Philosophy
10 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PHIL 001 Logic & Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the principles of inductive and deductive inference and their practical applications in everyday situations such as problem solving and the evaluation of arguments. The uses of language, formal and informal fallacies, and syllogistic argument forms will be examined. Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to integrate the principles of critical thinking with the techniques of effective written argument.
PHIL 003 Introduction to Political Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A or ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
This course is an introduction to the nature and tradition of political inquiry as articulated by classical, modern and contemporary theorists. This course focuses on basic theoretical debates such as, but not limited to, justice, equality, and the best form of government. Throughout the course, the application of theoretical debates to the contemporary world is stressed. (Equivalent to PS 003.) (C-ID POLS 120)
PHIL 006 Introduction to Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course surveys the traditional philosophical problems of knowledge, logic, ethics, aesthetics, religion and metaphysics. A special emphasis is placed upon the ancient Greek philosophers as the foundational thinkers of Western civilization. The historical and conceptual links between ancient Greece and ancient India are discussed. Some relevant developments in medieval and modern philosophy are highlighted.
PHIL 007 Ideas of the Great Philosophers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the practice of philosophy through the analysis of selected original writings of some of our greatest philosophers. Topics include the nature of reality, the existence and nature of God, the mind/body problem, skepticism and knowledge, and the foundations of morality. This course is offered in the Fall semester.
PHIL 010 General Logic
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
An introduction to the basics of deductive and inductive logics. Emphasis is placed on the syntax and semantics of elementary deductive logic. Inductive reasoning, the identification of informal fallacies, and the rudiments of the scientific method are also studied. (C-ID PHIL 110)
PHIL 012 Religions of the World
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An historical and conceptual introduction to the world's principal religious philosophies -- Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- with an examination of their original writings and subsequent commentaries
PHIL 013 Perspectives on Death & Dying
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The phenomenon of human mortality as presented, analyzed, and critically evaluated from cross-cultural perspectives in philosophy, religion, literature, psychology, medicine, and law. Students will develop an understanding of death and dying, terminal illness, and attitudes and practices related to death.
PHIL 014 Introduction to Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 120
A systematic examination of the concepts of moral right and wrong and the application of moral principles and/or virtues in the attempted resolution of significant moral difficulties. Theories of normative ethics and meta-ethics are stressed, but are supplemented with cases from applied ethics. (C-ID PHIL 120)
PHIL 017 Philosophy of Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- PHIL 006 or PHIL 012 & ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An in-depth examination of some of the significant commonalities and major differences among and between the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Particular attention will be paid to the logical analyses of some of the distinctive doctrines endorsed by each faith, and how these doctrines may have reinforced and exacerbated the historic and contemporary conflicts between civilizations.
PHIL 018 Philosophy of Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- .
- Advisory
- ENG 061, and at least one previous college-level course in philosophy or the natural sciences.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the core philosophical issues raised by the unprecedented success of scientific inquiry since the beginning with the origins of modern science in the 16th century through the conceptual revolution in physics in the twentieth century. Topics include the logic and epistemology of scientific discoveries, observation vs. explanation, causation and the laws of nature, realism and antirealism regarding scientific knowledge, and the conflicts and compatibilities between the sciences and religions. This course is offered in the Spring semester.