PHILO-BA - Philosophy (BA)

The Philosophy undergraduate program’s mission is to train students to think clearly and critically about the deepest and broadest questions concerning the fundamental structure of reality and our place in it including how we should act in our lives. With philosophy you gain the tools needed to make arguments and exercise sound judgment about the most fundamental concerns of human life. The program introduces students to the best contemporary theories, and their historical roots, across philosophy including metaphysics and the philosophy of science (the study of the fundamental structure of reality), epistemology (theories of how we know about the world), ethics and political philosophy (how we should act and how society should be organized), and logic (what is correct reasoning). Courses in the major equip students with core skills in critical reading, analytical thinking, sound argumentation, and the clear, well-organized expression of ideas.

Philosophy is an excellent major for those planning a career in law, medicine, business, or the non-profit sector. It provides analytical skills and a breadth of perspective helpful to those called upon to make decisions about their conduct and the welfare of others. Philosophy majors have an excellent admission record to professional and graduate schools.

Instead of the standard program of the philosophy major, students can pursue two alternative, optional subplans:

1. History and Philosophy of Science

2. Philosophy and Literature

The standard program and the two subplans have the same overall structure. An introductory course in philosophy is followed by our Writing-in-the-Major (WIM) course, PHIL 80: “Mind, Matter, Meaning”. We then require a range of courses that give students breadth in different areas of philosophy. The subplans require additional depth in their relevant areas. Students then have space for elective courses that allow them to gain either greater breadth or depth across philosophy. Finally, the capstone for the major involves taking one of our special capstone undergraduate seminars.

The overall unit requirements for the philosophy major have been kept low to allow students to double major or do a minor in some other field.

For those interested in interdisciplinary work in philosophy and religious studies, there is a separate major program (not a subplan of the Philosophy major) that allows students to receive a BA degree with the title “Philosophy and Religious Studies”.

To declare a major, a student should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.