Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Philosophy Spring 2027
Undergraduate
PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credits)
Introduction to the nature of philosophical reasoning and some of the main problems of philosophy. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to PHIL 100T.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
PHIL 112: Ethics and the Cybersociety (1 Credit)
Examines ethical issues associated with new developments in information technology, including privacy rights, intellectual property rights, and the effect of information technology on society. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 112 - DL1: Ethics and Cybersociety — Joseph Farruggia - Online
- PHIL 112 - DL2: Ethics and Cybersociety — Joseph Farruggia - Online
PHIL 151: Introduction to Ethics (3 Credits)
Considers some perennial issues in ethical theory. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 151 - DL1: Introduction to Ethics — Sophia C Pavlos — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Online
PHIL 156: What Is Art? (3 Credits)
Introduction to philosophical reflection on the arts by looking at the critical issues in the history of aesthetics. Applies considerations to specific works and explores these works in terms of their historical contexts and influences. Concentrates on one form of art or one period and always emphasizes questions of critical evaluation and art historical analysis. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 156 - 001: What is Art? — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Planetary Hall 224
- PHIL 156 - 002: What is Art? — Christopher Venner — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1011
- PHIL 156 - 003: What is Art? — Christopher Venner — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1011
PHIL 173: Logic and Critical Thinking (3 Credits)
Basic concepts and techniques of deduction, emphasizing the modern treatment of such topics as quantification and rules of inference, with study of the classical treatment. Basic principles of induction, informal fallacies, and uses of logic in everyday life. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to PHIL 173T.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 173 - DL1: Logic and Critical Thinking — Brandon A Conley - Online
- PHIL 173 - DL2: Logic and Critical Thinking - Online
- PHIL 173 - DL3: Logic and Critical Thinking - Online
PHIL 243: Global Environmental Ethics (3 Credits)
Examines the global dimensions of environmental problems. Although environmental problems are global in reach, because different societies make different philosophical and ethical assumptions, they are understood in different ways. Examines several environmental problems, including climate change, population growth, and resource depletion, from a variety of scientific, policy, and cross-cultural perspectives. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Mason Impact.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 243 - 001: Global Environmental Ethics — Andrew Light — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Innovation Hall 215G
PHIL 251: Happiness and the Good Life (3 Credits)
Addresses the question "How do I live a happy life?" by drawing on 2,500 years of philosophy as well as the much more recent science of happiness. Encourages students to develop and live their own answer in light of some of the best available science and philosophy. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 251 - DL1: Happiness and the Good Life — Sophia C Pavlos — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Online
PHIL 253: Philosophy and Literature (3 Credits)
Examines differences and relations between literary and philosophical texts. Examines texts from a given period in the history of literature and philosophy. Topics include the presence of common issues in literary and philosophical writings, the influence of philosophical ideas on the production of literary texts and literary theory, and the development in literary texts of issues that are possible objects of philosophical inquiry. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Literature
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
PHIL 271: How Science Works (3 Credits)
Introduction to the philosophy of science that examines a range of questions about what science is, how it works, and how it manages to be as successful as it is. Explores the goals, methods, principles and practices that characterize scientific enquiry. Surveys major milestones in the philosophy of science, and addresses such questions as: How are scientific claims justified? What constitutes a good explanation? How do we know if our scientific theories are true? How does scientific understanding change over time? What roles do social, political, and cultural factors play in the generation of scientific knowledge? Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Natural Science Overview
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 271 - 002: How Science Works — Daniel J Nicholson — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Exploratory Hall (formerly Science and Tech II) L111
PHIL 303: History of Western Philosophy: Modern (3 Credits)
Figures and problems of modern philosophy. Study of philosophers such as Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, and Hegel. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 303 - 001: Hist West Phil: Modern — Ted Kinnaman — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1007
PHIL 309: Bioethics (3 Credits)
Examines some major moral issues involved in practice and research in medicine and health care. Topics to be chosen from medical experimentation, definition of death, physician-assisted dying, genetics and human reproduction, distribution of scarce resources, fertility, and organ transplants. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Synthesis
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
PHIL 311: Philosophy of Law (3 Credits)
Investigation of theories of natural law, legal positivism, and legal realism as they pertain to some of the central philosophical questions about law. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: 3 hours of PHIL or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
PHIL 327: Topics in Contemporary Western Political Theory (3 Credits)
Exploration through lecture and discussion of recent developments in the Western tradition of political thought from the middle of the 19th century to today. Different sections focus on one or another of the various political theories that have been influential during this period such as liberal, libertarian, conservative, communitarian, Marxist, feminist, and postmodern thought. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits. Equivalent to GOVT 327.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: GOVT 101 or three credits of philosophy.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 327 - 001: Contemp Western Pol Theory — Kurt Brandhorst — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Horizon Hall 1007
PHIL 345: Topics in Philosophy of Technology (3 Credits)
Examines the philosophical implications of technology. Analyzes the relationship between technology and human beings and explores ethical issues raised by the uses of technology. Social, existential, human, post-human, ontological or political questions concerning technology will be explored through a variety of possible philosophical approaches and in relation to one or more kinds of technology. Topics will vary by section. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: 3 credits in Philosophy or other relevant discipline.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 345 - 001: Philosophy of Technology — Kurt Brandhorst — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Aquia Building 219
PHIL 356: Philosophy of Art (3 Credits)
Examines philosophical theories that inquire into the nature, role, and value of art and that offer differing accounts of human beings’ response to art. Key issues include what counts as art, representation and expression, museums and institutions, the role of technology, the sublime, and the art/craft distinction. Attention will be paid to the social, cultural and historical conditions of both the production of art and of theories about art and its role in human existence. Individual sections may focus on particular artforms such as the visual or performative arts, film, the digital arts, earth and land art, or music, and/or include cross-cultural comparative analysis. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: 3 hours of PHIL or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 356 - 001: Philosophy of Art — Rachel Jones — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Horizon Hall 4012
PHIL 371: Philosophy of the Natural Sciences (3 Credits)
In-depth examination of selected topics and debates in contemporary philosophy of science. Studies the aims and methodology of science through the work of key thinkers in the field. Questions of concern may include: the demarcation of science from pseudo-science; the rationality of scientific change; problems of induction, prediction and evidence; objectivity, values and scientific practice; the unity of science; and the relation between scientific knowledge and truth. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: PHIL 271 or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 371 - 001: Philosophy of Natural Sciences — Brandon A Conley — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Planetary Hall 122
- PHIL 371 - 002: Philosophy of Natural Sciences — Brandon A Conley — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Planetary Hall 122
PHIL 374: Philosophy of Mind (3 Credits)
Investigation of such theories as dualism, behaviorism, and materialism as they pertain to some of the central philosophical questions about mind. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: 3 credits of philosophy, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 374 - 001: Philosophy of Mind — Andrew H Peterson — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Thompson Hall 1018
PHIL 421: Seminar (3 Credits)
Explores topics in current philosophical research in a seminar format. Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact.
Recommended Prerequisite: Nine credits in philosophy.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 421 - 001: Seminar in Philosophy — Daniel J Nicholson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Aquia Building 213
PHIL 422: Honors Seminar (3 Credits)
Seminar for students enrolled in the honors program in philosophy. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: 9 credits in philosophy and acceptance to the honors program in philosophy.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 422 - 001: Philosophy of Biology — Daniel J Nicholson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Aquia Building 213
PHIL 441: Ethics and AI: Practice and Projects (3 Credits)
Integrates knowledge of ethical theories with ethical AI principles, ethical AI frameworks, and national strategies for ethical AI. Employs integrated knowledge to identify, analyze, and troubleshoot ethical issues in the research, design, development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Applies computational and humanistic thinking to case studies so as to identify, select, use, and appraise several methods and tools related to ethical AI, thereby generating probable solutions to theoretical and practical problems. Students design and execute a hands-on collaborative project that explores an original question, seeks a creative solution to a problem, applies knowledge to a professional challenge, or offers a unique perspective. Students will present their project to a public audience. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:
Required Prerequisite: PHIL 241C.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 441 - 002: Ethics & AI: Practice Projects — Jesse Kirkpatrick — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R
PHIL 327: Topics in Contemporary Western Political Theory (3 Credits)
Exploration through lecture and discussion of recent developments in the Western tradition of political thought from the middle of the 19th century to today. Different sections focus on one or another of the various political theories that have been influential during this period such as liberal, libertarian, conservative, communitarian, Marxist, feminist, and postmodern thought. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits. Equivalent to GOVT 327.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: GOVT 101 or three credits of philosophy.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 327 - 001: Contemp Western Pol Theory — Kurt Brandhorst — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Horizon Hall 1007
PHIL 422: Honors Seminar (3 Credits)
Seminar for students enrolled in the honors program in philosophy. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: 9 credits in philosophy and acceptance to the honors program in philosophy.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 422 - 001: Philosophy of Biology — Daniel J Nicholson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Aquia Building 213
Graduate
PHIL 681: Figures and Topics in Ancient Philosophy (3 Credits)
Examines major philosophical authors, texts, and topics of the ancient period and their influence on philosophical thought. May cover Plato, Aristotle, or the pre-Socratic philosophers. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 681 - DL1: Plato: Selected Dialogues — Rose M Cherubin — 04:30 PM to 05:45 PM MW - Online
PHIL 694: Special Topics in Contemporary Philosophy (3 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 694 - 001: Philosophy of Biology — Daniel J Nicholson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Aquia Building 213
- PHIL 694 - 002: AI: Ethics, Policy, and Societ — Jesse Kirkpatrick — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R
PHIL 681: Figures and Topics in Ancient Philosophy (3 Credits)
Examines major philosophical authors, texts, and topics of the ancient period and their influence on philosophical thought. May cover Plato, Aristotle, or the pre-Socratic philosophers. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 681 - DL1: Plato: Selected Dialogues — Rose M Cherubin — 04:30 PM to 05:45 PM MW - Online
PHIL 694: Special Topics in Contemporary Philosophy (3 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 18 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- PHIL 694 - 001: Philosophy of Biology — Daniel J Nicholson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Aquia Building 213
- PHIL 694 - 002: AI: Ethics, Policy, and Societ — Jesse Kirkpatrick — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R