2023-2024 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Philosophy
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 Return to: Programs by Area: Majors and Minors
The study of philosophy is an indispensable part of a liberal education. In its critical function, philosophy teaches students to analyze arguments and to assess the value of various claims of knowledge. In its systematic function, it develops an integral view of the world, with a special focus on the human person and with final reference to God as the highest cause. In its ethical function, philosophy presents an account of the rational principles which ought to guide one’s moral life. Accordingly, the Philosophy program endeavors to sharpen students’ critical skills, integrate their knowledge of reality, and assist them in living a more rational and more worthy life.
Students who major in philosophy take four history of philosophy courses, a logic course, and four electives. This is usually a three-year program, but students who become majors at the end of their sophomore year will be able to complete their requirements. After graduation, many philosophy majors attend law school or graduate school; others pursue employment in a variety of capacities, such as positions in business, government, ministry, education, and the arts.
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Major requirements
Philosophy majors take nine (9) courses. All five (5) of the following:
Learning Outcomes
Students who major in Philosophy should be able to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major figures, texts, and movements in the history of western philosophy (ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary)
- Read, understand, and contextualize key texts in the western philosophical tradition
- Understand and explain, both orally and in writing, a wide range of important questions, concepts, and theories within the fields of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion
- Identify and evaluate, using the formal tools of logic and the informal tools of critical thinking, arguments found in philosophical texts and in everyday discourse
- Construct and defend, both orally and in writing, logically valid arguments for substantive philosophical positions
- Understand and articulate key ideas in the Catholic intellectual tradition
- Appreciate and articulate the value of philosophy in enriching a human life devoted to the pursuit of truth, wisdom, and virtue
Sophomore Year
Philosophy majors generally take Ancient Philosophy (PH 211 ) and Medieval Philosophy (PH 212 ). Depending on initial placement, they may also be completing their language requirement. The rest of their schedules can be filled with Philosophy electives, core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.
Junior Year
Philosophy majors generally take Modern Philosophy (PH 213), Contemporary Philosophy (PH 214), and Formal Logic (PH 321). The rest of their schedules can be filled with Philosophy electives, core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.
Senior Year
Philosophy majors generally take Philosophy electives. The rest of their schedules can be filled with core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.
Double Major in Philosophy and Great Books
Students may elect to double major in Philosophy and Great Books. In completing the requirements for each major, students are permitted to count two of their courses as fulfilling requirements for both programs. All double majors must pass the comprehensive exam in each major.
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