Philosophy
8 courses · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHIL-120 Introduction to Philosophy 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
Introduces students to the ideas of major Western philosophers from pre-Socratic times to the end of the 18th Century and develops the students' critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
PHIL-121 Introduction to Philosophy 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
Introduces students to the ideas of major Western philosophers from the early 17th Century to the present and develops students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
PHIL-125 Introduction to Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
A survey of major ethical theories in Western thought with reference to questions of right, good and duty, combined with application of these theories to situations in our personal lives.
PHIL-126 Contemporary American Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
The critical examination of personal beliefs related to contemporary American moral issues such as abortion, drugs, capital punishment, euthanasia, privacy, etc. Attention is given to weighing issues, making judgments and understanding diverse positions on any moral issue.
PHIL-128 Social and Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course investigates issues central to the question, "How can we best live together?" It addresses the philosophical underpinnings of the theories of justice, freedom, natural law, personal and civic responsibilities, social and political affiliation, cultural diversity vis-a-vis the aforementioned and the constitution of the good society. Students will also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
PHIL-129 Introduction to Epistemology and Metaphysics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of PHIL-120 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
Epistemology (the study of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of reality) are two important branches in philosophy. Epistemology explores the themes of artificial intelligence versus human intelligence and the relationships between knowledge, beliefs, and evidence. Metaphysics examines our reality and everything in existence, including the acquisition of knowledge and the question of consciousness. This course emphasizes the historical and classical works that provide a foundation for the basic principles of good argumentation and critical analysis.
PHIL-133 World Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
Introduces students to the major themes in philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology ethics, determinism and freedom, and ontology. Major philosophers from every continent of the globe will be presented on each issue. The course develops the students' critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
PHIL-300 Medical Ethics and Patient Advocacy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Exploration of core topics in the study of medical ethics and patient advocacy. Diverse perspectives on medical ethics and patient advocacy are examined through a philosophical approach. Students will develop an understanding of medical ethics and patient advocacy in the areas of health and medical care.