The Good Life Course Pairing
Environmental Biology (BL 111)
An integrated study of environmental problems, connections, and solutions. Environmental issues are explored by combining information from the natural sciences with ideas from the social sciences. Topics include ecosystem functioning, sustaining biodiversity, climate change, conservation efforts, environmental risk, water use, agricultural issues, and energy resources. A variety of learning techniques are used including debates, student presentations, service activities, timely readings, and group discussions. Fulfills the natural science core requirement for nonscience majors.
Faculty biography
Professor Jason Carbaugh
Bio coming soon!
Foundations of Philosophy (PL 201)
Socrates, at his trial, turns to his fellow citizens and offers the following admonition: "it is the greatest good for man to discuss virtue every day and those other things about which you hear me conversing and testing myself and others, for the unexamined life is not worth living” (Apology, 38a). Four things are revealed in Socrates' words that should command our attention. First is the claim itself that an unexamined life is not worth living; it is not a life for human beings. Second is the claim that this is not a good among any number of goods . . . it is the greatest good. Third is the suggestion that this good is not to be pursued in solitude but in discourse, in conversation with others. Last, and perhaps most difficult to appreciate, is the reminder that philosophy is an activity, a way of being in the world. The course begins with Socrates, and Socrates will serve as a model to guide our conversation as we explore the question: What is the good life?
Faculty biography
Dr. Jim Snow has been a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy since 1996, but he shows no sign of slowing up!
Mentor biography
Patrick Durkin is Associate Director of Event Services. A Loyola graduate from the class of 2001, Patrick has been working full time at the University in the Event Services department since the fall of 2001. He is originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Sabres!) where he graduated from Canisius High School. He spends as much time as he can with his two daughters, who are already looking forward to being part of Loyola's classes of 2031 and 2034!
Virtual Advisor
PL 201 satisfies the Philosophy core requirement for all students. BL 111 satisfies a core requirement for non-science majors. This course pairing is not recommended for students considering a major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Forensic Studies, Engineering, or Elementary Education.
