Philosophy
9 courses · Victor Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 100
Introduction to the methods and subject matter of the discipline of philosophy through critical analysis of primary texts and discussion of enduring questions regarding reality, knowledge, and value. Topics include the sources and limits of knowledge; the nature of reality, mind, and personal identity; the existence of God and religious experience; moral value; philosophy of science; the nature of truth; distributive justice; and the meaning of life. C-ID PHIL 100.
PHIL 108 Introduction to Ethics and Contemporary Moral Issues
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 120
Introduction to moral philosophy. Critical study of major ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral issues in such areas as bio-medical practice, law and violence, sexuality, social and economic justice, the environment, and business conduct. C-ID PHIL 120.
PHIL 109 Introduction to Logic
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Take ENGL-101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 110
Introduction to the principles and practice of sound reasoning: argument analysis and evaluation, induction, deduction, fallacies, categorical logic, and propositional logic. Assignments require use of the computer. C-ID PHIL 110.
PHIL 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- ENGL 101.0
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics, with a focus on conceptions of the "common good" and distributive justice, the nature of rights, the significance of "equality" and "liberty". Analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary themes and global challenges, e.g. same-sex marriage, racial justice, economic inequality, health care, war and violence, immigration, debt cancellation, climate change, international law. Crosslisted with POLS 114.
PHIL 117 Philosophy of Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to major topics in the Philosophy of Religion: the existence and nature of God, religious experience and knowledge, and concepts of immortality and human destiny. Special attention is given to conflicts between religion and science, competing claims for religious truth, and the relevance of religion to social ethics. Crosslisted with RLST 117.
PHIL 118 Philosophy of Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- ENGL 101.0
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a course exploring the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, modern and contemporary epistemological theories, the challenges skepticism raises for epistemology, and the principles, criteria and methodology of science and scientific investigation. This course is intended for students seeking a basic understanding of the nature of knowledge and its relationship to science.
PHIL 120 History of Ancient Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 130
Critical study of the major movements, figures, and influential texts in the ancient period of Western Philosophy: the Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Discussion of the influence of Greek thought on Hellenistic, Roman, and Medieval philosophy. C-ID PHIL 130.
PHIL 121 History of Modern Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHIL 140
Introduction to major Western philosophers and movements from the 16th through the 18th Centuries. Emphasis on primary source readings representative of Continental Rationalism, British Empiricism, and Kant, with some attention given to precursors and following developments. C-ID PHIL 140.
PHIL 207 Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H, Minimum grade C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study and practice in critical thinking and advanced English composition: analysis, evaluation, and formulation of arguments; critical study of texts; and extended argumentative writing. Application of critical thinking and writing skills to current moral, social, and religious issues. Crosslisted with RLST 207.