Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Philosophy leading to the B.A. degree - 120 credits, 30 of them in Philosophy
Total minimum number of credits required for a minor in Philosophy - 18
The Philosophy program focuses on philosophical issues relevant to “the art of living.” These are questions of life and death, questions about how to live, about whether life has meaning, about what kinds of beings we are and the responsibilities we have to ourselves and others, about the significance of death in our lives, and so on. These questions represent the core of philosophical exploration. They are not simply theoretical exercises, but rather questions of embodiment; we must consider how to put the answers into practice in our lives. Addressing these questions in the disciplined way that the study of philosophy teaches contributes to the well being of those engaged in the study and those with whom they interact, at present and in the future.
In addition, the study of philosophy, whether one pursues a major in Philosophy or chooses a few courses of particular interest, contributes to the development of the skills and habits of mind essential to educated men and women: clarity of thought; precision in the analysis of conflicting claims; the power to render sound judgments based upon an appreciation of differing perspectives; and the ability to express and to defend one’s views using well-reasoned arguments. Philosophy students find themselves well prepared for careers in professional areas such as law, medicine, and teaching, as well as in areas such as journalism, government, and business. The skills that are honed in the study of philosophy are of value in virtually any career path.
Philosophy Major
The major in Philosophy requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, including three credits at the 100-level, PHL 203 - Introduction to Symbolic Logic , at least nine credits at the 300-level, and a one-credit capstone experience (PHL 390 ).