Philosophy (B.A.)
At-a-Glance
Minimum hours required for major: 32, including 16 hours of core courses in logic and the history of philosophy and 16 hours of electives, as described below
Minimum hours required for minor: 16 credit hours selected from courses eligible to count for the major
Advising: Designated faculty adviser; phone 687-3900.
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.
Major-Field Requirements
- Core Courses: 16 credits;
- Electives: 16 credits, no more than 4 credits below the 300 level.
Majoring in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics
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:
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.
Bioethics Certificate
The Undergraduate Certificate in Bioethics is designed primarily for persons preparing for careers in medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, education, one of the health sciences, or other health-related professions. Enrollment will be open to upper-level undergraduates, and others by petition. Both degree-seeking students and non-degree students are eligible. It can also serve upper-level students preparing for careers in law or business who wish to understand health policy, law, and clinical practice in relation to philosophy and ethics. The Certificate in Bioethics will attest that the student has completed a course of study in moral theory and clinical practice, law, or policy related to bioethics.
All bioethics courses are offered on-line and include the following four-credit courses:
- PHL 440 Moral Reasoning and Bioethics
- PHL 441 Clinical Issues in Bioethics
- PHL 442 Policy Issues in Bioethics
- PHL 443 Bioethics and the Law
- PHL 444 Bioethics and Biotechnology
- PHL 446 Ethics of Human Reproduction
The program requires a total of 12 semester hours in bioethics at the undergraduate level, distributed as described below, with a grade of at least 3.0 quality points in each:
- Moral Reasoning Requirement (4 credits), fulfilled by taking:
- PHL 440, Moral Reasoning and Bioethics (4 credits);
- Bioethics Electives (8 credits), chosen from the other courses listed above.
For additional information, contact the Philosophy Department at (216) 687-3900.
Philosophy Minor
Minimum hours required for minor: 16 credit hours selected from courses eligible to count for the major