Skip to main content

Las Positas College statements on hate speech and freedom of expression Read more.

Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Download PDF

Philosophy Courses

PHIL 1 - God, Nature, Human Nature

3 units

An exploration of the nature and range of philosophical inquiry in relation to everyday problems of humans as individuals, as citizens, as physical creatures, and as creators of spiritual and artistic works. Philosophical texts are analyzed with special attention given to the development of skills in analysis and argumentation. NOTE: Philosophy 2 and 4 are also introductory courses and may be taken before Philosophy 1 if a more detailed examination of ethical problems, the theory of knowledge, or political philosophy is desired. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C2; IGETC: 3B; C-ID# PHIL 100.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

PHIL 2 - Ethics

3 units

This course covers the concepts of morality and values and explores influential ethical theories. Students taking this course will be required to use philosophical methods to evaluate these theories for themselves and show how these theories can apply to everyday ethical questions.

54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C2; IGETC: 3B; C-ID# PHIL 120. 

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for college-level composition as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

PHIL 3 - Aesthetics

3 units

An introduction to the philosophical analysis of art. Topics include the nature of art and beauty, the value of art, and philosophical methods of evaluating, critiquing, and drawing meaning from artistic works. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC, CSUGE: C2; IGETC: 3B.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHIL 4 - Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge

3 units

Systematic analysis of documents that constitute the major statements in the theory of knowledge. Investigation of the nature of knowledge, truth and belief. Emphasis placed on enabling students to analyze, critique and defend their own systems of beliefs. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C2; IGETC: 3B.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

PHIL 5 - Feminist Philosophy

3 units

Introduction to feminist philosophical perspectives on such issues as gender, art, sexuality, knowledge, power, identity, popular culture, religion, ethics, and war. Emphasis placed on critical analysis as well as application to contemporary problems facing women today. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C2; IGETC: 3B.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHIL 6 - Introduction to Logic

3 units

An introduction to Logic. This course is designed to develop effective reasoning skills. Valid reasoning through formal deductive logic is emphasized, but the course also covers meaning in language, fallacies, and inductive reasoning methods in philosophy, literature and the sciences. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IB, IC, III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: A3, C2; IGETC: 3B; C-ID# PHIL 110.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHIL 8 - Logic and Argumentation

4 units

Logic and Argumentation. This course is designed to develop effective reasoning skills. Valid reasoning through formal deductive logic is emphasized, but the course also covers meaning in language, fallacies, and inductive reasoning methods in philosophy, literature and the sciences. This course differs from Philosophy 6 (Introduction to Logic) in that it has a prerequisite of English 1A and involves the application of logical technique to a major research paper. 72 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IB, IC, III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: A3, C2; IGETC: 1B, 3B; C-ID# PHIL 110.

Prerequisite: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter Grade

PHIL 29 - Independent Study, Philosophy

0.5 - 2 units

Supervised study in Philosophy. Any student interested in registering for a Independent Study course should contact a full/part-time instructor or dean in the appropriate area. 27-108 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass