Department of Philosophy

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Philosophy explores some of life’s most persistent and important questions concerning morality, justice, truth, knowledge, human freedom, happiness, human nature, society, religion, the good life, beauty, and our relationship to the natural world. Some of our courses consider how influential philosophers have addressed these questions over time and across different societies. Our courses also address contemporary issues and questions that are relevant to other fields of study and to a variety of professions. For example, we offer courses on biomedical ethics, justice in healthcare, environmental ethics, philosophy of law, political theory, global justice, human rights, philosophy of science, ethics and technology, professional ethics, and aesthetics.

Philosophy courses strengthen your ability to analyze and criticize arguments and theories, identify common ground between opposing views, write with clarity and precision, and think about problems in creative and innovative ways. Because of this, studying philosophy can help prepare you for many different career paths, including careers in law, politics, business, journalism, bioethics, environmental policy, the technology industry, and education. Philosophy majors and minors often excel in advanced standardized tests such as the GRE, LSAT, and GMAT, and they have improved chances of getting into top post-graduate programs and law schools.

Our courses are designed to appeal to a variety of student interests and concerns regardless of their chosen major or intended career. Non-majors also gain a richer education and preparation for work and life.

Learning Goals in Philosophy

Content/Disciplinary Knowledge
1a. Explain key terms, concepts, and ideas in the discipline of philosophy
1b. Describe major figures and historical developments in the tradition as well as methods applied in the discipline of philosophy
Critical Thinking
2a. Construct arguments that are well reasoned and free of fallacies, with conclusions properly following from premises
2b. Evaluate arguments and ideas, and recognize forms of fallacious, invalid, and unsound reasoning
2c. Interpret complex texts in a systematic and critical manner
Communication
3a. Write in a reasoned, persuasive, and argumentatively effective manner
3b. Employ the verbal skills needed for both individual presentations and participation in group discussions.

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department:

Major(s)

Philosophy, B.A.

Minor(s)

Philosophy

Philosophy in Ethics

Philosophy in Science, Technology, and Values

Political Philosophy