Undergraduate Major

Description  |  Requirements  |  Ethics Concentration

Description

Philosophy addresses fundamental questions about human knowledge and existence from constructive and critical perspectives. Students examine important historical and contemporary theories concerning ethics, social justice, reality and the nature and extent of knowledge. Logic is also central to philosophy, since the critical evaluation of the reasons given for ideas is as important as the study of the ideas themselves. For this reason, philosophy classes are well known for the presentation of philosophical problems and issues in a manner that stimulates questions, discussion, and a general appreciation for the pursuit of truth.

A philosophy major or minor is excellent preparation for fields such as law and business, which rely on skills of critical thinking, as well as for fields such as medicine and social work, where practitioners face ethical dilemmas in their work. Though useful in many careers, the study of philosophy can be expected to enrich a person's life beyond the rewards of the marketplace, through a deeper understanding of important beliefs and their foundations.

Requirements

1. Core Courses: 16 credits;
   • PHL 131 Deductive Logic I or
     PHL 332 Deductive Logic II
   • PHL 261 Ancient Philosophy
   • PHL 262 Medieval Philosophy
   • PHL 263 Early Modern Philosophy
     
2. Electives: 16 credits, no more than 4 credits below the 300 level.

Ethics Concentration

Philosophy majors with an interest in ethics may declare a major in philosophy with a concentration in ethics. Students pursuing this program take core courses in the fundamentals of philosophy and ethics. Additional electives include courses in key areas of the study of values and conduct, such as the philosophy of art, religion, law, or politics, as well as courses in bioethics. A major in philosophy with a concentration in ethics is excellent preparation for advanced study in ethics, law, public administration, social work, and other fields in which ethical dilemmas arise amidst unresolved conflicts.

Requirements for a B.A. in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics:

Core courses, 16 credits:

• PHL 131 Deductive Logic
• PHL 211 Morals and Rights, or
  PHL 213 Environmental Ethics, or
  PHL 240 Health Care Ethics, or
  PHL 215 Engineering Ethics
• PHL 263 Early Modern Philosophy
• PHL 283 Introduction to Ethics

Ethical Theory, 4 credits:

• PHL 311 Ethics

Value Theory Electives, at least 4 credits selected from the following fields:

• PHL 321 Philosophy of Art
• PHL 331 Philosophy of Religion
• PHL 341 Philosophy of Law
• PHL 351 Social and Political Philosophy

Other Upper-Level Electives, 8 credits:

Note that students who fulfill the core requirement with either PHL 215 or PHL 240 rather than PHL 211 or PHL 213 will need an additional credit hour to fulfill the 32 credit hour major requirement.

For its Bioethics Certificate program, the Philosophy Department offers a wide variety of upper-level courses in bioethics. Students may elect courses from those counting toward the Certificate in Bioethics, or any other advanced Philosophy courses.