Philosophy, Minor
Program overview
The Philosophy program provides students with a deep exploration of fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, reality, human nature, and society. Through the study of philosophical traditions and contemporary debates, students learn to think critically, evaluate complex ideas, and construct clear and persuasive arguments. The program encourages intellectual curiosity and thoughtful reflection on issues that shape human experience, culture, and public life.
Students examine major philosophical thinkers and traditions from ancient to modern times while also engaging with contemporary topics such as ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion. Courses emphasize careful reasoning, ethical analysis, and effective communication—skills that are highly valued across many professions.
The program is grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition that encourages interdisciplinary study and the development of broad intellectual perspectives. By analyzing philosophical texts and engaging in rigorous discussion and research, students learn to approach complex problems with clarity, creativity, and critical insight.
Graduates of the Philosophy program are well prepared for a wide range of careers that require analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills, as well as for advanced graduate study in philosophy, law, public policy, business, education, and related fields.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Basic Problems in Philosophy
Logic and Argumentation
Human Nature
Theories of Knowledge
Utilitarianism
Happiness and Pleasure
Descartes
Existentialism
Latin American Philosophy
Theory of Being
American Philosophy
Art and Aesthetics
Authority and Law
Business Ethics
Philosophy of Sport
Philosophy and the Nature World Ethical Perspectives
The Good Life
Political Philosophy
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Early Modern Philosophy
Medical Ethics
Gender and Philosophy
Meaning of History
Renaissance Philosophy
19th-Century Philosophy
Philosophy and Literature
Philosophy of Science
Philosophical Theology
Medieval Philosophy
Twentieth-Century Philosophy
Special Topics in Philosophy (Special Topics in Philosophy)
Independent Study in Philosophy
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Formulate an understanding of the nature, purpose, and importance of the philosophical enterprise in writing and thereby engage personally in the activity of philosophizing.
PLO 2: Demonstrate respect both for reason as a defining feature of living as well as for truth and its pursuit.
PLO 3: Demonstrate critical thinking when considering issues in depth, when relating parts and wholes, when examining and assessing influential positions, when understanding the world of others, and when formulating principles for responsible actions.
PLO 4: Discuss major philosophical questions, which are none other than the fundamental questions confronting human beings as such, through the study of the views of philosophers belonging to many traditions.
PLO 5: Formulate understanding of primary texts from the history of philosophy, and the derived nourishment from them for one's own being.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The Philosophy curriculum offers students a broad exploration of fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge, ethics, human nature, politics, science, and culture. Students begin with foundational courses such as Basic Problems in Philosophy and Logic and Argumentation, which introduce core philosophical concepts and develop strong analytical and reasoning skills. Courses such as Human Nature, Theories of Knowledge, Utilitarianism, Happiness and Pleasure, and The Good Life examine major ethical and philosophical debates about how people understand themselves and how they should live.
Students also explore the historical development of philosophical thought through courses including Ancient Greek Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy, Renaissance Philosophy, 19th-Century Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, and Twentieth-Century Philosophy. Additional courses focus on influential philosophers and traditions, such as Descartes, Existentialism, American Philosophy, and Latin American Philosophy. Specialized courses—including Political Philosophy, Authority and Law, Business Ethics, Medical Ethics, Philosophy of Science, Art and Aesthetics, and Philosophy and Literature—allow students to apply philosophical thinking to contemporary issues in society, culture, and professional life. Advanced opportunities such as Special Topics in Philosophy and Independent Study in Philosophy enable students to pursue deeper research in areas of personal interest.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
⚖️ Law & Legal Services
You will develop strong reasoning and argumentation skills that prepare you for careers in law, legal research, public policy, or legal consulting.
🏥 Medicine & Health Professions
You will apply ethical reasoning and analytical thinking to careers in medicine, healthcare administration, and medical ethics.
💼 Business, Consulting & Management
You will use problem-solving and strategic thinking skills in areas such as business leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, and corporate management.
📰 Journalism, Writing & Media
You will analyze complex topics and communicate ideas clearly in careers related to journalism, publishing, writing, and media analysis.
🏛️ Government & Public Policy
You will evaluate social and political issues and contribute to decision-making in government, public administration, and policy development.
🎓 Graduate & Professional Study
You will build a strong foundation for advanced study in philosophy, law, public policy, business, education, theology, or other humanities and social science fields.