Courses - Fall 2025
PHPE
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Open Seats as of
05/16/2025 at 10:30 PM
PHPE308D
Special Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Political Realism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with PHIL428D. Credit only granted for PHIL428D or PHPE308D.
PHPE308M
Special Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHPE308N
Special Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; AI and the Human Experience
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This course offers a broad overview of key concepts in artificial intelligence (AI) from the perspective of the humanities. Topics include: central applications, the ethics of AI deployment, the way it interacts with social justice, the space for AI creativity and art, the degree to which AI systems are rational, and the opportunities AI technology presents for advancing scientific understanding and enhancing human well-being. Throughout the course, students will explore fundamental questions about AI, as well as its historical development. They will also be introduced to a range of modern AI technologies, such as recommender systems, large-language models, facial recognition, and predictive analytics, discussing both their positive impacts and potential negative consequences.
PHPE308O
Special Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Ethical Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: 6 credits in PHIL courses. Cross-listed with PHPE308O. Credit only granted for PHIL341 or PHPE308O.
A critical examination of classical and contemporary systems of ethics, such as those of Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Rawls.
A critical examination of classical and contemporary systems of ethics, such as those of Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Rawls.
PHPE308R
Special Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Life's Meaning
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHPE308Y
Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy
Prerequisite: Must have completed 6 credits in philosophy or classics.
Cross-listed with: PHIL310, CLAS310.
Credit only granted for: PHIL310, CLAS310, or PHPE308Y.
A study of the origins and development of philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Epicureans, and Stoics.
Cross-listed with PHIL310 and CLAS310. Credit only granted for PHIL310, PHPE308Y, or CLAS310.
PHPE386
Experiential Learning Practicum in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
For students who wish to gain experience working in research outside the classroom. Pending approval of the department, students may work at a professional site or remotely under professional supervision - your primary supervisor must be a professional in the field. Beyond working at a professional site or under professional supervision, students will have to complete further assignments to receive a passing grade in the course. Students may take PHPE386 for three-six credits, but only three credits will count towards the major requirements. PHPE386 is only open to those with junior standing or above.
PHPE400
Individual and Group Decision-Making
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics major; and must have junior standing or higher; or permission of instructor .
Foundational issues that arise within the theories of rational choice that underlie the treatments of decision-making found in economics, politics, and the other social sciences. The course is focused on individual decisions (rational choice theory), strategic decisions (game theory) and group decisions (social choice theory). In addition to presenting the formal models of decision making, we also discuss to what extent these mathematical theories explain social interactions. An important aspect of the course is to introduce students to the ways in which economic analysis has been applied to issues in social and political philosophy. Readings will be drawn from the literature in economics, psychology, statistics and political science, as well as philosophy.
For 2023 academic year, PHPE400 is only being offered in the Fall semester. Credit only granted for PHPE400 or GVPT449D.
PHPE401
Social Philosophy and Political Economy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics major; and must have junior standing or higher; or permission of instructor.
Examines capitalism and socialism as differing modes of economic production through several different theoretical lenses. We begin by examining capitalism and socialism as they developed historically, by looking primarily at the work of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Then, we turn our attention to one of the most important debates in 20th century economics: to what extent rational economic calculation is possible in a socialist commonwealth. After this we turn our attention to how capitalist and socialist modes of production functioned in practice. We end by turning our attention to the ethics of capitalism and socialism: which mode of economic production is most just?
PHPE402
Senior Capstone in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be a PHPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) major with senior standing; or permission of instructor.
Senior capstone course for the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics major. The exact content of the course will be determined by the instructor who teaches it. The purpose of the course is to pursue sustained inquiry on a narrow philosophical topic, using the tools and methods from economics and political science to help analyze the topic. The course ends with a substantial research paper, where the student should demonstrate an ability to use the tools of philosophy, political science, and economics in his or her analysis.
PHPE408J
Advanced Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; The Philosophy of Plato
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Cross-listed with PHIL412. Credit only granted for PHIL412 or PHPE408J.
A critical study of selected dialogues.
A critical study of selected dialogues.
PHPE408R
Advanced Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Contemporary Political Philosophy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Must have completed 3 credits in philosophy or political theory; or permission of ARHU-Philosophy department. And sophomore standing or higher. Cross-listed with PHIL445. Credit only granted for PHIL445 or PHPE408R.
Major trends in contemporary political philosophy: liberal, libertarian, communitarian, socialist, feminist.
Major trends in contemporary political philosophy: liberal, libertarian, communitarian, socialist, feminist.
PHPE408W
Advanced Topics in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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