Program Overview

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The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, a program designed to equip students with critical thinking and reasoning skills to tackle complex questions about existence, knowledge, and values.

Program Overview

The B.S. in Philosophy is built on the idea that "the unexamined life is not worth living," as stated by Socrates. This program encourages students to think critically about complex, enduring questions regarding existence, knowledge, and values. Through research, reflection, and discussion, students develop the reasoning and critical-thinking skills necessary to become responsible citizens and global leaders.

Designed for Dual Majors

The philosophy program is designed to allow students to bring new perspectives to other fields of study, making it an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing a dual major.

Program Highlights

Philosophy in a Technological World

Philosophy at RPI examines the deepest questions about knowledge, mind, and morality in the context of a rapidly changing scientific and technological society. The program emphasizes precise reasoning, ethical reflection, and the conceptual analysis of science and technology.

Logic, Ethics, and the Foundations of Science

Students build strength in formal logic and analytical reasoning while exploring the philosophy of science, artificial intelligence, and ethics. The curriculum encourages critical engagement with questions about consciousness, free will, and the moral dimensions of innovation.

Flexibility and Capstone Experience

The Philosophy B.S. is highly flexible, enabling students to combine philosophical study with virtually any other discipline at RPI. In the senior year, students complete a capstone project or thesis that applies philosophical reasoning to contemporary scientific, technological, or societal issues.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires the following courses:

• Math/Science Requirements:
  • MATH 1010 and MATH 1020: Calculus I and II
• Core Requirements:
  • PHIL 2140 Introduction to Formal Logic
• Foundations:
  • Choose at least one of the following:
    • PHIL 1110 Introduction to Philosophy
    • INQR 1140 Minds & Machines
    • INQR 1130 Philosophy, Technology and the Human Future
    • INQR 1235 Are Humans Rational?
    • INQR 1165 Great Ideas in Philosophy
• Ethics:
  • Choose at least one of the following:
    • PHIL 2960 Ethics of AI
    • PHIL 4240 Ethics
    • PHIL 4300 Environmental Philosophy
    • PHIL 4500 Bioethics
• Philosophy of Science:
  • Choose at least one of the following:
    • PHIL 2400 Philosophy of Biology
    • PHIL 4130 Philosophy of Science
    • PHIL 4310 Scientific Revolutions
    • PHIL 4440 Philosophy of Mathematics
• Philosophy Electives and Advanced Courses:
  • Students take three additional philosophy electives, chosen in consultation with an adviser.
• Capstone Experience:
  • In the senior year, students complete a capstone project under faculty supervision, producing an original research paper or thesis that applies philosophical reasoning to a chosen topic.

Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from this program will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning in producing, analyzing, or evaluating ideas and arguments.
• Describe accurately, compare, and evaluate key features of a variety of approaches, ideas, and philosophers across the history of philosophy.
• Solve real-world problems using logical reasoning, development of concepts and ideas, and clear communication skills.

After Graduation

A degree in philosophy provides a solid foundation for careers and graduate studies in law, medicine, journalism, artificial intelligence, and more.