Philosophy, BA

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Program Description

As lovers of wisdom, philosophers have always contemplated life’s fundamental questions: What values make life meaningful, what is the nature of reality and knowledge, what is the best organization for society, does God exist?

The philosophy faculty offer courses in logic, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of science. We also teach topical courses focused on major philosophers, particular historical periods (ancient, medieval, modern), and discrete philosophical topics (for example, existentialism, aesthetics, and ancient science).

By challenging students to analyze concepts clearly and evaluate arguments critically, philosophy hones reasoning skills, stimulates intellectual creativity, and makes life more interesting and rewarding. By teaching critical thinking, persuasive writing, and effective communication, philosophy also develops skills in high demand by employers.

Admission Requirements 

Students must have met College of Liberal Arts admission requirements. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the Philosophy, BA program will:

• Acquire effective writing and communication skills
• Acquire strong critical thinking skills
• Learn how to analyze complex arguments
• Appreciate diverse philosophical worldviews and ethical systems

Philosophy Honors Program

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in Philosophy may apply to complete an Honors project. An Honors project involves independent study with a faculty mentor. It will usually extend over two consecutive terms and earn six hours of credit upon its successful completion. The project culminates in the writing of a major research paper (25-30 pages) during the second term and an oral defense of the project with the program faculty.

For More Information

• Philosophy, BA
• School of Humanities and Cultural Studies
• College of Liberal Arts

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

II. Major Requirements: 33 Hours

FIVE AREA COURSES WITH AT LEAST ONE FROM EACH: 15 HOURS

Area 1: Philosophy Core Curriculum

Area 2: History of Philosophy

Area 3: Value Theory 

AREA 1: PHILOSOPHY CORE CURRICULUM

Take at least one course from this area.

• PHL 2040 - Great Books: Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 2050 - Philosophy: The Big Questions Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3030 - Modern Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3060 - Analytic Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3130 - Metaphysics Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3140 - Theories of Knowledge Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3150 - Philosophy of Language and Logic Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3200 - Symbolic Logic I Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3250 - Inductive Logic Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3510 - Philosophy and Scientific Revolutions Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3670 - Philosophy of Mind Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3800 - Identity, Responsibility, and Death Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4200 - Symbolic Logic II Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4710 - Philosophy of Science Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4720 - Philosophy of Social Science Credit Hour(s): 3

AREA 2: VALUE THEORY

Take at least one course from this area. 

• PHL 2100 - Philosophy of State and Society Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3090 - Existentialism Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3110 - Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3120 - History of Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3310 - Modern Political Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3320 - 20th Century Political Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3410 - Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3780 - Bioethics Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3800 - Identity, Responsibility, and Death Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3830 - Faith and Reason Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3900 - Topics in Philosophy of Religion Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4020 - Seminar in Continental Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4110 - Ethics Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4140 - Philosophy of Law Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4420 - Literature and Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3

AREA 3: HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY

Take at least one course from this area.

• PHL 2040 - Great Books: Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3010 - Ancient Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3020 - Medieval Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3030 - Modern Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3050 - 19th Century Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3060 - Analytic Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3090 - Existentialism Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3100 - American Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3120 - History of Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3310 - Modern Political Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3320 - 20th Century Political Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3510 - Philosophy and Scientific Revolutions Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3650 - Theories of Human Nature Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 3830 - Faith and Reason Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4010 - Major Philosophers Credit Hour(s): 3
• PHL 4020 - Seminar in Continental Philosophy Credit Hour(s): 3

PHILOSOPHY ELECTIVES - 6 COURSES: 18 HOURS

One 3-credit upper level REL or CLS course may be substituted for one 3-credit PHL elective course.

III. Related Requirements

IV. College Requirements: 18 Hours

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 12 HOURS

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:

Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other.

METHODS OF INQUIRY

• PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3

• Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 31 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

• Philosophy, BA (GPS)

• Philosophy, BA (3 yr) (GPS)