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Philosophy (B.A.)

Philosophy courses focus on fundamental questions of human existence and examines our most basic beliefs and value judgments. Studying philosophy promotes critical thinking, logical problem solving, and precise written communication. Knowing the history of philosophy is the key to understanding the intellectual foundations of much of contemporary culture. The skills philosophy students learn are applicable to a wide range of careers. The philosophy major provides rigorous preparation for graduate study and professional degree programs in fields such as law, public policy and biomedical ethics.

The major includes an internship to provide practical experience in a professional context, and a senior seminar course to develop research skills.

Philosophy majors have the option of focusing on one or more specialized subject area by declaring any of the following approved tracks and taking four courses within the track, or they may take any other combination of required and elective PH courses that fulfills the major requirements.

The ethical theory and practice track provides knowledge of major ethical theories and develops skill in applying ethical concepts and decision-making to personal lives and professional careers. This track is ideal for students interested in learning how to engage with and address complex ethical issues that we confront in all areas of life, as well as those who plan to pursue careers in biomedical ethics, cyberethics, environmental ethics and sustainability, or business ethics and compliance.

The law, politics and social justice track provides knowledge of the foundations and principles of our social, political, and legal systems, develops skill in applying concepts to address issues and tools to solve problems that arise in these contexts. This track is ideal for students who plan to pursue careers in law, government or public policy.

The science, technology, and society track examines the scientific approach to understanding the world and the impacts of science and technology on individuals, society and the natural world. This track is ideal for students who plan to pursue careers in science or technology policy.

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 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

See the Liberal Arts Core for details. 

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 Requirements.

PH 100Exploring Philosophy *

3

OR

PH 102Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom *

OR

PH 103Exploring Philosophy Through Science Fiction *

 

PH 300Modern Logic *

3

PH 400Internship

3

PH 422Senior Seminar *

3

 

Major Elective Requirements

Six (6) credits in philosophy electives.

Four courses from an approved track or four (4) PH courses from the 200 level or higher.

Ethical Theory and Practice track

PH 303Animals, the Environment, and Ethics *

3

PH 305Business Ethics *

3

PH 305SLBusiness Ethics *

3

PH 309Ethical Theory *

3

PH 311Biomedical Ethics *

3

PH 313Cyberethics *

3

Law, Politics and Social Justice track

PH 300Modern Logic *

3

PH 301Social and Political Philosophy *

3

PH 302Comparative Social and Political Philosophy

3

PH 307Philosophy of Law *

3

PH 309Ethical Theory *

3

Science, Technology, and Society track

PH 230Mind, Brains, and Machines *

3

PH 250Science, Technology and Society *

3

PH 303Animals, the Environment, and Ethics *

3

PH 313Cyberethics *

3

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 101Composition I *

3

 

PH 100Exploring Philosophy *

3

OR

PH 102Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom *

OR

PH 103Exploring Philosophy Through Science Fiction *

HI History (HI) core course *

3

Social Science (SS) core course *

3

MA Mathematics (MT) core course *

3-4

EN 101: WR core course

PH 100, 102, or 103: PH core course

Year One - Spring

EN 102Composition II *

3

TRS 100Theological Inquiry *

3

Natural Science (NS) core course with lab *

4

Social Science (SS) core course *

3

One (1) elective - foreign language recommended

EN 102: WR core course

TRS 100: TRS core course

Year Two - Fall

One (1) philosophy major elective - PH 309 recommended

One (1) philosophy track course or 200-level philosophy course

EN Literature (LT) core course *

3

Social Science (SS) core course *

3

One (1) elective

3

 

Year Two - Spring

PH 300Modern Logic *

3

One (1) philosophy major elective course

Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course *

Two (2) electives

6

PH 300: DF&R core course

Year Three - Fall

One (1) philosophy track course or 200-level philosophy course

Depth in Humanities core course

3

Three (3) electives

9

Year Three - Spring

One (1) philosophy track course or 200-level philosophy course

Depth in Sciences (DSCI) core course *

3

Three (3) electives

9

Year Four - Fall

One (1) philosophy track course or 200-level philosophy course

Three (3) electives

9

Year Four - Spring

PH 400Internship

3

PH 422Senior Seminar *

3

Three (3) electives

9

 

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.