printer friendly pagePHIL 151D: Measurement Theory (PHIL 251D)
Graduate students enroll in 251D.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
Instructors:
Briggs, R. (PI)
PHIL 152: Computability and Logic (PHIL 252)
Kurt G¿del's ground-breaking Incompleteness Theorems demonstrate fundamental limits on formal mathematical reasoning. In particular, the First Incompleteness Theorem says, roughly, that for any reasonable theory of the natural numbers there are statements in the language that are neither provable nor refutable in that theory. In this course, we will explore the expressive power of different axiomatizations of number theory, on our path to proving the Incompleteness Theorems. This study entails an exploration of models of computation, and the power and limitations of what is computable, leading to an introduction to elementary recursion theory. At the conclusion of the course, we will discuss technical and philosophical repercussions of these results. Prerequisite: 151/251.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Math
Instructors:
Sommer, R. (PI)
;
Tan, J. (TA)
PHIL 154: Modal Logic (PHIL 254)
(Graduate students register for 254.) Syntax and semantics of modal logic and its basic theory: including expressive power, axiomatic completeness, correspondence, and complexity. Applications to classical and recent topics in philosophy, computer science, mathematics, linguistics, and game theory. Prerequisite: 150 or preferably 151.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Math, WAY-FR
Instructors:
van Benthem, J. (PI)
;
Kemmann, B. (TA)
PHIL 164: Scientific Realism, Perspectivism, and Antirealism (PHIL 264)
Graduate students register for 264. Scientific realism is the view that we should think that the sciences basically get it right about the fundamental structure of reality: there really are electrons out there as part of objective reality. Various forms of antirealism question various dimensions of the realist position. Some of those who question strong forms of realism are uncomfortable with the label antirealism for their own positions. We will attempt to make sense of the various positions, arguments, and methodological and substantive issues supposedly at stake in these debates. Instructor Permission Required. Prerequisites:
PHIL 60,
PHIL 80,
PHIL 150, and one course in contemporary theoretical philosophy (
PHIL 180 to
PHIL 189); or equivalent courses.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
Instructors:
Hussain, N. (PI)
PHIL 170: Ethical Theory (ETHICSOC 170, PHIL 270)
(Taylor's version) In this iteration of the course we will discuss ethical dimensions of personal identity, integrity, friendship, sex, love, commitment, trust, care, childhood, death, and the afterlife. Substantial background in moral philosophy will be assumed (students should have completed Philosophy 2 or its equivalent; if you have questions, please contact the instructor).
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:EC-EthicReas, WAY-A-II, GER:DB-Hum, WAY-ER
Instructors:
Madigan, T. (PI)
;
Erhardt, R. (TA)
PHIL 171P: Liberalism and its Critics (ETHICSOC 130, POLISCI 130)
In this course, students will learn and engage with the core debates that have animated political theory in modern times. What is the proper relationship between the individual, the community, and the state? Are liberty and equality in conflict, and, if so, which should take priority? What does justice mean in a large and diverse modern society? The title of the course, borrowed from a book by Michael Sandel, is 'Liberalism and its Critics' because the questions we discuss in this class center on the meaning of, and alternatives to, the liberal ideas that the basic goal of society should be the protection of individual rights and that some form of an egalitarian democracy is the best way to achieve this goal. The course is structured around two historical phenomena: one the one hand, liberal answers to these key questions have at times seemed politically and socially triumphant, but on the other hand, this ascendency has always been challenged and contested. At least one prior class in political theory, such as Justice (PS 103), Citizenship in the 21st Century (
College 102), or Democratic Theory (PS 234) is recommended but not required.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
PHIL 176: Political Philosophy: The Social Contract Tradition (ETHICSOC 176, PHIL 276, POLISCI 137A, POLISCI 337A)
(Graduate students register for 276.) What makes political institutions legitimate? What makes them just? When do citizens have a right to revolt against those who rule over them? Which of our fellow citizens must we tolerate?Surprisingly, the answers given by some of the most prominent modern philosophers turn on the idea of a social contract. We will focus on the work of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Rawls.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-A-II, GER:DB-Hum, WAY-ER
Instructors:
Hills, D. (PI)
;
Ray, W. (TA)
PHIL 176P: Democratic Theory (ETHICSOC 234, POLISCI 234)
Most people agree that democracy is a good thing, but do we agree on what democracy is? This course will examine the concept of democracy in political philosophy. We will address the following questions: What reason(s), if any, do we have for valuing democracy? What does it mean to treat people as political equals? When does a group of individuals constitute "a people," and how can a people make genuinely collective decisions? Can democracy really be compatible with social inequality? With an entrenched constitution? With representation?
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
Instructors:
Coyne, B. (PI)
PHIL 179R: Feminist Philosophy (FEMGEN 179R, PHIL 279R)
Feminism denotes both a political movement and a set of philosophical concerns. In this course we will focus on the latter to move to the former. The goal is to obtain a philosophical background that will allow us to analyze and understand the philosophical foundations of different political feminist movements. First, we will read about what is the relationship between biological sex and gender; what is the relationship between gender and other forms of identity, e.g., race, class, sexual orientation, etc.; what issues arise when we consider our standard conceptions of knowledge, scientific inquiry, and rationality from the standpoint of oppression as women (any other gender identity). In the second part of the course, we will read about what constitutes oppression, how does it arise, and why women became oppressed; how our ethical and political theories should change to reflect feminist concerns about the status of women in modern society not limiting the latter to only feminist concerns and movements in affluent countries. We will read about feminist movements in Latina America, indigenous feminist movements, and India.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
Instructors:
Ruiz, N. (PI)
PHIL 184: Epistemology (PHIL 284)
This is an advanced introduction to core topics in epistemology -- the philosophical study of knowledge. Questions covered will include: What is knowledge? Must all knowledge rest on secure foundations? What are the connections between knowledge and rationality? Can we answer skepticism and relativism? Should epistemology be primarily investigated from a naturalistic, normative, or social perspective? Prerequisite (for undergraduates):
PHIL 80 and
PHIL 150 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II
Instructors:
Lawlor, K. (PI)
;
Brophy, S. (TA)
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