PH 100Introduction to Philosophy
The fundamentals of philosophy: its vocabulary, problems, and methods.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
Worcester State University · Courses
PH
59 courses with the subject PH, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PH 101Ancient Greek Philosophy
Introduction to fundamental topics in Western philosophy through the works of ancient philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle. While predominantly Greek thinkers are studied, the course may include Roman or other ancient thinkers as well.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 102History of Modern Western Philosophy3
1600-1800 LASC Categories: HBS, TLC Engages central topics of Western philosophy through study of important modern philosophers, typically from Descartes through Kant. Every 2-3 years.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021-undergraduate
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 110Critical Thinking
Critical thinking through informal logical identification, analysis and evaluation of arguments, including identification of fallacious arguments, through engagement with rhetoric and public discourse
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 115Logic I
A study of introductory symbolic (formal) logic, covering sentential logic and the foundations of predicate logic.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 130Ethics: Human Conduct & Values
The nature of morality and value and their place in the world of human action.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 131Medical Ethics
An introductory-level examination of various ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, cloning and other genetics issues, access to health care, race and health care, and women's health.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 132Business Ethics
LASC Categories: HBS, TLC An introduction to ethical theory and issues such as truth in advertising, product liability, affirmative action, employer and employee rights and duties, whistle blowing, and corporate responsibility. Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 133Social and Political Ethics
Investigates major social and politicl theories and their applications to selected problems of justice.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 134Computing Ethics
An introduction to significant issues in the ethics of computing, including the application of ethical theories to the development of technology, cyberculture, and artificial intelligence, as well as some distinct ethical theories that emerge from thinking about computing and information technology.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 150Women in Western Ideas3
LASC Categories: HBS, TLC, DAC Investigates the concept of ’woman’ from ancient Greece to the present. Every 2-3 years.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 151Race, Gender, and the Law
This course provides a philosophical approach to issues of race and gender as expressed in legislation, judicial interpretation, enforcement, and public policy.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 152Philosophy of Love and Sex
Investigates the concepts of love and sex and structural and discursive factors contributing to our daily experiences of these phenomena.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 163Philosophy on Television3
LASC Categories: USW, TLC An introduction to philosophy through philosophical writings on popular television shows. Every 2-3 years.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 170Introduction to Asian Philosophy
Introduces and surveys the major philosophical traditions in East-Asia, South-Asia, and South-East Asia. This course will study the different worldviews, conceptions of human nature and the good life from these philosophical perspectives, and where possible, make comparisons with Western philosophies.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 171Buddhist Philosophy3
Introduces and surveys the history and development of the major Buddhist traditions, and their interpretation of core Buddhist philosophies, as they move outwards from India.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 172Chinese Philosophy3
Surveys the philosophies of ancient China, including Taoism, Buddhism, Legalism and the development of the Confucian tradition in China.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 177Introduction to Latin American Philosophy3
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC An introduction to many of the principal texts, thinkers, and debates within Latin American philosophy. Every 2-3 years.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 178Africana Philosophy
Explores the philosophy of the African diaspora in African, African American and Caribbean writings. The course addresses both historical and contemporary material across intersections of race, gender, and class using philosophy, history, and literature.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 180Sports and Philosophy
Examines key ethical and other issues in sports, including competition, fair play, sportspersonship, drug use, race and gender, and violence.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 190Special Topics in Philosophy
An introductory philosophy course on current or specialized topics. LASC Categories: Varies by topic. See current course listing for specific LASC area approved.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 193First Year Seminar Philosophy
An introductory course covering a topic of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 200Knowledge and Reality
A critical evaluation of answers to the most general questions of human existence: What is there? How do we know it? How did it come to be?
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 20119th Century European
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 202Selected Topics: 20th-21st Century Western
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 205Environmental Ethics
This course will examine the contemporary ethical issues in our interactions with the environment and students will develop the skills necessary to engage in the contemporary debates surrounding these issues. Students will read, discuss, and critique traditional and contemporary theories in environmental ethics, as well as how these influence current debates. Students will focus on analyzing and critiquing contemporary cases, and develop philosophical arguments to better approach the relevant ethical issues. Possible topics include animal rights, duties to nature, food ethics, climate change, and environmental justice.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 206Animal Ethics
This course is intended as an exploration of some of the many issues surrounding non-human animals and how they are treated by our species. The goal of this class is to critically examine our assumptions and views toward nonhuman animals, with the hope of not only forming coherent opinions, but also being able to provide strong arguments for them. Some topics we will address are: historical perspectives on the human-animal relationship, legal and philosophical personhood, human exceptionalism, and various ethical approaches.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 215Logic II
Intermediate symbolic (formal) logic including multi-placed predicates and identity.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 220Philosophy of Mind
Drawing on canonical philosophical texts as well as research from relevant disciplines, this course is an investigation of the relationship between mental phenomena and physical states and processes, along with implications for such issues as personal identity and free will.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 221Existentialism and Phenomenology
Examines the Existentialist movement of the first half of the 20th Century.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 223American Philosophy
Surveys key movements in the history of philosophy in the United States that have come to be identified with the tradition of American philosophy, including Transcendentalism, Pragmatism, indigenous philosophy, African American philosophy, and their representative thinkers.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 225Philosophy of Language
A survey of theories of reference, truth, word and sentence meaning, ordinary language philosophy, embodied communication, and/or dialogic ethics.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 228Bioethics
This course is an advanced-level examination of various ethical issues at the intersection of biology and medicine, and students will develop the skills necessary to engage in the contemporary debates surrounding these issues. Students will read, discuss, and critique traditional and contemporary theories in bioethics, as well as how these influence current debates. Students will focus on analyzing and critiquing contemporary cases, and develop philosophical arguments to better approach the relevant ethical issues. Possible topics include genetic screening and modification, pandemics and epidemics, scarce medical resources, animal experimentation, and medical research.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 231Philosophy of Law
Survey of the legal theories and issues and the philosophical bases of key legal and related political concepts, including Natural Law Theory, Legal Positivism, Legal Realism, and critical perspectives.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 237Philosophy of Space and Time
An investigation into philosophical problems regarding space and time, with a focus on those that emerge from the history of science and contemporary physics.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 240Political Theory
Investigates concepts including political power, equality, revolution, liberties, slavery, socialism and patriarchal power, race and gender.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 241Genocide and Human Rights
This course treats the ethical, political, and other dimensions of systematic mass violence through case studies and general theoretical analyses.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 242Race, Nation, Class, Gender and Sexuality
Examines these five important social categories that define the political, legal, economic, and cultural contexts in which we live.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 250Global Feminisms
Investigates the theoretical underpinnings of women's movements for equal rights around the globe.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 251Mass Violence Against Women
A philosophy-based, interdisciplinary course examining historical and contemporary mass violence against women.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 254Feminist Theory
Feminist Theory: Examines the development of feminist ideas and movements from the 18th century to the present, in the US and, particularly in recent decades, globally. A close analysis of Second Wave, Postmodern, and Black Feminist ideas are studied as a basis for writings and social action that attends to issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, using intersectional methodologies and critiques to address issues of reproduction and health, labor and economic power, violence, and state power.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 260Philosophy of Science
Critically investigates such quesions as: What distinguishes sciences from pseudo-sciences? When is a theory confirmed? What is a law of nature?
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 261Philosophy of Religion
Examination of the roles of faith and reason in beliefs concerning a deity and in such issues as the problem of evil. Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021-undergraduate
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 262Philosophy of Art
An investigation of the nature of aesthetic experience, art and art history, creativity, criticism and artistic reception.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 263Film and Philosophy
An intermediate study of films presenting philosophical ideas about film.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 264Philosophy of Education
Examines philosophical approaches to education through readings of various authors such as Plato, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Dewey, and Freire. Additionally surveys recent empirical and/or cross-disciplinary work that engages with philosophical approaches to education, including psychology, cognitive science, education, feminist theory, critical race theory, and/or decolonial theory.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 276Contemporary Asian
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 290Advanced Special Topics in Philosophy
A treatment of current or special topics for students beyond the introductory level. LASC Categories: Varies by topic. See current course listing for specific LASC area approved.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 301Individual Figure in the History of Western Philosophy
Studies a specific Western philosopher. The philosopher for a given semester will be indicated in the course registration listings.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 315Moral Psychology
This course will examine theories and current research on moral judgments, decision-making, and behavior. Students will learn to assess and critique the intersecting research in moral philosophy and the empirical sciences, and reflect on how these relate to their own moral interactions, as well as those of people from very different cultures. Possible topics include: moral motivation; moral development; moral emotions, such as empathy, sympathy, disgust, and guilt; free will; akrasia (weakness of will); cultural relativism; and virtue.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 316Moral Skepticism
A survey of topics in what is often called "metaethics": The nature of moral truth, the meaning of moral terms, and the subjects of moral discourse and practice.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 320Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology3
Selected topics in theories of mind, language, and knowledge.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021-undergraduate
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
- Prerequisite
- EN-102
PH 327Feminist Medical Ethics
This course will examine various feminist critiques of mainstream bioethics and explore the growth of feminist bioethics as its own distinct sub-field. We will work through feminist conceptions of autonomy and epistemic injustice, and discuss how those conceptions affect decision making with respect to medical interventions. We will focus upon ethical questions and cases that highlight feminist concerns about reproductive choice, reproductive technology, dependency and disability, race, gender, and power imbalances. We will also explore how feminist conceptions of autonomy and care reframe ethical concerns regarding medical decision making for children and minors. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 328Comparative Ethics
All societies have some discussion about the moral issues that they must face. Some of these are very similar across cultures, while others vary greatly due to social, economic, geographic, and historical circumstances. This course will examine, compare, and contrast ethical approaches from different geographical locations, cultures, and times. Students will learn to understand, analyze, and critique ethical theories and applications across a range of traditions that are both familiar and foreign to them. These could include ethical theories from Western, African, Eastern, and Middle Eastern traditions.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 335Animal Law & Policy
This course will provide an interdisciplinary and in-depth survey of the growing and dynamic field of animal law. We will address the historical status of animals in the law, how our society views animals, how ethics relates to animal treatment, how animals are currently utilized in society, the current application of animal protection laws (including their limitations and efforts to strengthen them), as well emerging efforts to re-classify some animals within our legal system. We will consider how legal systems, specific cases, legislation, and cultural values have affected and continue to affect the evolution of this arena.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 360Philosophy of History3
LASC Categories: USW, GP d Explores the different philosophical approaches to the study and writing of history and the nature of historical change and development. Every 2-3 years.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
- Prerequisite
- 3 credits from department PH
PH 390Independent Study in Philosophy
Tutorials in areas of philosophy not covered in normal course offerings.
- Subject
- PH
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 391Internship in Philosophy3
Provides an opportunity for mid-level or advanced students to increase their philosophical knowledge.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2020-2021-undergraduate
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
PH 408Directed Study: Philosophy3
Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction of and with agreement from a faculty member.
- Subject
- PH
- Credits (min)
- 3
- Credits (max)
- 3
- Credit unit
- Credits
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2026-2027
- Catalog
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Source
- catalog.worcester.edu
Source: Worcester State University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61