Philosophy
14 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHIL 111 Introduction to Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 100
This course introduces students to the fundamental problems, theories and methods of philosophy. Topics such as the nature of reality, the sources and limits of knowledge, the nature of right and wrong human conduct, and the central issues of society and politics are examined from classical and contemporary perspectives. Students are encouraged to apply these philosophical perspectives to critically explore their own beliefs. No prior study of philosophy is presupposed.
PHIL 114 Asian Philosophies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An analysis of non-western philosophical perspectives originating in Asia with a focus on questions concerning the nature of reality and the self, knowledge, and characteristics of a good life. Some comparisons will be made to western attitudes and beliefs. This course may be of interest to students pursuing religious and cultural studies as well as Pacific Rim or International Studies.
PHIL 116 Introduction to Logic
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
An introduction to the principles of sound and effective reasoning with an emphasis on deductive logic. Students will become familiar with fundamental concepts such as deductive validity, soundness, inductive strength and cogency. Formal techniques of sentential logic and the principles of natural deduction will be introduced. Some treatment of inductive reasoning, language, and informal logical fallacies will also be included. This course may be of interest to students pursuing the philosophy major as well as students of computer programming or mathematics.
PHIL 121 Introduction to Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 120
An introduction to the study of ethical theory focusing on the critical examination of moral values and their role in an individual’s daily life. This course examines the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong, and theories of individual ethical responsibility from classical and contemporary philosophical perspectives. The course may also apply ethical theories to examine various social issues such as war, abortion, immigration, euthanasia, climate change, racism, and sexism.
PHIL 122 Social and Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to philosophy focusing on the central issues of society and politics, such as the nature and justification of political authority, citizenship, law, justice (distributive and retributive), power, violence, the limits of government and individual liberty. These issues are examined through classical and contemporary texts in the history of political philosophy.
PHIL 125 Philosophy of Human Nature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey course of theories of human nature and their presuppositions and implications. Presuppositions about human nature underlie religious, political, ethical, psychological, sociological, and scientific theories and contemporary debates in these fields. Students will read primary texts drawn from various philosophical perspectives as well as disciplines outside of philosophy, including scientific and religious orientations, with the goals of understanding the theories of human nature and learning how to critically evaluate them.
PHIL 126 Philosophy of Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores issues associated with the philosophical understanding of religious phenomena and religious belief. It analyzes philosophical arguments relating to religious beliefs, as well as issues related to religious knowledge, mysticism, and religious ethics. Western as well as non-western perspectives will be considered. Students will be urged to articulate, analyze, and critically evaluate their views of religion and their own religious beliefs. This course may be of interest to students of religion, humanities, and cultural studies.
PHIL 140 History of Ancient Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 130
This course examines the history of philosophy from the ancient Greek world to the end of Antiquity. Emphasis will be on the development of Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratic thinkers to prominent figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It may also include Hellenistic, Roman, medieval, or non-Western philosophers. This course may interest philosophy majors as well as students interested in history or the humanities.
PHIL 141 History of Modern Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 140
This course is an introduction to Modern Philosophy, which refers to philosophical theories developed from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Emphasis will be given to empiricist and rationalist perspectives on issues concerning the nature of reality and the origin and limits of knowledge. Consideration will also be given to developments in ethical theory and social and political philosophy, such as social contract theory and the foundations of democracy. Primary works from thinkers ranging from Descartes through Kant as well as their precursors and successors will be discussed. This course may be of interest to philosophy majors, as well as students interested in History or the Humanities.
PHIL 142 Contemporary Philosophical Movements
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A general survey and critical examination of the major philosophical theories and movements from the 19th century to the present day within the continental and analytic philosophical traditions. Their influences on the history of ideas and contemporary developments, including social, political, and moral developments, concepts of the individual, and theories of knowledge and reality will be examined. This course may be of interest to philosophy majors, as well as students interested in History, the Arts, Psychology, or the Humanities.
PHIL 197 Philosophy Topics
- Units
- 0.5-6
- Hours
- 0.50-6.00 hours lecture, 1.50-18.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics in Philosophy. See Class Schedule for specific topic covered. Course title will designate subject covered. Examples of possible topics include: Free Will vs. Determinism, The Meaning of Life, and The Mind and the Brain.
PHIL 200 Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ESL 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course emphasizes the development and refinement of critical thinking skills necessary for producing and evaluating academic and argumentative writing, as well as for strengthening students’ abilities as critical thinkers. Students engage in methods of critical reasoning, inquiry-driven research, analytical thinking, and argumentative writing. Through the analysis and construction of arguments, students develop the ability to generate, analyze, and critique complex ideas; reason both inductively and deductively; identify the assumptions on which conclusions depend; and reflect critically on their own thought processes. Students learn to respond thoughtfully to texts with attention to intended audience, purpose, and social context; to distinguish knowledge from belief and fact from judgment; to recognize common logical errors and fallacies; and to evaluate sources with respect to relevance, reliability, and appropriateness within a given rhetorical context. The course also provides opportunities for students to reflect on their learning, knowledge, and writing processes, supporting the transfer of these skills across the curriculum.
PHIL 250 Philosophy in Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An exploration of philosophical themes and ideas such as the nature of reality, truth, the self, good and evil, the meaning of life, and the human condition as they appear in classical and contemporary works of philosophically informed literature and fiction.
PHIL 295 Directed Study in Philosophy
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 1.00-3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Approval of project or research required by instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An individualized or group project in philosophy of any nature approved by and under the personal supervision of the instructor. This course may be of interest to all students seeking exploration of philosophical ideas, and will be of particular interest to philosophy majors.