Philosophy
School of Language, Literature, and Humanities
Dean: Joel M. Levine, Ed.D.
Department Chair: Peter Bolland, M.A.
Office: 28-106, (619) 482-6349
School/Department Location: www.swccd.edu/cvlocation
General Description
Philosophy, humanity’s oldest intellectual discipline, explores fundamental questions about the nature of thought and existence from various perspectives. This discipline explores the scope and limits of human knowledge, the ultimate constituents of reality, the sources of value and obligation, and the nature of logic and correct reasoning. Through philosophy, one may think about and develop perspectives on topics as diverse as science, language, logic, truth, ethics, politics, and law.
Career Options
Below is a sample of the career options available for the philosophy major. A few of these require an associate degree, some require a bachelor’s degree, and most require a graduate-level degree: lawyer, government administrator or personnel, labor relations specialist, minister, publisher, literary critic, research assistant, educational researcher, ethics specialist, high school or college instructor, writer, business manager, journalist, and educational broadcaster.
| Degree/Certificate Options | Major Code |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) | |
| Philosophy (SB1440) | 01835 |
| Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation | |
| Philosophy | 01830 |
Consult with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), which lists the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
PHIL 101
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Investigates the issues, methodologies, and practice of philosophy through the analysis of primary texts with a particular focus on the nature of reality, boundaries of thought, and the origin and validity of values. Explores the world's wisdom traditions leading toward the cultivation of independent philosophical thought. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID PHIL 100]
PHIL 103
LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING
3 UNITS
Grade Only
Prerequisite: ENGL 115, ENGL 115H, or ADN 140, or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Develops the critical reading, writing, and reasoning skills necessary for both academic success and good citizenship. Introduces deductive and inductive reasoning, propositional and sentential logic, as well as the systematic study of fallacies in reasoning. Emphasizes the practical applications of logic in daily life. Includes analytical and argumentative writing exercises. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID PHIL 110]
PHIL 106
WORLD RELIGIONS
3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Covers the philosophical significance of major themes in religious thought. Studies the comparative and contrasting features of major religious philosophies, including an examination of the historical background and contemporary outlook. [D; CSU; UC]
PHIL 107
ASIAN PHILOSOPHY
3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Explores the major philosophical traditions of central and East Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and the impact those traditions have on Asian culture. Examines the patterns of Asian philosophy leading toward the cultivation of a greater appreciation of non-Western philosophical thought. [D; CSU; UC]
PHIL 120
ETHICS: THEORY AND PRACTICE
3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Recommended Preparation: PHIL 101 and PHIL 103, or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Covers critical examination of the basis of morality. Analyzes various ethical theories in terms of their origin, development, and application. Discusses the application of ethical theories to current and moral issues. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID PHIL 120]
PHIL 299
INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Limitation on Enrollment: Eligibility for independent study.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Individual study or research in some area of philosophy of particular interest to the student and not included in regular courses of the college. [D; CSU]