Peck Hall, Room 3212
www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/philosophy
Professors: Cataldi, Suzanne L., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1991, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; Danley, John R., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1977, University of Rochester; Fields, Gregory P., Comparative Philosophy, Ph.D., 1994, University of Hawai’i; Simons, Margaret A., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1977, Purdue University; Vailati, Ezio., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1985, University of California at San Diego; Ware, Robert B., Politics, D.Phil., 1995, Oxford University
Associate Professors: Crane, Judith K., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1999, Tulane University; Larkin, William S., Philosophy, Ph.D., 1998, University of California Santa Barbara
Assistant Professors: Cashen, Matthew C., Philosophy, Ph.D., 2007, Washington University; Littmann, Greg, Philosophy, Ph.D., 2004, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Lueck, Bryan L., Philosophy, Ph.D., 2007, The Pennsylvania State University; Pearson, Christopher H., Philosophy, Ph.D., 2007, University of Washington; Stone, Lucian W., Philosophy, Ph.D., 2005, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Instructors: Darr, Raymond C., Philosophy, M.A., 1984, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Meade, Erik J., Philosophy, M.A., 2001, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Schallert, Edward W., Philosophy, M.A., 1990, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Philosophy is the attempt to think carefully and critically about the nature of the world, the significance of life, and goals people should pursue both as individuals and as a society. Philosophers consider a number of complex questions, including the following:
- What is the nature and what are the limits of power that society can exercise legitimately over the individual?
- What makes human life valuable and worthy of respect?
- Are moral values objective or subjective?
- Is there a God? If so, what is God’s relationship to the world?
- How can one decide whether a work of art is beautiful?
- Do human beings have free will?
These pursuits also involve inquiring into the reasons for beliefs about these issues. Thus, philosophers are forced to consider the additional problem of what kinds of reasons are sound reasons.
A strong liberal arts background provides an excellent foundation from which to launch exciting careers. In today’s competitive environment, there is a premium for individuals with the critical skills of reading, writing, and independent thinking. These are the bases for lifelong learning and the skills that philosophy emphasizes. The study of philosophy also enriches one’s perspectives by introducing one to very different ways of looking at, and thinking about, the world and how people live in it.
In addition to opening the door to the pursuit of a graduate degree in philosophy, a major in philosophy is highly desirable in any career that puts a premium on critical skills and independent thinking, such as law and theology. Moreover, because of the relatively modest number of hours required for a philosophy major, many students find it convenient to plan a double major, uniting philosophy with other academic fields. Since their other major likely raises questions about values or methodology that philosophy may explore, it may deepen and broaden their training in the other major.
Philosophy is especially appropriate as a minor for those who plan to enter the professions of computer science, teaching, medicine, journalism, business, science, or social science, as well as law or theology.
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
Bachelor of Science, Philosophy
Program Overview
Admission
To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts program, students must:
- Complete all Academic Development courses required by the University.
- Complete any courses required to address high school deficiencies.
- Complete PHIL 106, PHIL 207, or PHIL 213 with a grade of C or better.
- Note: PHIL 106 does not count for credit toward the major in philosophy.
Retention
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Transfer
- Students transferring philosophy courses from another institution should consult a Philosophy adviser to review how these will apply toward the requirements for a BA or BS in Philosophy.
- A grade of C or better must be earned in all Philosophy transfer courses to count toward the required 33 hours.
Degree Requirements (124 hours total)
General Education Requirements
University general education requirements are outlined in the General Education section of this catalog and included in the sample curriculum outline. Some general education requirements may be satisfied while completing this major. General Education requirements total 42-44 hours.
Philosophy Course Requirements (33 hours)
- Area Requirements(15 hours, five different courses)
1. Three different courses including at least one course in each of the following areas:
A. History of Western Philosophy
PHIL 300- Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 301- Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 302- Classical Modern Western Philosophy
PHIL 303- Nineteenth Century Western Philosophy
PHIL 308- Twentieth Century European Philosophy
PHIL 309- Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy
B. Metaphysics and Epistemology
PHIL 310- Theories of Knowledge
PHIL 315- Philosophical Concepts in Science
PHIL 330- Metaphysics
PHIL 350- Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 411- Advanced Logic
PHIL 415- Philosophy of Language
C. Value Theory
PHIL 320- Ethics
PHIL 321- Ethics in the Medical Community
PHIL 322- Environmental Ethics
PHIL 323- Engineering, Ethics, and Professionalism
PHIL 340- Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 343- Philosophy of Law
PHIL 344- Women and Values
PHIL 346- Feminist Theory
PHIL 440- Classical Political Theory
PHIL 441- Modern Political Theory
PHIL 481- Media Ethics
PHIL 496- Adv. Topics in Ethical Theory
PHIL 498- Legal Theory
2. Two different courses including at least one course in any two of the following areas:
A. Cultural Pluralism
PHIL 334- World Religions
PHIL 335- Islamic Thought
PHIL 344- Women and Values
PHIL 345- Philosophy and Women
PHIL 347- Philosophical Foundations of Racism
PHIL 390 Philosophy Here and Abroad
B. Religion
PHIL 331- Philosophy, Science, and Religion
PHIL 333- Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 334- World Religions
PHIL 335- Islamic Thought
PHIL 336- Christian Thought
C. Special Fields
PHIL 305- Existentialism
PHIL 306- American Philosophy
PHIL 314- Philosophy of Science
PHIL 325- Philosophy of Art
PhIL 326- Philosophy and Film
PHIL 328- Philosophy and Literature
PHIL 495- Independent Readings
- PHIL 480—Senior Assignment (3 hours)
- PHIL 490—Philosophy Seminar (3 hours)
- Philosophy Electives (12 hours)
- A grade of C or above must be earned in all Philosophy courses to count toward the required 33 hours.
Other Program Requirements
- Foreign Language—required for BA, but not for the B.S (8 hours)
- Minor (18 hours)
- Additional Electives for the BA (21-23 hours)
- Additional Electives for the BS (24-31 hours)
- A minor in Philosophy consists of successful completion (C or better) of 18 hours in Philosophy, including three different courses in three of the six areas.
- PHIL 111 may count toward the 18 hours.
- Students must successfully complete (earn a grade of C or above) PHIL 106, PHIL 207, or PHIL 213 before applying for a minor in Philosophy. PHIL 106 does not count for credit toward the 18 hours for the minor in Philosophy.
For more information please visit our Related Minors page.