Philosophy (PHIL)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
PHIL 501. Independent Study1-3 Units
Description: Opportunity for the student, under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member, to pursue individualized study related to research or practice that is not included in regular courses in the curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 502. Philosophy Capstone Seminar - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): 24 hours of PHIL courses; major in Philosophy.
Description: Seminar with variable content consisting in sustained and rigorous primary philosophical study and reflection; required of all philosophy majors as close to graduation as feasible.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 505. Selected Topics1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): To be determined by instructor, in the light of the topic chosen for that semester.
Description: Intensive investigation of one or more topics in Philosophy. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 516. African-American Philosophy3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 205 or PHIL 303 or PHIL 304.
Description: Analysis of works and theories of major recent and contemporary African-American philosophers within the themes of Pan-African debates.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 516.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 518. Feminist Philosophical Literature3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
Description: Examination of central works by feminist philosophers in such subdisciplines as ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology.
Note: Cross-listed with WGST 560.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 519. Topics in Philosophy of Race and Racism3 Units
Description: Focused examination of philosophical issues involved in interdisciplinary inquires into the nature and functioning of race and racism.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 521. Ethical Theory - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Prerequisite(s): One course in ethics or consent of instructor.
Description: Leading moral theories and contemporary debates in philosophical ethics.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 528. Philosophy of Mind3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Focuses on philosophical questions concerning the nature of mind. Central topics include the relation between mind and matter, and the nature of consciousness.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 529. Philosophy of Emotions3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): One course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
Description: A philosophical study of the nature of emotions. The course often also includes an examination of emotions' relationship to cognition and behavior, and of their moral, political, and aesthetic values.
Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 629.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 531. Aesthetics3 Units
Description: An examination of philosophical theories of art, works of art, creative activity, and aesthetic experience, from Plato to the present.
Note: Credit may not be earned for both PHIL 531 and PHIL 631.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 535. Political Philosophy3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Two courses in philosophy and/or political science.
Description: Theories of political forms and ideals, and core concepts in political life, such as justice, freedom, and equality. Attention to how ideals may be realized or frustrated.
Note: Credit may not be earned for both PHIL 535 and PHIL 635.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 536. Philosophy of Science3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.
Description: This course provides an introduction to the main philosophical questions concerning scientific knowledge and methodology.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 636.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 538. Critical Social Theory3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Critical Theory examines the relation between conceptual thinking and concrete social reality. It focuses on concepts such as social justice, freedom, progress, identity, and culture by studying their real-life meanings and implications. This course focuses on the school of thought known as the "Frankfurt School" as well as on its legacy and significance for feminism, gender and queer theory, and critical philosophy of race.
Note: Cross-listed with SCHG 538.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 540. Epistemology - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.
Description: This course focuses on philosophical questions concerning knowledge and belief. It will examine such issues as how beliefs are acquired and justified, the possible limits to knowledge, and issues of epistemic justice.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be earned for both PHIL 540 and PHIL 640.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 541. Recent Topics in the Philosophy of Language3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor Current theory and research in the philosophy of language.
Description: Note: cross-lists with PHIL 641 and LING 641
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 557. African Philosophy3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 301, or PHIL 302, or PHIL 303, or PHIL 304.
Description: Descriptive and analytical introduction to the ideas and themes in African philosophy through careful readings of texts which address a cluster of topics.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 557.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 572. Phenomenology3 Units
Prerequisite(s): PHIL 303 or consent of instructor.
Description: The development of the phenomenological method and its use from Husserl to the present.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 580. Foundations of Bioethics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One Philosophy course at 300-level or above, or consent of instructor.
Description: Grounding in the major theories and methods of bioethical decision-making, including contemporary controversies about the role of theory, principles, cases, narrative, and virtues.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 680.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 581. Current Controversies in Health Care Ethics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One Philosophy course at 300-level or above, or consent of instructor.
Description: Topics in health care ethics currently attracting the most attention in both professional and public discussions. A variety of viewpoints on these topics will be considered.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 582. Health and Social Justice3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission into Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.
Description: An interdisciplinary approach to a wide array of issues pertaining to health and health care that arise at the intersection of gender, race, sex, disability, class, and culture.
Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 682, WGST 682, BETH 682, WGST 582.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 583. Health Care, Justice & Community3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One Philosophy course at 300-level or above, or consent of instructor.
Description: Examines theories of justice and equality as they apply to issues in health care delivery, considers explanations for why disparities exist, and the practical ways that communities have addressed inequalities.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 584. Clinical Ethics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor Application of ethical principles, virtues, and cases in the context of clinical care, with a practical approach toward ethics consultation and conflict resolution.
Description: Common kinds of clinical ethics challenges along with the case-based and legal history of decisions in such cases. Experience of clinical care and clinical ethics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 590. Philosophical Foundations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course will provide an overview of the theory and practice of diversity. Diversity is understood as the many sociocultural differences between individuals and the differences that those differences make for those individuals. In this course, we will explore the historical context of oppression, the oppression framework for understanding diversity, privilege, social identity, the role of the body in diversity, stereotypes, and the personal experiences of both those who are oppressed and those who are privileged. Students will also have a substantial opportunity to examine how these general themes impact their particular area of study, work, or interest.Students pursuing that certificate should enroll in PHIL 690.
Note: This is the core course for the Diversity Literacy Certificate.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 601. Independent Study1-3 Units
Description: Directed study and research.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 602. Independent Study1-3 Units
Description: Directed study and research.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 605. Special Topics1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): To be determined by instructor, in the light of the topic chosen for that semester.
Description: Intensive investigation of one or more topics in Philosophy. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 616. African-American Philosophy3 Units
Description: Analysis of works and theories of major recent and contemporary African-American philosophers within the themes of Pan-African debates.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 616.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 619. Topics in Philosophy of Race and Racism3 Units
Description: Focused examination of philosophical issues involved in interdisciplinary inquiries into the nature and functioning of race and racism.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 621. Ethical Theory3 Units
Prerequisite(s): One course in ethics, or consent of instructor.
Description: Recent developments in ethical theory, such as examination of the status of moral facts; moral realism; impartiality and personal attachments; or moral agency.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 621.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 629. Philosophy of Emotions3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): One course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
Description: A philosophical study of the nature of emotions. The course often also includes an examination of emotions' relationship to cognition and behavior, and of their moral, political, and aesthetic values.
Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 529.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 631. Aesthetics3 Units
Description: An examination of philosophical theories of art, works of art, creative activity, and aesthetic experience, from Plato to the present.
Note: Credit may not be earned for both PHIL 531 and PHIL 631.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 635. Political Philosophy3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Two courses in philosophy and political science.
Description: The main concepts of contemporary political thought: rights, law, power, ideology, legitimacy, democracy, tyranny, the state, and justice, with the focus on the topic of political action in both its individual and collective forms.
Note: Credit cannot be earned for both PHIL 535 and PHIL 635.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 638. Critical Social Theory3 Units
Description: A critical examination of interdisciplinary theories that seek to understand and explain social formations while at the same time uncovering ways that such formations can be unjust and irrational.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 640. Epistemology3 Units
Description: Conceptual and historical background to analysis of knowledge claims; intensive study of theoretical approaches to knowledge, such as naturalized epistemology, socialized epistemology, feminist epistemology, postmodern critiques of normative conceptions of knowledge.
Note: Credit may not be earned for both PHIL 540 and PHIL 640.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 641. Recent Philosophy of Language3 Units
Description: Intensive study of current theory and research in the philosophy of language.
Note: Cross-listed with LING 641.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 657. African Philosophy3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing.
Description: Descriptive and analytical introduction to the ideas and themes in African philosophy through careful readings of texts which address a cluster of topics.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 657.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 680. Foundations of Bioethics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Restricted to graduate students.
Description: Grounding in the major theories and methods of bioethical decision-making, including contemporary controversies about the role of theory, principles, cases, narrative, and virtues.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 680 and PHIL 580.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 681. Current Controversies in Health Care Ethics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Restricted to graduate students.
Description: Topics in health care ethics currently attracting the most attention in both professional and public discussions. A variety of viewpoints on these topics will be considered.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 681, PHIL 581.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 682. Health and Social Justice3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission into Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.
Description: An interdisciplinary approach to a wide array of issues pertaining to health and health care that arise at the intersection of gender, race, sex, disability, class, and culture.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 682, WGST 682, PHIL 582, WGST 582.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 683. Race, Medicine, and Health3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Even Years
Prerequisite(s): Only for BETH 683: Admission to a Philosophy Department graduate program (MA or certificate), or consent of instructor.
Description: An in-depth study of racial disparities in health outcomes and in interactions with the health care system, and an examination of initiatives within the system to advance racial equity
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 683.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 684. Clinical Ethics3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bioethics MA program or consent of instructor.
Description: Application of ethical principles, virtues, and cases in the context of clinical care, with a practical approach toward ethics consultation and conflict resolution.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 684.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 685. Health Care Ethics Internship 3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Bioethics MA program or consent of instructor.
Description: Capstone for Bioethics MA program. Students will complete a community internship and present their results to their peers and program faculty.
Note: Cross-listed with BETH 685.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 690. Philosophical Foundations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3 Units
Description: This course will provide an overview of the theory and practice of diversity. Diversity is understood as the many sociocultural differences between individuals and the differences that those differences make for those individuals. In this course, we will explore the historical context of oppression, the oppression framework for understanding diversity, privilege, social identity, the role of the body in diversity, stereotypes, and the personal experiences of both those who are oppressed and those who are privileged. Students will also have a substantial opportunity to examine how those general themes impact their particular area of study, work, or interest.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 691. Capstone in Diversity Literacy3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Diversity Literacy program or consent of instructor; PHIL 690.
Description: Students will build upon their prior coursework to conceive and develop a culminating project that advances diversity in each student's chosen field.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 695. Thesis Guidance3 Units
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
PHIL 696. Thesis Guidance3 Units
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
