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A general introduction to philosophical issues and the methods of philosophical investigation. The course may be essentially historical in its approach or essentially problem-focused. Readings may be drawn from 'big names' in the history of philosophy (e.g., Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Mill, and others) or from contemporary 'state-of-the-discipline' sources, or from both. Issues will include some from the following, among others: freewill and determinism; ethical relativism v ethical objectivism; the existence and rationality of belief in the existence of a god; the mind and body problem and the problem of other minds; the nature of persons and the possibility of artificial persons (thinking computers); applied philosophy issues such as the problem of abortion, the problem of same-sex marriage, the problem of death penalty.