PHIL 131 - Evolution and Philosophy

5 Credits

This course will explore the history and philosophical implications of one of the most interesting, explosive, world-changing ideas that has ever been proposed: that human beings and all other life forms on earth are the result of a unique, complex, unrepeatable process of natural selection and evolution. We will learn about other theories of biological change and diversity which preceded the modern theory of evolution. We will learn about Charles Darwin and investigate the observations and arguments which led him to conclude that all living things must be related in a great tree of common descent. We will explore the resistance to the idea of evolution which Darwin encountered and which still exists in some communities. And we will look at the ways evolutionary theory has been used to understand aspects of human experience including psychology, religion, and morality.

Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Spring Day

Designed to Serve Students needing AA degree HUM distribution credit; students needing AA degree credit; students with an interest in biology, science, or evolution; students with an interest in philosophy; students with an interest in the history of ideas; general students.
Active Date 2015-12-04

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Humanities Area I

Course Outline
Natural Theology
Early 19th c. Science
Charles Darwin and Natural Selection
Mechanisms of evolution
Creationism and Intelligent Design Theory
Social Darwinism
Evolution and the Mind
Evolution and Morality
Evolution and Religion

Student Learning Outcomes
Communicate effectively about the history of the theory of evolution

Demonstrate critical thinking about the history of the theory of evolution.

Describe and critically evaluate basic elements of modern evolutionary theory.

Describe and critically evaluate critiques of evolutionary theory

Describe and critically evaluate ways evolutionary theory has been applied in a variety of modern disciplines