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Philosophy
Become a diverse thinker
Gain an understanding of the history of philosophy, philosophical issues regarding law, medicine and business, as well as the basic problems posed by diverse thinkers. You will also develop analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills while analyzing both the humanistic and technical features of philosophy.
Regardless of your career goals, a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy will provide you with excellent tools and skills in critical thinking, analyzing content from various perspectives, and verbal and written communication. You will learn to form arguments and take a position on an issue.
In addition to a variety of combined degree programs, we offer the 3+3 BA/JD, which allows high-achieving first-year undergraduate students to be admitted simultaneously to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) and the College of Law (LAW). You’ll complete your first three years in LAS and your final three years in LAW.
Classes
Coursework
- Ethical Theories
- Philosophy and Modern Society
- Philosophy, Conflict and Peace
- Business Ethics
- Critical Thinking
- Basic/Symbolic Logic
- Aesthetics
- Survey of Political Philosophy
Resources
Career Options
Common Career Areas
- Ethics
- Law
- Social service
- Political work
- Education
- Journalism
- Public policy
- Writing
86%
of Philosophy graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.
Major Requirements
Course Requirements
Please note that PHL 100 or HON 105 or any 200-level PHL course is the prerequisite for most 300-level philosophy courses and for the 200-level History Sequence courses.
Basic Prerequisite (1)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one introductory course: | 4 | |
| INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY | ||
Value Studies (1)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following list of 200-level Value Studies courses: | 4 | |
| ETHICAL THEORIES | ||
| PHILOSOPHY OF GOD | ||
| EXISTENTIAL THEMES | ||
| TOPICS AND CONTROVERSIES | ||
| WHAT IS A PERSON? | ||
| NEUROETHICS | ||
| BIOMEDICAL ETHICS | ||
| CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN ETHICS | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND RACE | ||
| WHAT IS FREEDOM? | ||
| ISSUES IN SEX AND GENDER | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND MODERN SOCIETY | ||
| ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND THE CITY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY, CONFLICT AND PEACE | ||
| FEMINIST PHILOSOPHIES | ||
| LOVE, HATRED, AND RESENTMENT | ||
| ETHICS AND PUBLIC POLICY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND TECHNOLOGY | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND FILM | ||
| PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION | ||
| REASON AND SOCIETY | ||
| BLACK AESTHETIC THOUGHT | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND THE VALUE OF MUSIC | ||
| BUSINESS ETHICS | ||
| PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIAL CHANGE | ||
| GENDER, RACE, AND CLASS: PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES | ||
| PHILOSOPHICAL CRITIQUES OF COLONIALISM | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN PHILOSOPHIES | ||
Cognitive Skills (1)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following list of Cognitive Skills courses: | 4 | |
| CRITICAL THINKING | ||
| BASIC LOGIC | ||
| SYMBOLIC LOGIC I | ||
| SYMBOLIC LOGIC II | ||
History Sequence (3)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select PHL 293 plus any two of the remaining History Sequence courses. | 12 | |
| ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY | ||
| MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY | ||
| EARLY MODERN PHILOSOPHY | ||
| KANT & 19TH CENTURY PHILOSOPHY | ||
| 20TH CENTURY PHILOSOPHY | ||
Major Field Electives (7)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select seven of any remaining PHL courses, at least five of which must be 300-level courses. | 28 | |
Capstone Seminar (1)
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHL 391 | SENIOR CAPSTONE SEMINAR | 4 |
Additional Considerations
Each student is expected to consult with their departmental advisor on course selection. With departmental permission, a senior may take one course selected from the graduate offerings in philosophy. Certain courses in other departments may be acceptable equivalents for philosophy credit. Seniors who have a superior record in philosophy may petition to do a Senior Thesis. The regular program of courses is supplemented by philosophical symposia, departmental colloquia, and mini-courses featuring prominent philosophers
