John F. Morris, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy

Courses:  here is a list of the current courses I teach; following the LINKS provided will take you to a copy of the current Course Syllabus, as well as to course handouts and notes (if available).

Reality & Human Existence  PL 1100:  As part of Level I coursework for the Core Curriculum, this course is an introduction to The Philosophical Mode of Inquiry and the study of ultimate questions about reality and human existence.  As such, the course distinguishes philosophical understanding from other ways of knowing, such as through theology and empirical science.  Topics include the philosophical examination of knowledge, truth, freedom, immortality, and the meaning of life.  In keeping with Rockhurst University’s Jesuit Mission of education, the skills and tools used to investigate these topics are designed to help students become more reflective and critical thinkers, and will provide a broadening perspective for further study in the natural and social sciences, literature, history, the arts, and for the various professional programs.  We will examine these important philosophical issues from the three major philosophical approaches:  1) realism {represented by Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas}; 2) idealism {represented by Rene Descartes}; and, 3) skepticism {represented by David Hume}. TOP

Ethical Theory  PL 3100:  Ethics is the study of how to live the good life.  As part of Level II coursework for the Core Curriculum, this course in ethical theory will explore the theoretical underpinnings of what constitutes the “good life,” as presented by philosophers throughout history.  This will involve a rigorous examination of the major ethical theories developed in the Western tradition that applies philosophical principles from metaphysics, human nature, and epistemology.  There will be some discussion of contemporary ethical problems, but our focus will be on grasping the theoretical issues involved with the “good life” and learning the skills and tools necessary to critically evaluate the various ethical theories being studied.  In keeping with Rockhurst University’s Jesuit Mission, a central goal of this class is to help the student become a morally reflective member of society. TOP

Honors Ethical Theory  PL 3150:  Ethics is the study of how to live the good life.  As part of Level II coursework for the Core Curriculum, this course in ethical theory will explore the theoretical underpinnings of what constitutes the “good life,” as presented by philosophers throughout history.  This will involve a rigorous examination of the major ethical theories developed in the Western tradition that applies philosophical principles from metaphysics, human nature, and epistemology.  There will be some discussion of contemporary ethical problems, but our focus will be on grasping the theoretical issues involved with the “good life” and learning the skills and tools necessary to critically evaluate the various ethical theories being studied.  In addition, as an Honors class, there will be specific discussions of current ethical problems as illustrated by contemporary philosohers working in the traditions being studied in class.  In keeping with Rockhurst University’s Jesuit Mission, a central goal of this class is to help the student become a morally reflective member of society, and so the course concludes with each student developing an authentic, personal theory of ethics.  TOP

Philosophy of God  PL 3200:  This key course examines what reason can and cannot reveal about a supreme being.  As such, the course will address the key differences between a theological approach to God, and a philosophical approach to God.  We will use the primary texts of Anselm, Aquinas, and Kant to study theism and agnosticism, along with their metaphysical roots and suppositions.  We will also investigate God’s relation to the world and the religious relevance of the God of Philosophy.  Special care will be taken to ground the issues in terms of the history of philosophy, as well as to relate these issues to the contemporary milieu. TOP

Medieval Philosophy  PL 3410:  This course will involve the study of philosophical thought from the Patristic Age to the early Renaissance.  We will focus primarily on the metaphysical issues raised during this era of philosophy, such as the problem of universals, questions debating the creation of the world, arguments for the immortality of the soul, and the philosophical attempt to discuss the nature of God.  Our survey of this period will include works from Christian, Islamic, and Jewish philosophers. TOP

Philosophy of Technology  PL 3980:  This course will engage the student on a philosophical inquiry into the impact of technology on society, culture, and the human person.  With technology forming and shaping so much of the contemporary human environment, there is certainly much about technology to arouse our philosophical sense of wonder and warrant careful and critical investigation.  And so, our inquiry will include an examination of the epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical implications of the human development and use of technology.  This course is proposed as a philosophical inquiry, and so it will not focus upon technology as technology or as science, but rather will examine our assumptions about technology in contemporary society and its relation to human persons from competing points of view. TOP

The Philosophy of Aquinas  PL 4140:  This course involves a rigorous and thorough examination of the thought of the thirteenth-century philosopher, known as the “Angelic Doctor.”  St. Thomas was a prolific thinker and writer with topics covering the relationship between faith and reason, free will, the soul, immortality, the existence and nature of God, knowledge, truth, and wisdom.  In this course, students will immerse themselves in the life and thought of this great medieval scholar and person.  Special attention will be paid to historical influences on his thought, as well as to developments that distinguish his philosophy from those of his predecessors and his immediate successors (such as Duns Scotus and William of Ockham).  Primarily his views on faith and reason, metaphysics, and human nature will be examined. TOP

The Philosophy of Augustine  PL 4410:  This course will study the life and writings of St. Augustine of Hippo, and his vast contributions to the philosophical understanding of reality and human existence.  St. Augustine was a prolific thinker and writer with topics covering the relationship between faith and reason, free will, the soul, immortality, the existence and nature of God, knowledge, truth, and wisdom.  In particular, this course will explore the neo-platonic influence on St. Augustine’s philosophical views, his own development of an authentic Christian philosophy, and his impact on subsequent philosophy – especially medieval scholasticism.  TOP

Seminar in Medical Ethics  PL 4700:   In this seminar we will discuss and analyze ethical issues in medicine and the life sciences from the perspective of thepatient/practitioner relationship. Traditional and current problems in medical ethics will be examined in a two-fold manner, involving both the presentation of the facts involved with each issue and the analysis of related cases.  For case analysis, the course will present a model for decision making based on ethical personalism that strives for consensus by applying ethical principles that flow out of our common human nature.   In keeping with Rockhurst University’s Jesuit Mission, a central goal of this class is to help the student become a morally reflective member of society. .  TOP

Ethical Decision Making in CSD CD 7115:   This course in ethical decision-making in SLP is designed to enhance each student’s awareness of, and knowledge about, a complexity of issues in the professional practice of SLP, such as patient rights, the use of technology, scope of practice, research, supervision, etc., all of which have ethical and cultural dimensions.  Of particular importance will be reviewing the ASHA Code of Ethics.  Students will learn a model for ethical decisoin-making that strives for consensus, and will apply this model to cases from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.  The course will include a weekly group discussion as well as case reviews. TOP