Philosophy
E. Godway, Chair; D. Adams, F. Best, D. Blitz, P. English, A. P. Iannone,
J. McKeon (Dept. phone 832-2915)
Philosophy is a critical, self-critical, comprehensive inquiry about knowledge,
reasoning, reality, norms and values. It deals with corresponding problems
arising in science, morality, art, literature, religion and the social and
natural worlds. Accordingly, engaging in philosophy can both address curiosity
about matters of lasting significance and help us develop skills for dealing
intelligently and sensitively with life.
The Department of Philosophy offers undergraduate major and minor programs with
a broad spectrum of courses reflecting the diversity of Western and non-Western
thought. Majors select two specializations and minors select one specialization
from among the following: (1) History of Western Philosophy, (2) African,
African-American and Asian Philosophy, (3) Logic and Philosophy of Science, (4)
Continental Philosophy, (5) Theoretical and Practical Ethics and (6) Philosophy
of Religion and Religious Studies. The Department offers its majors the
opportunity to write an undergraduate thesis, supervised by a member of the
Department. In addition, the Department is responsible for interdisciplinary
minors in Religious Studies and in African-American Studies, and is an active
participant in the University Honors Program.
The department strives above all for excellence in teaching and for the
cultivation of an active and supportive milieu for undergraduate study and for
professional growth. It supports the scholarly research and professional
activities of the faculty.
Major in Philosophy, B.A.
Thirty-nine (39) credits as follows:
Core Curriculum (15 credits): PHIL 112, 220, 300, either 230 or 330, 400
Specializations (two required with at least 6 credits at 300-level or
higher in each) (12 credits):
(a) History of Philosophy: PHIL 230, 232, 330, 332, 368
(b) African, African-American and Asian Philosophy: AFAM 110, PHIL 250,
260, 275, 360
(c) Logic and Philosophy of Science: PHIL 135, 235, 320, 335
(d) Continental Philosophy: PHIL 222, 248, 332, 366, 368
(e) Theoretical and Practical Ethics: PHIL 240, 241, 242, 346, 349, 440;
HHSP 246, 341, 342
(f) Philosophy of Religion and Religious Studies: REL 105 or 110, 257,
361, PHIL 232, 250, 255, 376, and courses listed under the minor in Religious
Studies
Note: If PHIL 400 is taken more than once, the additional credit will be counted
in a specialization.
Note: Any specialization course(s) taken to fulfill the Core Curriculum will be
replaced by directed elective(s) selected in consultation with adviser.
Note: PHIL 382, 441 or 492 may be included in a specialization if approved by
the faculty adviser.
Minor in Philosophy
Eighteen (18) credits as follows:
PHIL 112, 220, 300, either 230 or 330, and 6 credits of PHIL or REL electives
listed in the specializations for philosophy majors (at least 3 credits of
300-level or higher).