T
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (16)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Ismael, Jenann T
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (17)
Directed Study
Carroll, Sean Michael
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (17)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Carroll, Sean Michael
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (18)
Directed Study
Velleman, James David
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (18)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Velleman, James David
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (19)
Directed Study
Connolly, Patrick
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (19)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Connolly, Patrick
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (20)
Directed Study
Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (20)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Kraus, Katharina Teresa
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (21)
Directed Study
Goodman, Jeremy
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (21)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Goodman, Jeremy
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (22)
Directed Study
Green, E. J.
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (22)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Green, E. J.
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.511 (23)
Directed Study
Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Fall 2025
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
×
Directed Study AS.150.511 (23)
Individual study of special topics, under regular supervision of a faculty member. Special permission is required.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Wonderly, Monique Lisa
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (01)
Honors Project
Allais, Lucy
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (01)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Allais, Lucy
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (02)
Honors Project
Pickard, Hanna
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (02)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Pickard, Hanna
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (03)
Honors Project
Gross, Steven
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (03)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Gross, Steven
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (04)
Honors Project
Moyar, Dean
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (04)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Moyar, Dean
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (05)
Honors Project
Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (05)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Rynasiewicz, Robert Alan
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (06)
Honors Project
Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (06)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lebron, Christopher Joseph
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (07)
Honors Project
Bok, Hilary
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (07)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bok, Hilary
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (08)
Honors Project
Bett, Richard
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (08)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bett, Richard
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (09)
Honors Project
Williams, Michael
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (09)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Williams, Michael
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (10)
Honors Project
Bledin, Justin
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (10)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bledin, Justin
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (11)
Honors Project
Achinstein, Peter
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (11)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Achinstein, Peter
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (12)
Honors Project
Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (12)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (13)
Honors Project
Taylor, Elanor Jane
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (13)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Taylor, Elanor Jane
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.150.551 (21)
Honors Project
Goodman, Jeremy
Fall 2025
See departmental major adviser.
×
Honors Project AS.150.551 (21)
See departmental major adviser.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Goodman, Jeremy
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 4/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.214.479 (01)
Dante Visits the Afterlife
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Saiber, Arielle
Gilman 119
Fall 2025
One of the greatest works of literature of all times, the Divine Comedy leads us down into the torture-pits of Hell, up the steep mountain terrain of Purgatory, through the “virtual” space of Paradise, and then back to where we began: our own earthly lives. We accompany Dante on his journey, building along the way knowledge of medieval Italian history, literature, philosophy, politics, and religion. The course also focuses on the arts of reading deeply, asking questions of a text, and interpreting literary and scholarly works through discussion and critical writing. Conducted in English. For undergraduate students only.
×
Dante Visits the Afterlife AS.214.479 (01)
One of the greatest works of literature of all times, the Divine Comedy leads us down into the torture-pits of Hell, up the steep mountain terrain of Purgatory, through the “virtual” space of Paradise, and then back to where we began: our own earthly lives. We accompany Dante on his journey, building along the way knowledge of medieval Italian history, literature, philosophy, politics, and religion. The course also focuses on the arts of reading deeply, asking questions of a text, and interpreting literary and scholarly works through discussion and critical writing. Conducted in English. For undergraduate students only.
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Saiber, Arielle
Room: Gilman 119
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 7/30
PosTag(s): MLL-PITAL
AS.300.402 (01)
What is a Person? Humans, Corporations, Robots, Trees
MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Siraganian, Lisa
Gilman 208
Fall 2025
Knowing who or what counts as a person seems straightforward, until we consider the many kinds of creatures, objects, and artificial beings that have been granted—or demanded or denied—that status. This course explores recent debates on being a person in culture, law, and philosophy. Questions examined will include: Should trees have standing? Can corporations have religious beliefs? Could a robot sign a contract? Materials examined will be wide-ranging, including essays, philosophy, novels, science fiction, television, film. No special background is required.
×
What is a Person? Humans, Corporations, Robots, Trees AS.300.402 (01)
Knowing who or what counts as a person seems straightforward, until we consider the many kinds of creatures, objects, and artificial beings that have been granted—or demanded or denied—that status. This course explores recent debates on being a person in culture, law, and philosophy. Questions examined will include: Should trees have standing? Can corporations have religious beliefs? Could a robot sign a contract? Materials examined will be wide-ranging, including essays, philosophy, novels, science fiction, television, film. No special background is required.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Siraganian, Lisa
Room: Gilman 208
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 2/19
PosTag(s): CES-LSO, CES-ELECT, MSCH-HUM
AS.377.264 (01)
Disciplines Without Borders’ and Multidisciplinarity in Literature, Art, and Science
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Juharyan, Victoria
Krieger 180
Fall 2025
This introductory course will explore the intersections between literary texts, scientific discoveries, and art. We will study Geometry, Calculus, Probability Theory, Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Physics, Medicine, and Ecology in Russian Literature. We will read novels, poems, and plays by Goethe, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Akhmatova, and Nabokov, among others, with relevant chapters from Hegel, Literature, and the Problem of Agency by Allen Speight; The Mathematical Mind of F. M. Dostoevsky: Imaginary Numbers, Non-Euclidean Geometry, and Infinity by Michael Marsh-Soloway; Russian Literature and Cognitive Science edited by Tom Dolack, “which applies the newest insights from cognitive psychology to the study of Russian literature;” Medical Storyworlds: Health, Illness, and Bodies in Russian and European Literature at the Turn of the Twentieth Century by Elena Fratto; Jeff Love’s studies on Tolstoy’s use of calculus for the development of his philosophy of history, “Tolstoy’s Integration Metaphor from War and Peace” by Stephen T. Ahearn as well as other scientific studies that engage with literature such as Yuri Manin’s Mathematics as Metaphor, Sarah Hart’s Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature, and Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons in Physics. In addition to the reading materials, assignments will include expository writings as well as philosophical games and illustrations of the connections between science and art, mind and matter. We will also have guest lecturers from the departments of philosophy, mathematics, and cognitive science as we consider philosophy as science and science as art and explore multidisciplinarity and the many ways in which sciences can transform our understanding of art and literature and vice versa. No prerequisites either in humanities or sciences.
×
Disciplines Without Borders’ and Multidisciplinarity in Literature, Art, and Science AS.377.264 (01)
This introductory course will explore the intersections between literary texts, scientific discoveries, and art. We will study Geometry, Calculus, Probability Theory, Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Physics, Medicine, and Ecology in Russian Literature. We will read novels, poems, and plays by Goethe, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Akhmatova, and Nabokov, among others, with relevant chapters from Hegel, Literature, and the Problem of Agency by Allen Speight; The Mathematical Mind of F. M. Dostoevsky: Imaginary Numbers, Non-Euclidean Geometry, and Infinity by Michael Marsh-Soloway; Russian Literature and Cognitive Science edited by Tom Dolack, “which applies the newest insights from cognitive psychology to the study of Russian literature;” Medical Storyworlds: Health, Illness, and Bodies in Russian and European Literature at the Turn of the Twentieth Century by Elena Fratto; Jeff Love’s studies on Tolstoy’s use of calculus for the development of his philosophy of history, “Tolstoy’s Integration Metaphor from War and Peace” by Stephen T. Ahearn as well as other scientific studies that engage with literature such as Yuri Manin’s Mathematics as Metaphor, Sarah Hart’s Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature, and Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons in Physics. In addition to the reading materials, assignments will include expository writings as well as philosophical games and illustrations of the connections between science and art, mind and matter. We will also have guest lecturers from the departments of philosophy, mathematics, and cognitive science as we consider philosophy as science and science as art and explore multidisciplinarity and the many ways in which sciences can transform our understanding of art and literature and vice versa. No prerequisites either in humanities or sciences.