Philosophy (B.A.)
The study of philosophy promotes rational and critical thinking and provides a sense of our intellectual traditions from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
The philosophy major aims to develop a critical and articulated understanding of basic beliefs and value judgments. Students of philosophy become acquainted with the intellectual foundation of much of Western culture and find opportunities to compare it to the tenets of other cultures. They also learn to analyze problems through a variety of methods.
Philosophy majors become qualified for careers in which a liberal arts degree is desirable. It is the recommended undergraduate major for students intending to pursue advanced studies in philosophy, religion, or theology, or in many areas of professional study, such as law. Internships in a variety of human service agencies or congressional offices add to the practical dimension of the study.
Upon successful completion of the philosophy program, students will be able to
- demonstrate an awareness of the broad and deep understanding of issues concerning fundamental problems of human existence;
- synthesize and assess ethical and moral arguments;
- articulate the role of reason in the understanding and in the creation of personal world views;
- conduct appropriate research to develop considered responses to questions about philosophical problems using their knowledge of philosophical claims and theories; and
- demonstrate epistemic virtues such as intellectual curiosity, courage to engage in independent inquiry, humility to hold beliefs provisionally, and a commitment to perfect one’s personal world view.
A minor in philosophy is also available. Please see the School of Humanities minors section for details.
Degree Requirements — Philosophy
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Philosophy majors will satisfy the three-course university Writing Intensive (WI) requirement by taking three of the following courses: PH 330 Philosophy of Mind, PH 345 Philosophy of Religion, PH 355 Phenomenology and Existentialism, PH 360 Philosophy and Literature, PH 365 Asian Philosophy, and PH 370 Philosophy of Art.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
| PH 300 | Modern Logic * | 3 |
| PH 400 | Internship * | 3 |
| PH 422 | Senior Seminar * | 3 |
| | Eighteen (18) credits in philosophy electives | |
Sample Degree Plan — Philosophy
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| HI | Introductory History (HI-1) core course * | 3 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course * | 3 |
| MA | Mathematics (MT) core course * | 3-4 |
| CNCT 100 | Connections * | 3 |
Year One — Spring
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Two — Fall
| | One (1) philosophy course - PH 309 recommended | |
| | One (1) philosophy course | |
| EN | Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course * | 3 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course in a second discipline * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - GP course if not already completed * | 3 |
Year Two — Spring
| PH 300 | Modern Logic * | 3 |
| | One (1) philosophy course | |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) in a third discipline or Second Natural Science (NS) core course * | 3 |
| | Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective - 1st DSINQ course if not already completed * | |
Year Three — Fall
| | One (1) philosophy course | |
| | Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 1st WI course if not already completed * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Three — Spring
| | One (1) philosophy course | |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 2nd WI course if not already completed * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four — Fall
| | One (1) philosophy course | |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 2nd DSINQ course required if not already completed * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four — Spring
| PH 400 | Internship * | 3 |
| PH 422 | Senior Seminar * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 3rd DSINQ course required if not already completed * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and the Course Descriptions for further information.