Introduction to Philosophy from an Ontological Perspective
PHI-601SEM-SMI
University at Buffalo
- Semester
- Fall 2026
- Instructor
- Barry Smith
- Start Date
- 08-24-2026
- Total Credits
- 1
- Call to Register
- 716-645-5698
Take your class online with SUNY
You will learn the same curriculum as our on-campus students
This provides an introduction to central themes in philosophy viewed from an ontological perspective. The course is designed to be of interest to both philosophers and those with a background in computer and information science. Topics treated will include: 1. a - brief history of ontology from Aristotle to the Human Genome Project; 2. the meaning of life; 3. the ontology of social reality; 4, ontology leaving the mother ship of philosophy; 5. why computer science needs philosophy. 6. the Semantic Web, 7. towards a standard top-level ontology; 8. ontology and the Federal Government Data Integration Initiative (anno 2009). The entire course content is available here: https://ncorwiki.buffalo.edu/index.php/Introduction_to_Philosophy_from_an_Ontological_Perspective No prior knowledge of philosophy is required.
Course Area: Philosophy
Level: Graduate
Dates: 08-24-2026 - 12-07-2026
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- Instructor: Barry Smith
- Local Course ID: 26FA_BUF_PHI601_SEMSMI
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