Philosophy in the Seattle University
Core Curriculum

The study of philosophy has been central to the curriculum of Jesuit Universities since their founding in the Middle Ages. Philosophy continues today to be a central part of Seattle Universitys way of connecting the mind with what matters. Philosophy raises such ultimate questions as the nature of human purpose and human values, the nature of reality, the structure of knowledge, the principles of ethical behavior, the intellectual integrity of religious belief, and the character and purpose of law and government. Philosophy teaches tools of critical reasoning and collaborative investigation that can make reflection on these questions especially fruitful.

There are three philosophy courses in the Seattle University Core Program. Each course belongs to one of the three phases of the program. Each is designed to build upon previous courses.

Philosophy 110: Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking
This course introduces the discipline of philosophy through its original historical sources. Students discover the work of Western philosophys founder, Socrates, and see how his unique way of asking and pursuing critical questions challenged his society to be more reasonable, more critical, and more just. Students in this course are also introduced to principles of logical reasoning that help them to build arguments and avoid the pitfalls of fallacious reasoning.

Since Philosophy 110 builds upon writing skills developed in English 110, students are expected to take English 110 first.

Philosophy 220: The Philosophy of the Human Person
A course that has always been pivotal in Jesuit Education, Philosophy of the Person teaches ways to reflect on fundamental questions concerning the meaning and character of human life. Are human beings material beings, or spiritual beings, or somehow both? Are we capable of free choice or are we fundamentally determined in what we do? Does human life have an ultimate meaning or purpose? How should we think philosophically about our death and the possibility of life after death? What is the nature of human community?

The exploration of such questions is a basic part of the integration of many dimensions of a liberal education. It is preparation for the study of ethics, and it is important for making sense of religious questions in light of contemporary attitudes toward reality and life. The Philosophy 220 is prerequisite for elective courses in the Philosophy Department.

Transfer students who enter Seattle University with 90 credits and have not previously taken a philosophy course take Philosophy 210 rather than 220. Philosophy 210 is a bridge course designed specifically for transfer students in this situation.

Philosophy 345 (or Equivalent): Ethics
This course examines theoretical approaches to ethical principles and explores their application in specific public and professional contexts. Other ethics courses, geared to specific majors, can fulfill the ethics requirement, but must be designated as fulfilling the requirement. Courses that satisfy the requirement include PHIL 351: Business Ethics, PHIL 352: PHIL 353: Ethical Issues in Science and Technology, PHIL 354: Ethics and Criminal Justice, PHIL 358: Communication Ethics, and TRST 380: Core Ethics, Christian Perspectives.

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