Philosophy
Philosophy is unique and in a constant state of change. The great American philosopher William James once called philosophy “a collective name for questions that have not yet been answered to satisfaction of all by whom they have been asked.” Philosophy, in other words, addresses the big, multifaceted, and worldview-type questions that confront everyone who thinks.
Those who study philosophy are empowered to develop, express, and defend their own perspectives in open rational discourse through written and oral communication. Those who study it here learn to bring their ideas into dialogue with the past masters and current dignitaries, many of whom are either great Christian minds or other thought influencers.
By using a distinctly critical and Christian approach, our goal is to help produce the next generation of excellent thinkers. Students will interact with perspectives foreign to and familiar with the Christian tradition. Our graduates will know how to think carefully about these views. And they will be prepared to stake claims and provide reasons with a design plan aimed at truth.
A few of our graduates will take philosophy as their life’s work. The rest will take philosophy to their life’s work. But wherever they may find themselves, all of them will bring the best tools of philosophy to bear on the fundamental moral and intellectual questions of our time.
Courses
PH 170 Logic - 3 Hours
A study of the principles of correct reasoning. This course will consider induction, deduction, informal fallacies, traditional logic, and symbolic logic. Offered every Fall for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 180 Introduction to Philosophy - 3 Hours
An introduction to philosophy that focuses on the principal issues in the theory of knowledge, metaphysics, ethics, and the construction of worldviews. Offered each semester for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate, online, Florida undergraduate.
PH 182 Ethics - 3 Hours
An introduction to problems and concepts in ethical theory, plus a consideration of contemporary moral problems. Offered every Spring for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 190 Introduction to Apologetics - 3 Hours
The course is designed to introduce students to the major cultural and philosophical challenges facing Christianity and begin developing the intellectual resources for its defense. The course covers the proofs for God's existence and the basic philosophical methods for supporting Christian faith. Delivery mode: Waupun Initiative.
PH 234 Love and Friendship - 3 Hours
This course is an integrated, philosophical study of the nature of love and friendship. Topics treated include various perspectives on love and friendship, different kinds of love and friendship, the role of friendship in the Christian life, married love, tough love, the possibility of love, and love for God. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 250 Special Topics in Philosophy - 3 Hours
Selected topics in philosophy not taught under a specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Offered on demand for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 290 Christian Apologetics - 3 Hours
The course is designed to introduce students to the major intellectual challenges facing Christianity, and examine the means and methods Christians have used to address these challenges. It covers the proofs for God's existence and a broad range of philosophical approaches for defending the Christian faith. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate. This course is required to achieve an Emphasis in "Christian Apologetics" within the Philosophy Major.
PH 351 Topics in Apologetics - 3 Hours
Selected topics in apologetics not taught under a specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Offered on demand for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Prerequisite: PH 180. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 352 Topics in Ethics - 3 Hours
Selected topics in ethics not taught under a specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Offered on demand for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Prerequisite: PH 180. Offered on demand. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 357X Christian Classics - 3 Hours
This interdisciplinary, team-taught honors seminar will investigate significant primary works on the nature of religious spirituality from a variety of Christian traditions from the second century to the present. Cross listed with ENG 357X and HI 357X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 359 Topics for Honors Students - 3 Hours
Selected topics not taught under specific course titles. Depending on the topic, the course will be designated as falling under one or more departments. May be repeated for credit if the topic differs. Offered spring semester for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 360 Advanced Topics in Philosophy - 3 Hours
Selected advanced topics in philosophy not taught under a specific course title. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Offered on demand for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Prerequisite: PH 180. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 363X Survey of Religious Diversity - 3 Hours
A survey of the world's major religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religious movements. The specific aim of the course is to learn how to understand and engage a full range of religious worldviews from the perspective of the Christian faith. Special attention is given to comparing and contrasting religious movements with the historic Christian faith. The course probes various dimensions of the problem of religious truth, explores the possibility of constructing a systematic understanding of religions, and seeks to formulate creative and thoughtful responses to the problem of religious diversity. Cross listed with BRS 363X. Offered fall semester for Deerfield traditional undergraduate; online as scheduled. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate, online.
PH 431X Contemporary Theory - 3 Hours
A study of significant theorists and perspectives in the late-modern period. Cross listed with ENG 431X. Offered every other year for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 450 Independent Study - 1-4 Hours
Research and specialized studies designed to meet the needs of the individual student. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered on demand for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 460X Seminar on Problems in Philosophy and the Philosophy of History - 3 Hours
An examination of selected issues in epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of history. Prerequisite: PH 180, HUM 200, HUM 210, or HUM 220. Cross listed with HI 460X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 474X Introduction to Bioethics - 3 Hours
An overview of the Hippocratic/Judeo-Christian tradition in medical ethics against the background of biblical-theological discussion of human nature, medicine, and healing, and as a context for the rise of the new bioethics. Prerequisite: PH 180 or consent of instructor. This course is taught at the Trinity Graduate School (BE 5000). Offered fall semester. May substitute undergraduate Bioethics Institute (offered in July; register in May Term). Cross-listed with BE 474X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 475X Topics in Bioethics - 1-3 Hours
Selected courses taught either at the College or in conjunction with courses in the Trinity Graduate School. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered fall or spring semester. Cross-listed with BE 475X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 476X Undergraduate Bioethics Institute - 3 Hours
This institute provides an overview of relevant bioethical issues and principles from a biblical-Christian perspective. It includes reading and assignments to be completed before the first class meeting and other assignments after the last class meeting, as well as a final paper. Participation in the associated National Bioethics Conference offered by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (usually spring and summer) is also required. The course is a unique opportunity to consider the subject and interact with a variety of academic experts, practitioners, and students at various stages of vocational and ethical preparation. Note: BE/PH 476x and BE/PH 477x are special courses, associated with The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity's Annual Summer Conference. The courses and conference provide a unique opportunity for students to interact with internationally recognized professionals in their field, and complete one or both courses for credit. Because of their unique nature, BE 476 and BE 477 are not included in the tuition remission option of TIU's three-year degree, due to the expenses associated with the conference and courses. Cross-listed with BE 476X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 477X Undergraduate National Conference - 2-3 Hours
This course enables students to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the National Bioethics Conference sponsored by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity on an annual basis (usually spring and summer). Attendance at conference session and preparatory readings will allow students to reflect critically on the issues of the conference. Selection of a specific topic of interest from those considered in the conference and/or reading materials provide opportunity for extended research. Note: BE/PH 476x and BE/PH 477x are special courses, associated with The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity's Annual Summer Conference. The courses and conference provide a unique opportunity for students to interact with internationally recognized professionals in their field, and complete one or both courses for credit. Because of their unique nature, BE 476 and BE 477 are not included in the tuition remission option of TIU's three-year degree, due to the expenses associated with the conference and courses. Cross-listed with BE 477X. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.
PH 482 Ethical Theory - 3 Hours
An analysis of the principal theories and problems of philosophical ethics, including the meaning of ethical language, alternative theories of the right and the good, and the implications of moral issues for the concept of God and other theological questions. Offered spring semester for Deerfield traditional undergraduate. Delivery mode: Deerfield traditional undergraduate.