Philosophy - PHIL
13 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHIL B6A Introduction to Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 100
This course introduces philosophical ideas and methods concerning knowledge, reality and values. Expected topics will include the sources and limits of knowledge and the nature of reality. Other topics that may be examined from a philosophical perspective include the nature of the self, truth, ethics, religion, science, language, beauty and art, political theory, or mind.
PHIL B7 Introduction to Logic
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
This course introduces some principles of valid reasoning with emphasis on deductive logic. The course must include a study of formal techniques of sentential logic. The course may also include a treatment of inductive reasoning, language, or fallacies.
PHIL B8 Logic and Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of ENGL C1000 (formally ENGL B1A) or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR ENGLB 1AL (Expository Composition with Supplemental Instruction): Successful completion of ENGL C1000E (formally ENGL B1A) or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR Successful completion of EMLS B1A or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR Successful completion of EMLS B1AL or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
This course focuses on the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning and their applications in making arguments, evaluating arguments, and writing analytical and argumentative essays, with an emphasis on the concept of and criteria for validity, symbolization, truth tables, syntax, semantics and natural deduction methods in sentential logic. The course also covers the uses of language, critical reading strategies, argument analysis, recognizing propaganda and stereotypes, clarifying ambiguity, meaning and definition, evaluating evidence, formal and informal fallacies. A total of 5,000 words will be required during the semester in a variety of written assignments that encourage students to analyze and appreciate works of philosophical, historical, literary, aesthetic and cultural importance and to help student's better understand the interrelationship of the self and of humanities in a variety of cultures.
PHIL B9 Critical Thinking and Advanced Composition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of ENGL C1000 (formally ENGL B1A) or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR ENGLB 1AL (Expository Composition with Supplemental Instruction): Successful completion of ENGL C1000E (formally ENGL B1A) or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR Successful completion of EMLSB1A or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR Successful completion of EMLSB1AL or ENGL (C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will develop and practice critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating and formulating argumentative and persuasive essays. Emphasis will be placed on inductive and deductive reasoning; in particular, valid and invalid deductive argument forms, the fundamentals of scientific reasoning, and informal fallacies.
PHIL B10 Introduction to Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 120
This course examines the concept of morality and values, representative ethical theories, and may include their applications to moral problems.
PHIL B11 Ethics Bowl
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an intensive applied ethics course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in regional and national Ethics Bowl competitions hosted by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Through engagement with case studies on contemporary ethical dilemmas, students will learn to identify the central moral dimensions of the cases, apply moral theories to construct arguments about the cases, anticipate objections, and respond to the critical questions of opposing teams and judges.
PHIL B12 Ethics of Living and Dying
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will be introduced to a philosophical yet practical approach to some of the major medical-ethical problems facing human beings today, such as, 1) what patients should be told, 2) the nature and importance of informed consent, 3) the meaning and criteria for living, dying, and death including caring for the dying, and 4) allowing to die, mercy killing. Permeating these problems will be a study of the basis for ethical relationships among human beings through a study of what morality is, consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories of morality, and how to set up an ethical system. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationship of the professional and the well to the sick, dying, and bereaved and how the relationship of the self understands itself in relation to death throughout the life-cycle of the individual.
PHIL B16 Social and Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines philosophical issues concerning the nature of society and justifications for the authority of government. Concepts to be discussed include liberty, equality, justice, the common good, and the legitimate use of state power.
PHIL B18 History of Ancient Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 130
This course addresses ancient philosophy with emphasis on the development of Greek philosophy from the Pre-Socratics through Aristotle and may also include Hellenistic, Roman, medieval or non-Western thinkers.
PHIL B19 History of Modern Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 140
This course addresses 16th through 18th century philosophy with emphasis on broad epistemological and/or metaphysical developments of empiricism and rationalism in philosophical thought from Descartes to Kant and may include approximate precursors and successors.
PHIL B35 Identity and Difference in a Shared World
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An interdisciplinary course that surveys and facilitates meaningful conversations about specific disadvantaged groups and encourages active engagement in overcoming the social struggles of these historically disadvantaged groups in the United States—e.g., Native Americans, African Americans, Latina/o Americans, and Asian Americans. Note: Not open to students that have successfully completed ETHN B35.
PHIL B37 Introduction to the World Religions
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will examine the role that religion has played in shaping culture and the subjective human experience by analyzing and appreciating the religions of the world and each of their texts that reflect philosophical, historical, literary, and cultural importance. The course serves as a pathway to a broader understanding of the human condition. There is an emphasis on understanding the distinct belief and practice of an individual in each of the religious traditions studied.
PHIL B100 Industry Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
The main objective of this course is to stress analytical reasoning and emphasize clear thinking regarding the application of major ethical theories to specific workplace, organizational, and global business and technological issues that students are most likely to encounter once in the workforce. An examination of the responsibilities of the employee, manager, and organization within an industry context will take place, highlighting issues such as whistleblowing, environment (e.g., asset disposal program), discrimination and harassment, risk, and safety. A major focus of the course includes examining the ethical implications of emerging technologies and their impact on society. This is an upper-division general education course.