Philosophy

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.

Major requirements (9 courses):

To satisfy the core requirement of philosophical reasoning, all students take two courses in philosophy, one in theoretical philosophy and the other in practical or moral philosophy. These requirements can be met in one of two ways, systematically or historically. Systematically, the requirement is met by taking Human Nature Seminar (PH105) to satisfy the theoretical reason component and Ethics Seminar (PH107) to satisfy the practical reason or moral component. Historically, the requirement can be satisfied by taking the year-long Philosophical Life Seminar I-II (PH108-109).

Students who major in philosophy follow a program in the history of philosophy supplemented by courses in systematic philosophy. 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.

PH 105 - Human Nature Seminar and
PH 107 - Ethics Seminar Seminar
or
PH 108-109 - The Philosophical Life Seminar I-II (A two-semester course, taught by one professor and covering the same topics as PH 105 and PH 107 but ordered historically.)
PH 320 - Critical Thinking or
PH 321 - Formal Logic
and
PH 211 - Ancient Philosophy: Know Thyself or
PH 212 - Medieval Philosophy: Faith and Reason
and
PH 213 - Modern Philosophy: Knowledge and the New Science or
PH 214 - Contemporary Philosophy: Meaning, Language and Existence
and
PH 325 - Metaphysics: Theories of Reality or
PH 331 - Philosophy of Science or
PH 336 - Aesthetics: Theories of Beauty
and
- Twelve additional credits in courses offered by the Philosophy department.

Course Sequence Outline

Freshman Year

Fall

Spring

Sophomore Year

Philosophy majors generally take Ancient Philosophy, and/or Medieval Philosophy, Ethics Seminar, and either Formal Logic or Critical Thinking. Depending on initial placement, they may also be completing their modern or classical language requirement. The remainder of their schedules can be filled by Philosophy electives, other core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.

Junior Year

Philosophy majors generally take Modern Philosophy and/or Contemporary Philosophy. The rest of their schedules can be occupied with Philosophy electives, core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.

Senior Year

Philosophy majors generally take Metaphysics, Philosophy of Science, or Aesthetics. . The rest of their schedules can be occupied with Philosophy electives, core requirements, general electives, or courses for a minor or double major.