Philosophy Major
The study of philosophy directly involves the student in the process of sharpening
critical and analytical abilities. Philosophy courses examine some of the greatest
perennial questions of values, knowledge, reality and their relation to human nature.
Training in philosophy is excellent preparation for any career choice, and many
students combine a philosophy major or minor with work in another discipline.
In addition, philosophy has been a traditional academic major for students interested
in law school.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in philosophy.
Required courses:
| An introduction to the rules of clear and effective thinking. Attention is given to the logic of meaning, the logic of valid inference and the logic of factual inquiry. Main emphasis is upon deductive logic. Students are introduced to the elements of symbolic logic as well as to traditional modes of analysis. |
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| An inquiry into the central problems of values applied to human conduct, with an examination of the responses of major ethical theories to those problems. |
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| Intensive studies of individual great philosophers or principal schools. Potential authors include Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, etc. |
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| An intensive study of individual issues within the discipline of philosophy. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Potential issues include: "Nothing," "Women in Philosophy," "God," "Post-modern Philosophy and Theology," "Existentialism," etc. |
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| This is an advanced seminar course for senior philosophy majors. Students will complete a major paper, integrating their research, writing, and analytical skills. |
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† indicates a required course
One of
| An examination of the major religious tradition of India, through its historical development from the oldest culture extent on the subcontinent to the modern world. Students will engage a variety of materials, texts, archaeology, images, and anthropological descriptions, in order to gain a broad understanding of the tradition. |
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| A study of the development of Buddhism, including its teaching, practice and influence as one of the great missionary religions. |
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Two PHL 270 Courses.
Two additional courses in philosophy.
Note: To be credited for majors or minors in philosophy, cross-listed
courses must be designated as philosophy courses at registration