Philosophy (BA, minor)

Program Overview

A Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy teaches students to examine the world using logic and critical reasoning skills. Philosophy asks fundamental questions about the world we live in: about the meaning of human life; the nature, purpose and limit of human knowledge; the character and contents of our moral experiences; and the justness of our institutions.

Degrees Offered

• BA in Philosophy

Minors

• Philosophy

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The Philosophy Department offers qualified students the ability to obtain a master’s degree in social, political, ethical and legal philosophy (SPEL) in just five years! For further information visit the five-year combined degree webpage.

In addition to the fast-track SPEL master’s degree program, the Philosophy Department offers a Pell Honors Program.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• PHIL 105 - Intro To Asian Philosophy

  Basic concepts and teachings of several Asian traditions, including Hinduism, Confucianism and Daoism, with a focus on Buddhism. Students examine both scriptural texts and the works of Asian philosophers and consider questions from the main areas of philosophy, including questions about being, knowledge, mind, society, and values. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 107 - Existence and Freedom

  Basic concepts in existentialism and phenomenology and an engagement with a variety of existential authors while considering questions from the main areas of philosophy, including questions about being, knowledge, mind, society and values. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 121 - Methods Of Reasoning

  The logic of critical thinking as it is employed in science and other related areas such as law and public policy. Topics include informal fallacies, deductive and inductive inferences, models, nature of evidence and analogical reasoning. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 140 - Intro To Ethics

  Introduction to some fundamental concepts, issues and major works in ethics. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 142 - Intro to Political Philosophy

  Introduction to some fundamental concepts, issues and major works about society and politics. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 147 - Markets, Ethics And Law

  Critical introduction to moral issues arising within the economic practices of societies and businesses. The course will survey questions about economic justice at the national or global levels, the justifications of the regulation of economic activity in order, for example, to protect employees, consumers, or the environment, and the values that may limit markets. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 148 - Medical Ethics

  This introductory course on medical ethics surveys issues at the intersection of normative ethics and medicine. We spend a significant time addressing issues such as (assisted) reproduction, abortion, enhancement (through drugs or genetically), problems connected to medical experimentation, as well as broader questions such as the just distribution of healthcare resources and global health. We also address topics such as confidentiality and truth-telling, informed consent and patient autonomy. This course deals primarily with the normative issues at stake. It does not aim to provide immediately practical advice for healthcare practitioners. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHIL 149 - Environmental Ethics & Policy

  Examination of the major ethical issues pertaining to the natural environment. Topics may include the nature of human obligations to and regarding future generations, non-human animals, ecosystems, and endangered species; decision-making principles for environmental policy; environmental justice; and the relationship of environmental protection to population, technology and economic growth. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

A major in philosophy is useful not only for students who plan to continue in graduate studies in philosophy, but also for those thinking of careers in law, business, government, industry, medicine or the arts, or any career that requires creativity and logical and analytic skills. Philosophy majors have some of the best scores on tests, such as the GRE, LSAT and GMAT, as a result of their training.

Here are a few career fields to explore:

• business owner
• filmmaker
• graduate education
• health and medicine
• international relations
• journalist
• lawyer
• non-governmental organization
• nonprofit management
• primary education
• property developer
• psychologist
• social worker

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Philosophy website.