Philosophy
10 courses · Golden West College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHIL G100 Introduction to Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 100
This course will delve into questions people ask about the universe and their place in it. An examination is undertaken of the range of possible answers developed by leading philosophers in such areas as the meaning of knowledge, scientific method, religion, ethics, aesthetics, history, politics, and metaphysics.
PHIL G102 History of Ancient Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 130
This course will examine the main figures and topics of Ancient Western Philosophy. The original writings of the Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and subsequent Greek and Roman philosophers will be read and discussed. The focus will be on critically reading, analyzing, and discussing the ideas these philosophers presented in their historical context within the discipline of Philosophy.
PHIL G110 Philosophy Of The East
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will provide a general explanation and comparison of the world's major Eastern religions and philosophies. It will include critical analysis of the principal philosophies and related religious beliefs of the East, including Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Particular attention is given to understanding sacred literature in its historical context to better appreciate the relevant beliefs.
PHIL G111 Philosophy of Religion - Western
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will examine the key issues and problems for Western Religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, from a Philosophical perspective. Topics to be covered include the nature and significance of religion and belief, arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the problem of evil, the relation between science and religion, and the role of textual and theological debate in the development of a religious Philosophy.
PHIL G115 Logic and Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
Formerly: Introduction to Logic. This course will focus on the use of arguments both in their occurrence in ordinary discourse and the academic disciplines within the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with particular focus on deductive logic. The emphasis will be on the role of formal and informal logic in the basic learning skills of oral communication (speech/listening) and written communication (reading/writing). Deductive and inductive reasoning techniques will be critically examined to establish their logical correctness or identify their fallaciousness.
PHIL G120 Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 120
This course will examine the concepts of right, wrong, good, and bad in the light of classical moral theories. It will include a critical examination of the foundations of ethics and present numerous approaches to moral problems. Particular attention will be paid to the application of moral theories to contemporary issues.
PHIL G121 Leadership and Ethics in Law Enforcement
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to applied ethics and leadership principles within the context of the criminal justice system. Topics include moral theories, professional ethics, theories of justice, and philosophy of punishment with a focus on their application within the profession of law enforcement and its place in society.
PHIL G125 Critical Reasoning and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 105
This course will delve into logic and critical analysis through writing. Topics to be covered include the uses of language, distinctions between deductive and inductive reasoning, formal logical methods, and practice in detecting formal and informal fallacies. Tools will be developed for distinguishing between and evaluating beliefs, opinions, claims, explanations, and arguments. Throughout a strong emphasis is placed on instruction in writing which models the critical thinking and logical skills examined in the course.
PHIL G140 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 Western philosophy with emphasis on the broad epistemological and/or metaphysical developments of empiricist and rationalist philosophers from Descartes through Kant. The course may include approximate precursors and/or successors.
PHIL G150 Political Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
Formerly: Political Philosophy. This course is identical to PSCI G150. This course introduces students to selected political theorists and concepts from classical to the present. Students will examine various theoretical approaches to politics and will analyze primary text and theoretical debates as they apply to political issues. Topics will include the nature of legitimate authority, power, political obligation, ideal government, natural rights, equality, and justice. Enrollment Limitation: PSCI G150; students who complete PHIL G150 may not enroll in or receive credit for PSCI G150.