This course is a study of major philosophies of the Western World from Plato to present day. The course is designed to acquaint the individual with a broad overview of the history of philosophy and the most important ideas of major philosophers. Special emphasis will be placed on showing relationships between current societies and significant philosophical ideas.

Surveys ethical theories as they apply to the quest for human happiness and "the good life." The course will begin with a discussion of Moral Reasoning and Good Reasoning, but emphasis will be placed upon the views of leading moral philosophers in the Western tradition, namely, Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre, et al. Additionally, the course includes discussion of applications of moral theory to practice.

The course provides the student with an overview and an engaging account of some of the major religions of the world. It is a survey of the major religious systems of the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Objectivity and impartiality are important characteristics of our study. We seek to understand the world's religions, not evaluate their comparative merits.