Programs and Courses
Undergraduate
Majors must complete at least 30 semester hours within the Department. Of these, six courses (18 credits) are specifically required: Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Ethics, Metaphysics and Epistemology, Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, Modern Philosophy and Symbolic Logic. The student shapes the rest of the major according to her or his interests.
Click here for information about the Honors Thesis in Philosophy.
A minor in philosophy consists of 18 semester hours of courses in the department, and students are entirely free to select the courses that best fit their needs and interests.
The department of Philosophy offers a minor in Philosophy of Science. This is an interdisciplinary minor that allows students (and especially those who are majoring in any of the sciences or in mathematics) to deepen their understanding of science in general (and their own scientific activity). The courses required include historical, formal and conceptual courses. Topics that are included in the required classes include the structure of scientific reasoning, the development of central concepts in science, the reasons we are justified in trusting science (despite the fact that the history of science is, in some sense, a history of failures), and examinations of central concepts in science (causation, laws of nature, determinism, chance etc.).
The minor in philosophy of law introduces students to philosophical reflection on the practices and institutions of the law. The minor develops in students analytical and critical thinking skills that are broadly valuable, and especially crucial for graduate study in law. It consists of the successful completion of 18 semester hours. At least six semester hours must be in residence. This includes four required courses (12 s.h.) and two courses (6 s.h.) chosen from the list below. Fifteen semester hours must be for liberal arts credit.
Concentration in Applied Ethics
Majors or minors may concentrate their philosophy pursuits in the area of Applied Ethics. Offerings typically include courses that bring normative theories to bear on special fields of concern, e.g. environmental or bioethics. Students interested in public affairs and/or professional studies may also take advantage of this track. Consult with the program advisor:
Courses
Use the prefix PHI (Philosophy) to find the most up-to-date information about philosophy courses.