Philosophy major

The term "philosophy" means the love of wisdom. In general, the program is designed to help students gain a better understanding of themselves, their world, their own beliefs and those of others.In itself, at the undergraduate level, philosophy is not a professional program, yet it is one of the best pre-professional (law, medicine, ministry, etc.) programs available.Thus, majors may elect classes in the philosophy of law, philosophy of science, ethics, political philosophy or religious studies depending on their interest and/or professional choice; or may elect a major in philosophy in combination with another discipline to give greater depth to their professional training.

Philosophy involves abstract thinking, critical reasoning, and constructing and assessing rational arguments. These are skills that are useful in any occupation or area of inquiry. In today's rapidly changing world, highly specialized occupations and areas of knowledge frequently become obsolete. But, like good taste, the skills required and developed in philosophical study never go out of style.

The ideas of Aristotle and Plato still serve today as models of clear and rational thinking about highly abstract and difficult questions. For these reasons, philosophy is excellent preparation for any occupation, especially those for which there is no specific college major.

Due to the diversity of reasons for majoring in philosophy, it is not possible to give a general curricula applicable to all students--the pre-med student would have a different kind of program than a pre-law student, etc. Every effort is made to make the curricula fit the student instead of the student to fit the curricula. However, all majors are required to take classes in introduction to philosophy, logic, history of ancient philosophy, history of modern philosophy, and ethics. The remaining courses would be selected in consultation with a department adviser, taking into account the student's particular interest in majoring in philosophy.
Philosophy Major

A major in philosophy requires 30 semester hours including the following:

    PHI 151 (Introduction to Philosophy),
    PHI 253 (Logic),
    PHI 356 (Ethics),
    PHI 410 (Classical Philosophy),
    PHI 412 (Modern Philosophy),
    and PHI 480 (Philosophical Discourse).

The remaining twelve semester hours should include one course in religion.
Philosophy Minor

A minor in philosophy requires 18 semester hours. We recommend that these include the following:

    PHI 151 (Introduction to Philosophy),
    PHI 253 (Logic),
    and PHI 356 (Ethics).

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