Research Preparation in Philosophy I

This course is based around the close reading of classic texts in analytic philosophy with an emphasis on epistemology, metaphysics, and logic. The course work will develop the ability to identify and assess informal and formal arguments and to write and present in a lucid and persuasive manner. Particular emphasis will be placed on research methodology of theoretical philosophy, such as assessing validity and logical consequence, inference to the best explanation, theories of reference and meaning, and explanation.