Philosophy

When you’re presented with new ideas and perspectives, how do you process that information? Like assembling a complicated puzzle, critical thinking involves an inventory of the pieces, an understanding of how things do (or do not) fit, and finding a way to reach goals. In this course, you will learn how to use a structured process to evaluate information, think through issues, and determine solutions.

Develops ability to identify, analyze and evaluate reasoning in everyday discourse. Examines the elements of good reasoning from both a formal and informal perspective. Introduces some formal techniques of the basic concepts of deductive and inductive reasoning. Promotes reasoning skills through examining arguments from literature, politics, business and the media. Enables students to identify common fallacies, to reflect on the use of language for the purpose of persuasion, and to think critically about the sources and preconceptions of the vast quantity of information that confronts us in the Information Age.

Focuses on the application of ethics to everyday life. Examines classical and contemporary writings concerning such matters as courage, pride, compassion, honor and self-respect; and the negative sides of this behavior, such as hypocrisy, self-deception, jealousy and narcissism.