# Philosophy (PHIL) courses San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 20 courses Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/15522/15846/15848/15523/15591 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027. ### PHIL 100 — Logic and Critical Thinking - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phil.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course explores the relationship of communications and critical thinking with a focus on good reasoning and impediments to its mastery. It emphasizes the development of skills in logical analysis including familiarity with the more common fallacies. This course is designed for students learning to apply principles of critical thinking to the practical problems of everyday life. ### PHIL 101 — Symbolic Logic - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is a study of the elements of symbolic logic, sentential calculus and quantification theory. Topics include identity, definite descriptions, natural deduction and structure of language. This course is intended for philosophy majors and students pursuing studies in computer science. ### PHIL 102A — Introduction to Philosophy: Reality and Knowledge - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phil.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introductory study of the aims, methods, types and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry. Emphasis is placed on the nature of reality and knowledge. Materials for this survey of philosophy may draw from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to articulate, analyze, and evaluate their own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry. This course is intended for anyone concerned with human existence and humanity's place in the universe. ### PHIL 102B — Introduction to Philosophy: Values - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phil.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course provides an introductory study of the aims, methods, types, and problems of philosophy focusing on values and their place in an individual's daily life. Materials for this survey may be drawn from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to articulate, analyze, and evaluate their own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry regarding value theory. This course is for anyone interested in the origin and justification of values and their application to everyday life. ### PHIL 103 — Historical Introduction To Philosophy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful activity in Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the present. Students in this course survey the major philosophers in their historical contexts. Materials may be drawn from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in History and Humanities, and anyone interested in the history of philosophy. ### PHIL 104A — History Of Western Philosophy: Ancient to Medieval - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity related to the history of western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the close of the Medieval age. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to the history of early western philosophy. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in History and Humanities, and anyone interested in the history of western philosophy. ### PHIL 104B — History of Western Philosophy: Modern to Contemporary - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity related to the history of western philosophy from the Modern period through the 20th Century. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to the history of philosophy from the Modern to Contemporary periods. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in History and Humanities, and anyone interested in the history of western philosophy. ### PHIL 105 — Contemporary Philosophy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course explores the issues and problems associated with philosophy in the 20th and 21st centuries. Emphasis is placed on the representative thinkers of the modern and post-modern eras. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is designed for students interested in contemporary society and current events. ### PHIL 106 — Asian Philosophy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course explores issues in the philosophical study of Asian philosophy, including questions relating to the nature of the universe, the status and meaning of humankind, and the qualities characterizing the good life. This course may be of special interest to students pursuing Pacific Rim or International Studies. ### PHIL 107 — Reflections on Human Nature - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introductory study of the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity relating to the topic of human nature. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections relating to the notions of human nature, the individual person, and human characteristics in general. Material for this survey may be drawn from classical and contemporary thinkers or scientific and religious orientations. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in behavioral and/or social sciences. ### PHIL 108 — Perspectives on Human Nature and Society - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity relating to the topics of human nature and human societal configurations. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to the notions of human nature and human societal configurations such as the nature of society, the state, and government, with an emphasis on experiential elements of meaningful human existence, and notions of ideal society. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in behavioral, social or political science, and anyone interested in philosophy of human nature. ### PHIL 109 — Issues in Social Philosophy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity related to social philosophy. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to the notions of social ethics and concepts in social philosophy such as types of government, the issues of sovereignty, natural law and natural rights, the philosophy of law, and issues of justice. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in pre-law, and/or political, behavioral or social sciences, and anyone interested in social philosophy. ### PHIL 110 — Philosophy of Religion - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course explores issues associated with the philosophical understanding of religious phenomena and belief. It analyzes philosophical arguments relating to religious beliefs and includes discussions of Western as well as non-Western belief systems. This course may be of interest to students pursuing religious and cultural studies. ### PHIL 111 — Philosophy in Literature and Other Fiction - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity related to philosophy in literature and fiction in general. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to the philosophical issues and themes in selected classical and/or contemporary literature and other fiction such as the nature of reality, the notion of the self, the issue of choice and determinism, the problem of good and evil, and the characteristics of the good life. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. This course is intended for students pursuing studies in literature and media theory, the Behavioral and/or Social Sciences, and anyone interested in philosophy in fiction. ### PHIL 125 — Philosophy of Women - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the issues and problems exemplified in the process of meaningful philosophical activity related to philosophy of women. Students in this course survey representative theories and philosophical reflections related to philosophy of women such as concepts of womanhood and feminism as they have found expression in mythic, classic, medieval and major modern philosophical traditions. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, analysis and formulation. The course is intended for students pursuing women's studies and/or political, behavioral or social sciences, and anyone interested in philosophy of women. ### PHIL 126 — Philosophy of Contemporary Gender Issues - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course provides an introduction to the concepts of gender and gender relations. Emphasis is placed on the images, roles, and beliefs about gender and gender relations as they vary across cultures. Topics include the impacts of gender on our everyday lives and the broader societies, including experiences of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) communities. This course is intended for students interested in the development of contemporary gender issues from a philosophical perspective. ### PHIL 130 — Philosophy of Art and Music - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course employs philosophical methods to explore the concepts, principles, and criteria used in the creation and evaluation of art and music. In addition to students interested in philosophy, this course is designed for any student seeking to gain a better understanding of why we appreciate art and music and how we develop standards for evaluating them. A variety of arts may be discussed including painting, sculpture, architecture, design, music, dance, theatre, and literature. ### PHIL 131 — Environmental Ethics - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and PHIL 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course allows students to gain an understanding of the field of moral philosophy as it pertains to environmental issues. Ethical theories are analyzed through application to issues such as: population growth, future generations, biodiversity, animal rights, pollution, energy use and consumption. This course is intended for students interested in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Philosophy, Biology, Sociology, Geology, Ecology, and Peace Studies. ### PHIL 205 — Critical Thinking and Writing in Philosophy - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Prerequisite:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phil.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phil.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This critical thinking and writing seminar in Philosophy is designed to enhance the student's critical thinking, writing, and research skills in preparation for upper division academic activity. Issues addressed in this class may involve various areas of human experience and aspiration: metaphysical, cosmological, scientific, political, ethical, aesthetic, and religious. Together with the application of basic principles of deduction and induction, special attention is given to identifying and avoiding fallacies in reasoning, and to techniques and aids to research, reasoning, and writing. This course is designed for students who want to hone their writing and critical thinking skills in Philosophy. ### PHIL 290 — Independent Study - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 48 - 162 hours other - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Limitation on Enrollment: Obtain Permission Number from Instructor - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project or problem, or learning activities in the field of philosophy. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.