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 which 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. For more information or assistance concerning the Philosophy program, please contact the Department of Philosophical Studies in Peck Hall.
Undergraduate students who intend to apply for a major in Philosophy must satisfactorily complete (with a grade of C or better). Philosophy 106 or its equivalent before applying for a major in Philosophy. Philosophy 106 or its equivalent does not count for credit toward the major in Philosophy.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Total number of required course hours: 124.
General Education Requirements: 42–44 hours. (Some General Education requirements may be satisfied while completing this major concentration.)
Requirements for Concentration in Philosophy:
Total Number of Hours Required in Philosophy: 33 hours.
Specific Required Philosophy Courses (18 hours):
1.Philosophy 233 (Philosophies and Diverse Cultures): 3 hours
2. Philosophy 300 (Ancient Philosophy): 3 hours
3. Philosophy 302 (Classical Western Modern Philosophy): 3 hours
4. Philosophy 320 (Ethics): 3 hours
5. Philosophy 310 (Theories of Knowledge) or Philosophy 330 (Metaphysics): 3 hours
6. Philosophy 490 (Special Problems): 3 hours
Philosophy Electives: 15 hours.
Other Program Requirements:
Foreign Language: 8 hours.
Minor in another discipline: 18 hours.
Additional Electives: 21–23 hours.
Every Philosophy major must complete the Senior Assignment in order to graduate.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy:
Total number of required course hours: 124.
The requirements are the same as for the Bachelor of Science, but without the Foreign Language requirement.
Both for majors and minors in Philosophy, credit is allowed only for those Philosophy courses in which the grade earned is C or above.
A minor in Philosophy consists of 18 hours in Philosophy courses. Philosophy 111 may count toward the 18 hours. Students must successfully complete (earn a grade of C or above) Philosophy 106 or its equivalent before they apply for a minor in Philosophy. Philosophy 106 or its equivalent does not count for credit toward the minor in Philosophy.
It is strongly recommended that all students elect Philosophy 111 early in their careers; the hours credited will count toward the major in Philosophy only if they are among the first nine credit hours in Philosophy. If students are considering graduate work in Philosophy, they should take two years of a foreign language, preferably French or German, and Philosophy 213 or 411.
Related minors:
For more information please visit our Related Minors page.