Philosophy Fall 2025 Course Offerings
SO courses are online courses that meet Synchronously Online.
AO courses are online courses that meet Asynchronously Online.
If nothing is listed, then this is an in-seat course.
There could be some adjustments in delivery mode options, like an additional SO section associated with an in-seat class. These changes will be found at classes.isu.edu.
PHIL 1101 (Objective 4A): Introduction to Philosophy
Multiple sections offered, see MyISU class schedule.
An introduction to major thinkers and major problems in philosophy. Topics may include the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, and the meaning of life.
For more information about this course, watch this video.
PHIL 1103 (Objective 4A): Introduction to Ethics
Multiple sections offered, see MyISU class schedule.
How should we live? This is the fundamental question of ethics, and it is in this sense that ethics, as a branch of philosophy, is practical rather than theoretical: it is concerned not primarily with what to believe or with what exists but with what to do, how to act. This course will introduce you to some of the most important questions that arise in ethics: What would constitute a good human life? What is the highest good? What is the foundation of morality? Can moral claims be objectively true or false? What could make them true or false? What is the content of morality? What (kinds of) actions are morally right or wrong, and why? Why should I be moral? What is the relationship between morality and self-interest? Is it always in my interest to behave morally? If so, how?
For more information about this course, watch this video.
PHIL 2201 (Objective 7): Introduction to Logic
01: TR 11-12:15 with Mike Roche (CRN: 10033)
This course is an introduction to deductive logic. After a brief introduction to certain basic logical concepts, we will turn our attention to three systems of logic: propositional logic; basic predicate logic; and advanced predicate logic. Each system will allow us to precisely represent the logical structure that underlies certain of our own statements in natural language. We will first learn to translate English statements into each system. Once appropriately translated, we will then learn to test both individual statements and sets of statements for various interesting logical properties. The most important property for us will be validity. In addition to deductive logic, we will also study numerous informal fallacies.
PHIL 2220: Philosophical Issues in Religion
01: TR 9:30-10:45 with Melissa Norton (CRN: 15119)
02: TR 9:30-10:45 SO with Melissa Norton (CRN: 15132)
In Philosophy of Religion we will be reading classic texts in Western philosophy of religion and contemporary readings which bear on them. The texts will focus on God and moral autonomy, arguments for the existence of God, miracles, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious belief and experience. Authors whose works we will read include Plato, Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Pascal, Hume, Kant, James, and Clifford.
PHIL 2230: Medical Ethics
01: TR 2:30-3:45 with Nobel Ang (IF Campus) (CRN: 10034)
02: TR 2:30-3:45 SO with Nobel Ang (CRN: 10035)
03: AO with Nobel Ang (CRN: 10036)
04: AO with STAFF (CRN: 15133)
05: AO with STAFF (CRN: 15134)
The practice of medicine raises ethical issues unlike those encountered in other spheres of life. The purpose of this course is to explore a number of these issues, drawing out the ethical considerations involved and examining how ethical decisions are made. The course will begin with a brief overview of ethical theories and their application. The issues to be examined include refusing life-sustaining treatment, medical futility, making medical decisions for others, assisted suicide, managed care, abortion, etc.
For more information about this course as taught by Professor Ang, watch this video.
PHIL 2255: Political and Social Philosophy
01: TR 9:30-10:45 with Jim Skidmore (CRN: 12653)
02: TR 9:30-10:45 SO with Jim Skidmore (CRN: 12654)
Human beings live in societies, rather than simply on our own. This raises important philosophical questions: What is the proper relationship between the individual and society (or the state)? Why should I obey the laws of the society in which I live? What justifies the coercive power of the state? What is the source of its authority? What does it mean to say that individuals have rights (like the right to life or liberty), and what rights must the state respect? How should wealth and other social goods be distributed in societies?
PHIL 2260 (Objective 7): Philosophy of Life and Death
01: MWF 10-10:50 with Evan Rodriguez (CRN: 15120)
02: MWF 10-10:50 SO with Evan Rodriguez (CRN: 15135)
In this course we will discuss some of the most important and difficult questions about life and death. How should we live in light of the fact that each of us will die? Is death really the end? Is there anything special about human existence, and is there one best way to live as a result? If we could achieve immortality, would it be worth it?
We will investigate answers from ancient philosophers both East and West as well as contemporary thinkers still grappling with these issues today. We will also consider perspectives informed by both religious and non-religious traditions. Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living, so let's take this opportunity to examine!
PHIL 4410/5510: Philosophy of Language
01: TR 1-2:15 with Mike Roche (CRN: 15121/15136)
02: TR 1-2:15 SO with Mike Roche (CRN: 15137/15138)
Language is one of the distinguishing features of human beings. Yet there are many deep philosophical questions regarding it. How do words stand for things in the world? How is it that some words (e.g., ‘Santa Claus’) apparently refer to nothing that actually exists? How can different words (e.g., ‘Lady Gaga’ and ‘Stefani Germanotta’) refer to the same thing in the world while differing in meaning? How does our use of words connect to our thoughts and feelings? How do metaphors work? What makes slurs so offensive? This class will explore these questions and more.
PHIL 4450: Ethical Theory
01: MW 11-12:15 with Jim Skidmore (CRN: 15122)
02: MW 11-12:15 SO with Jim Skidmore (CRN: 15139)
This course will survey the central problems of contemporary moral philosophy, along with their historical roots. Scientists have made tremendous progress in developing coherent and comprehensive theories of our empirical world, but our world is not only one of masses and valences but also of values. Some things in it we judge to be good (or bad); some of our actions we judge to be right (or wrong). But what is it that makes certain things good, or certain actions right? Further, what exactly is the meaning of claims about value and rightness? When I say, "human happiness is good," am I expressing a belief in a fact about the world? (If so, what kind of fact?) Am I merely expressing an attitude I have toward human happiness? Also, what is the relationship between morality and rationality? Could it ever be rational to do what is morally wrong?
PHIL 4456/5556: Ethical Issues in Healthcare Law and Policy
01: TR 1-2:15 with STAFF (CRN: 11977/15140)
02: TR 1-2:15 SO with STAFF (CRN: 15141/15142)
This course examines the ethical issues that arise from the laws, institutional policies, and professional standards that shape healthcare. In addition to describing ethical systems and principles, the course will cover issues such as ethical concerns with strategies to control healthcare costs, the abuse of laws to protect conscientious refusals, physician conflicts of interest, and responding to medical errors.
PHIL 4490/5590: Philosophy Seminar- Plato's Republic
01: MW 1-2:15 with Evan Rodriguez (CRN: 15333/15336)
02: MW 1-2:15 SO with Evan Rodriguez (CRN: 15334/15337)
An in-depth study of one of the foundational text of Western civilization, covering the nature of reality, the ideal state, human psychology, education, and justice.