Teaching Courses * Philosophy of Psychology University of Connecticut (Spring 2011) * Philosophy of Mind University of Connecticut, Philosophy 3250 Course Description: We will look at a number of interrelated issues involving the nature of ‘Mind,’ including: What is mind made of? Where is mind located? Is mind identical to brain? How does mind represent the world? Can we explain consciousness? In addition to analyzing these issues, students will develop and exercise the transferable skills of reading, writing, and thinking critically about any topic. Required Reading; Required - Heil, John, Philosophy of Mind: A Contemporary Introduction (2nd Ed.) Strongly Recommended - Chalmers, David, Philosophy of Mind: Classical & Contemporary Readings * Philosophy of Literature University of Connecticut (Spring 2011) * Philosophy of Law Central Connecticut State University, Philosophy 3226 University of Connecticut Course Description: What is the nature of the law? Attempts to answer this question entail, amongst other things, looking at issues of legal rights, obligations, responsibility, and punishment. Rather than looking at any particular legal system, we will be analyzing the nature and importance of the law in general and its relationship with morality. The course is organized around four main themes: the concept of law, the moral force of law, the structure and content of rights, and punishment. Required Reading; Schauer & Sinnott - Armstrong (OUP), The Philosophy of Law * Introduction to Philosophy University of Connecticut, Philosophy 1101 Central Connecticut State University, Philosophy 112 Course Description: Does God exist? What should we believe? Do we have free will? Where is the mind? To ask these questions is to begin examining and evaluating how one sees the world, and whether or not this is how one ought to see the world. Philosophy is a discipline as much as it is a subject; hence, the class will look at the importance of clarity in thinking and language use, as methods towards a better understanding of the world around us. The best way to learn philosophy is to actually do philosophy; accordingly, the format of the course will involve both lectures and discussions. Required Reading; Feinberg, J. & Shafer-Landau, R. Reason and Responsibility, 13th ed. * Philosophy and Social Ethics University of Connecticut, Philosophy 1104 Course Description: This course has several major objectives: Initially, the class will be looking at and developing a clear understanding of some classical moral theories. With this in hand, the students will examine how an understanding of basic moral principles can guide them in resolving some contemporary moral controversies. Most importantly, the course will help students develop and exercise the transferable skills of reading, writing, and thinking critically about any issue. At the end of the course the student should have a more sophisticated understanding of the importance of developing and providing rational, reasoned argument in support of his own positions on any topic. Required Reading; James (& Stuart) Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy James (& Stuart) Rachels, The Right Thing To Do * Computer Ethics Central Connecticut State University, Philosophy 245 Course Description: Computers, and the technology associated with them, have arguably brought about a revolution in the way that humans are able to engage with themselves and others. Initially, some of the issues arising from this ‘revolution’ seem soluble by the application of existing normative theories. However, this isn’t always possible; computing (and information technology) has increased the scope of ways in which we can act, and this has produced conceptual puzzles that appear to be unique to our era. The class will analyze the ethical implications arising from these issues, in terms of how we do, and should live, now. This will include, amongst other things; video gaming; virtual reality; property and piracy; and artificial intelligence. Required Reading: D. Micah Hester and Paul J. Ford. (2001). Computers and Ethics in the Cyberage: Prentice Hall.