Program Overview

Philosophy, B.A.

The undergraduate philosophy program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of philosophical concepts, theories, and methods. Teaching philosophy relies essentially on give-and-take dialogue in which students are active participants. Classes are limited in size to permit sustained interchanges between students and instructors.

Overview

The program is designed for those who plan to enter professional school upon graduation, such as law, medicine, or business, or to pursue graduate work in philosophy. The faculty encourages Philosophy majors and minors to consider expanding their perspective through study abroad.

Requirements

• All students must meet the University Requirements.
• All students must meet the School Requirements.

Departmental Requirements for the Major

A. Select one of the following:

• PHILOS 1: Introduction to Philosophy
• PHILOS 2: Puzzles and Paradoxes
• PHILOS 3: Technology and Society
• PHILOS 4: Introduction to Ethics
• PHILOS 5: Contemporary Moral Problems B. Select one of the following:
• PHILOS 30: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
• PHILOS 104: Introduction to Logic C. Select two of the following:
• PHILOS 10: History of Ancient Philosophy
• PHILOS 12: History of Modern Philosophy
• PHILOS 13: History of Contemporary Philosophy D. Complete:
• PHILOS 101: Introduction to Metaphysics
• PHILOS 102W: Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
• PHILOS 103: Introduction to Moral Philosophy E. Select five of the following:
• PHILOS 100W: Writing Philosophy
• PHILOS 105199

Specializations

B.A. in Philosophy with a Specialization in Medicine and Well-Being

• All students must meet the University Requirements.
• All students must meet the School Requirements. A. Complete:
  • PHILOS 1: Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHILOS 2: Puzzles and Paradoxes
  • PHILOS 3: Technology and Society
  • PHILOS 91: The Philosophy of Sex B. Select one of the following:
  • PHILOS 4: Introduction to Ethics
  • PHILOS 5: Contemporary Moral Problems C. Complete:
  • PHILOS 101: Introduction to Metaphysics
  • PHILOS 102W: Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
  • PHILOS 103: Introduction to Moral Philosophy D. Select five of the following:
  • PHILOS 121A: Medical Epistemology
  • PHILOS 124: Topics in Feminist Epistemology
  • PHILOS 131C: Medical Ethics
  • PHILOS 134: Topics in Philosophy of Gender and Race
  • PHILOS 140: Topics in Philosophy of Science
  • PHILOS 162: Social Ontology
  • PHILOS 163: Social Epistemology
  • PHILOS 164: Well-Being

B.A. in Philosophy with a Specialization in Law and Society

• All students must meet the University Requirements.
• All students must meet the School Requirements. A. Complete:
  • PHILOS 1: Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHILOS 2: Puzzles and Paradoxes
  • PHILOS 3: Technology and Society
  • PHILOS 22: Introduction to Law and Society B. Select one of the following:
  • PHILOS 4: Introduction to Ethics
  • PHILOS 5: Contemporary Moral Problems C. Complete:
  • PHILOS 101: Introduction to Metaphysics
  • PHILOS 102W: Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
  • PHILOS 103: Introduction to Moral Philosophy D. Select five of the following:
  • PHILOS 124: Topics in Feminist Epistemology
  • PHILOS 130: Topics in Moral Philosophy
  • PHILOS 133: Topics in Philosophy of Law
  • PHILOS 134: Topics in Philosophy of Gender and Race
  • PHILOS 144: Topics in Philosophy of Social Science
  • PHILOS 162: Social Ontology
  • PHILOS 163: Social Epistemology
  • PHILOS 165: Philosophy of Action

Honors

The Department of Philosophy provides high-achieving students with the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member to gain advanced philosophical training and to produce a paper of exceptional quality. To receive this honors designation, a student must take PHILOS 199H, the honors directed special studies course, in two consecutive quarters with the same faculty member.

Career Opportunities

The study of argument and the precision and clarity of thought and writing required of Philosophy majors are excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Many undergraduates trained in Philosophy go on to professional schools in medicine, business, or law. The analytical skills developed in Philosophy courses are especially useful in legal education. Former Philosophy students have also used their skills to advantage in careers in government, business, teaching, law enforcement, and computer programming. Many Philosophy majors also continue their education at the graduate level, either in philosophy or a related discipline.