Philosophy

J. McKeon, Chair; D. Adams, F. Best, D. Blitz, P. English, E. Godway, A. P. Iannone, J. VanRiper (Dept. phone 832-2915). Cross appointed: B. O’Connell (Computer Science)

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, 290, 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, 376
(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
(f) Philosophy of Religion and Religious Studies: REL 105 or 110, 256, 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 advisor.

Note: PHIL 382, 441 or 492 may be included in a specialization if approved by the faculty advisor.

Minor in Philosophy

Eighteen (18) credits as follows:
PHIL 112, 220, 290, 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).