Graduate Program

Spring Term Schedule

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Spring 2021

Number	Title	Instructor	Time
PHIL 416-1 Mathematical Logic Zeynep Soysal MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
This course will cover three philosophically important results of modern logic: Gödel’s incompleteness theorems, Turing’s definition of computability, and Tarski’s theory of truth for formalized languages. We will discuss both the mathematical content and the philosophical significance of these results. ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Hutchison Hall Room 473 (MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
PHIL 420-1 Recent Ethical Theory Earl Conee TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
We will critically examine three main contemporary philosophical approaches to ethical theorizing: consequentialism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics. We will also consider arguments about whether ethical conclusions can be deduced from non-ethical premises and whether there are any irresolvable moral conflicts. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Ethics] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Online Room 22 (ASE) (TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
PHIL 426-1 Philosophy of Law Rosa Terlazzo TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM
Theories of law and normative and conceptual problems in specific areas of law: racial justice, transitional justice, jurisdiction, problems of legal interpretation, criminal attempts, the logic of fault, wrongful gain and compensation, moral limitations on freedom of contract, legal aspects of terrorism and torture, etc. ALL Philosophy courses are available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Online Room 25 (ASE) (TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)
PHIL 435-1 Data, Algorithms, Justice Jonathan Herington TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
This course focuses on a number of questions that arise in the design, development and deployment of machine learning algorithms. Topics include: Bias in algorithms (e.g., how should we measure unfairness in algorithms that determine who gets bail, parole, a job, or a loan? What about bias in health analytics?) Values disagreement and algorithms (e.g., how should self-driving cars or diagnostic algorithms make decisions, given that we disagree about the good?) Algorithms, social media, and public life (e.g., what is the impact of social media algorithms on public discourse and the future of democracy?) Algorithms and the future of work (e.g., how should we structure our society when many basic tasks will be performed by machines? How should we distribute the benefits of machine productivity?) ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Hutchison Hall Room 140 (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
PHIL 442-1 Metaphysics Zeynep Soysal MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM
Investigates topics in contemporary metaphysics, including questions about the existence and persistence conditions of abstract and material objects; the nature of space and time; the possibility of time travel; the status of quantum mechanics. No prior courses in science required. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Gavett Hall Room 202 (MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)
PHIL 444-1 Philosophy of Mind Mark Povich TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
An introduction to classic and contemporary problems in the philosophy of mind, this course investigates how the mind is related to the physical world. Topics include: What is the mind and how is it related to the brain? How is it possible for mental states to cause physical states, and vise versa? How do mental states get their intentional content? What is consciousness and can it be given a physical explanation? What are the minds of other beings - such as animals and artificially intelligent computers - like, and how could we know? [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Online Room 14 (ASE) (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
PHIL 446-1 Soc. Character Knowledge Jens Kipper MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM
It is hard to overstate how much we rely on others in acquiring knowledge (for better or worse). In this course, we elucidate the many forms this reliance takes. We investigate how knowledge is distributed in the scientific community and elsewhere, including in society as a whole, and how information and misinformation spread in these communities. We also identify potential flaws in the existing structures in which knowledge is distributed and disseminated, and try to find ways in which these structures could be improved. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Gavett Hall Room 202 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
PHIL 491-1 Master's Readings in PHL Paul Audi –
Independent study
PHIL 491-2 Master's Readings in PHL Rosa Terlazzo –
Master's Independent Study
PHIL 517-1 Sel Top in Ethics Rosa Terlazzo W 2:00PM - 4:40PM
Critical exploration of work in contemporary metaethics and normative ethical theory and its applications. ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Lattimore Room 413 (W 2:00PM - 4:40PM)
PHIL 522-1 Plato Seminar Deborah Modrak R 4:50PM - 7:30PM
Addresses central issues and topics in Plato's dialogues. The topic to be discussed in a specific semester is determined by the instructor and announced in advance. ALL Philosophy courses are available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor. Location Lattimore Room 531 (R 4:50PM - 7:30PM)
PHIL 560-1 Writing Seminar Randall Curren –
Study of recent articles; writing short commentaries, replies, criticisms. Covers various topics under guidance of several faculty members.
PHIL 560-2 Philosophical Writing Alison Peterman –
Study of recent articles; writing short commentaries, replies, criticisms. Covers various topics under guidance of several faculty members.
PHIL 580-1 Supervised instructn in PHL Randall Curren –
Supervised teaching of undergraduates, including leading discussion sections, grading tests and papers, and meeting with students.
PHIL 581-1 Supervise Instruct:Lec to Un Randall Curren –
Continuation of PHL 580, with practice lecturing to the undergraduate classes.
PHIL 591-1 PhD Readings in PHL Paul Audi –
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PHIL 591-2 PhD Readings in PHL Alison Peterman –
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PHIL 591-3 PhD Readings in PHL Randall Curren –
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PHIL 591-4 PhD Readings in PHL Richard Dees –
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PHIL 591-5 PhD Readings in PHL William FitzPatrick –
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PHIL 591-6 PhD Readings in PHL Earl Conee –
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PHIL 591-7 PhD Readings in PHL Jens Kipper –
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PHIL 591-8 PhD Readings in PHL Deborah Modrak –
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PHIL 595-1 PhD Research in PHL Paul Audi –
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PHIL 595-2 PhD Research in PHL Earl Conee –
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PHIL 595-3 PhD Research in PHL Randall Curren –
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PHIL 595-4 PhD Research in PHL Richard Feldman –
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PHIL 595-5 PhD Research in PHL Jens Kipper –
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PHIL 595-6 PhD Research in PHL Alison Peterman –
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PHIL 595-7 PhD Research in PHL Zeynep Soysal –
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PHIL 595-8 PhD Research in PHL Rosa Terlazzo –
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PHIL 895-1 Cont of Master's Enrollment – –
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PHIL 899-1 Master's Dissertation Paul Audi –
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PHIL 995-1 Cont of Doctoral Enrollment – –
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PHIL 997-1 Doctoral Dissertation Paul Audi –
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PHIL 999-1 Doctoral Dissertation Paul Audi –
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PHIL 999-2 Doctoral Dissertation Alison Peterman –
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PHIL 999-3 Doctoral Dissertation Earl Conee –
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PHIL 999-4 Doctoral Dissertation William FitzPatrick –
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PHIL 999-5 Doctoral Dissertation Randall Curren –
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Number	Title	Instructor	Time
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Monday and Wednesday
PHIL 416-1 Mathematical Logic Zeynep Soysal
This course will cover three philosophically important results of modern logic: Gödel’s incompleteness theorems, Turing’s definition of computability, and Tarski’s theory of truth for formalized languages. We will discuss both the mathematical content and the philosophical significance of these results. ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
PHIL 446-1 Soc. Character Knowledge Jens Kipper
It is hard to overstate how much we rely on others in acquiring knowledge (for better or worse). In this course, we elucidate the many forms this reliance takes. We investigate how knowledge is distributed in the scientific community and elsewhere, including in society as a whole, and how information and misinformation spread in these communities. We also identify potential flaws in the existing structures in which knowledge is distributed and disseminated, and try to find ways in which these structures could be improved. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
PHIL 442-1 Metaphysics Zeynep Soysal
Investigates topics in contemporary metaphysics, including questions about the existence and persistence conditions of abstract and material objects; the nature of space and time; the possibility of time travel; the status of quantum mechanics. No prior courses in science required. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
Tuesday and Thursday
PHIL 444-1 Philosophy of Mind Mark Povich
An introduction to classic and contemporary problems in the philosophy of mind, this course investigates how the mind is related to the physical world. Topics include: What is the mind and how is it related to the brain? How is it possible for mental states to cause physical states, and vise versa? How do mental states get their intentional content? What is consciousness and can it be given a physical explanation? What are the minds of other beings - such as animals and artificially intelligent computers - like, and how could we know? [Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
PHIL 435-1 Data, Algorithms, Justice Jonathan Herington
This course focuses on a number of questions that arise in the design, development and deployment of machine learning algorithms. Topics include: Bias in algorithms (e.g., how should we measure unfairness in algorithms that determine who gets bail, parole, a job, or a loan? What about bias in health analytics?) Values disagreement and algorithms (e.g., how should self-driving cars or diagnostic algorithms make decisions, given that we disagree about the good?) Algorithms, social media, and public life (e.g., what is the impact of social media algorithms on public discourse and the future of democracy?) Algorithms and the future of work (e.g., how should we structure our society when many basic tasks will be performed by machines? How should we distribute the benefits of machine productivity?) ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
PHIL 420-1 Recent Ethical Theory Earl Conee
We will critically examine three main contemporary philosophical approaches to ethical theorizing: consequentialism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics. We will also consider arguments about whether ethical conclusions can be deduced from non-ethical premises and whether there are any irresolvable moral conflicts. [Prerequisite: One previous course in Ethics] ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
PHIL 426-1 Philosophy of Law Rosa Terlazzo
Theories of law and normative and conceptual problems in specific areas of law: racial justice, transitional justice, jurisdiction, problems of legal interpretation, criminal attempts, the logic of fault, wrongful gain and compensation, moral limitations on freedom of contract, legal aspects of terrorism and torture, etc. ALL Philosophy courses are available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
Wednesday
PHIL 517-1 Sel Top in Ethics Rosa Terlazzo
Critical exploration of work in contemporary metaethics and normative ethical theory and its applications. ALL Philosophy are courses available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
Thursday
PHIL 522-1 Plato Seminar Deborah Modrak
Addresses central issues and topics in Plato's dialogues. The topic to be discussed in a specific semester is determined by the instructor and announced in advance. ALL Philosophy courses are available to all students, so that even in-person courses can be taken by students who have opted for online-only instruction for the fall. Online-only students are not limited to courses listed specifically as online. There will also be accommodations for online-only students in different time zones, to allow for asynchronous access to course content and flexibility for any potentially required live components. For more specific information on arrangements for specific courses, please email the course instructor.
Friday