Philosophy Minor
The study of philosophy directly involves the student in the process of sharpening
critical and analytical abilities. Philosophy courses examine some of the greatest
perennial questions of values, knowledge, reality and their relation to human nature.
Training in philosophy is excellent preparation for any career choice, and many
students combine a philosophy major or minor with work in another discipline.
In addition, philosophy has been a traditional academic major for students interested
in law school.
Required courses:
PHL 120 Basic Logic| An introduction to the rules of clear and effective thinking. Attention is given to the logic of meaning, the logic of valid inference and the logic of factual inquiry. Main emphasis is upon deductive logic. Students are introduced to the elements of symbolic logic as well as to traditional modes of analysis. |
| An inquiry into the central problems of values applied to human conduct, with an examination of the responses of major ethical theories to those problems. |
| An examination of major periods in the history of philosophy, this requirement for the major will introduce students to both the figures and the methodology of each time period. The specific focus of the course will vary from semester to semester, rotating through the various historical periods. Seminars will include: Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, the Enlightenment, 19th Century, 20th Century. |
One of:
PHL 301 Key Authors| Intensive studies of individual great philosophers or principal schools. Potential authors include Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, etc. |
| An intensive study of individual issues within the discipline of philosophy. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Potential issues include: "Nothing," "Women in Philosophy," "God," "Post-modern Philosophy and Theology," "Existentialism," etc. |
Two additional courses in philosophy.
Note: To be credited for majors or minors in philosophy, cross-listed courses must be disignated as philosophy courses at registration.