The Program
The Philosophy program provides an opportunity to engage
in disciplined reflection about matters that concern every human
being—ourselves, our world, our interaction with one another—and
therefore is both intellectually stimulating and personally enriching.
Philosophy is sometimes characterized as the critical (reasoned)
examination of fundamental questions, and this understanding
of the discipline is connected to the idea that the underlying
motivation of philosophical reflection is the pursuit of wisdom.
In addition to the intellectual and personal values embodied
in the study of philosophy, students acquire skills related to
critical thinking, communication, and awareness of values that
are applicable to other academic areas and readily transferable
to non-academic careers in business, government, law, and public
service, among others.
Program Structure
The major consists of 30 credit hours. Completion of
the major typically occurs within 3 years. The components are:
-
two introductory level courses
(6 credits);
-
two history of philosophy
courses (6 credits);
-
five 300–400 level
courses (15 credits); and
-
one elective (3 credits).
Apart from the historical component of the
program, which is designed to provide students with a knowledge
of historically influential figures such as Plato, Aristotle,
Rene Descartes, and David Hume, there is a wide range of
choice within the major.
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Courses such as Existentialism,
Philosophy of Religion, and The Meaning of Life are regularly
offered, as are a number of courses dealing with contemporary
ethical problems, such as Biomedical Ethics and Philosophy
and the Environment.
The department values multicultural perspectives
and includes them in most courses in the curriculum. Also,
a course in Asian and African Philosophies is offered, as
is a course called Philosophy and Women. A minor in philosophy
consists of 18 credit hours. Philosophy as a Second Major
Since the Philosophy major is not as directly
tied to specific careers as many other majors,
some students find that
philosophy is an optimal second
major. In this way, the intellectual and personal values that make Philosophy
so attractive can be pursued while at the same time enhancing one’s marketability
in the workplace. Philosophy develops analytic, evaluative, and communication
skills that are desirable in virtually all careers. For the same reasons, a
minor in Philosophy is a sound complement for any major.
Career Opportunities
The Philosophy major can lead to both academic and
non-academic careers. Teaching is the primary academic career;
completion of a
doctorate degree in philosophy is typically required. There are
a variety of non-academic careers which currently employ philosophy
graduates. Prime examples are business, government, law, public
service,
and religious ministry. |
