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.

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.

Major requirements

Philosophy majors take nine (9) courses. All five (5) of the following:

PH 211 - Ancient Philosophy: Know Thyself
PH 212 - Medieval Philosophy: Faith and Reason
PH 213 - Modern Philosophy: Knowledge and the New Science
PH 214 - Contemporary Philosophy: Language and Existence
PH 321 - Formal Logic
And any four (4) additional Philosophy courses, no more than two of which may be at the 100-level.

Philosophy majors must pass a two-part comprehensive exam in their senior year. The first part is a computerized multiple-choice exam; the second part is an oral exam with three philosophy professors

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

Course Sequence Outline

Freshman Year

Fall

Spring

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..