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 100 | Exploring Philosophy * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PH 102 | Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom * | |
| | OR | |
| PH 103 | Exploring Philosophy Through Science Fiction * | |
| | | |
| PH 300 | Modern Logic * | 3 |
| PH 400 | Internship | 3 |
| PH 422 | Senior 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
Law, Politics and Social Justice track
| PH 300 | Modern Logic * | 3 |
| PH 301 | Social and Political Philosophy * | 3 |
| PH 302 | Comparative Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PH 307 | Philosophy of Law * | 3 |
| PH 309 | Ethical Theory * | 3 |
Science, Technology, and Society track
| PH 230 | Mind, Brains, and Machines * | 3 |
| PH 250 | Science, Technology and Society * | 3 |
| PH 303 | Animals, the Environment, and Ethics * | 3 |
| PH 313 | Cyberethics * | 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 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| | | |
| PH 100 | Exploring Philosophy * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PH 102 | Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom * | |
| | OR | |
| PH 103 | Exploring 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 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological 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 300 | Modern Logic * | 3 |
| | One (1) philosophy major elective course | |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
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 400 | Internship | 3 |
| PH 422 | Senior Seminar * | 3 |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.