B.A. Program in Philosophy

Philosophy is an adventure of the mind. Philosophy majors read and discuss ideas generated by some of the greatest thinkers in history, putting these ideas in conversation with each other and with contemporary concerns. Philosophy students also learn to look at theoretical and practical problems from a philosophical perspective.

Because the study of philosophy develops a student's ability to analyze ideas and arguments, to think critically, and to write well, a major in philosophy provides skills that are valued by many kinds of employers and serves as appropriate pre-professional preparation for various fields, including law, medicine, psychology, and theology. Additionally, the major provides preparation for students interested in obtaining a background for graduate work in philosophy.

Philosophy BA Program Learning Outcomes:

 PLO 1 Demonstrate intermediate levels of written and oral communication in philosophical argument as addressed to audiences of both specialists and non-specialists in the field.
PLO 2 Demonstrate a basic ability to formulate a valid research question in a field of philosophical inquiry and address that research question in an article-length essay that includes evidence from both primary and secondary sources.
PLO 3 Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of core areas and methods of the global history of philosophy, including majors figures, ideas, and philosophical traditions.
PLO 4 Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of major ethical and aesthetic theories
PLO 5 Demonstrate a basic ability to offer philosophically rigorous argumentation on behalf of ethical and/or aesthetic choices.
PLO 6 Demonstrate an intermediate understanding of influential philosophical conceptions of the nature of reality, knowledge, language, and the human mind.
PLO 7 Demonstrate an intermediate understanding of influential philosophical conceptions of the nature of logic and reasoning or an ability to solve philosophical problems by using the tools of logical reasoning and formal languages.
PLO 8 Demonstrate an intermediate understanding of the ways in which culture, race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, sexual orientation, ability or disability, and national membership influence perceptions about the nature of value, practical reason, reality, knowledge, language, or the human mind.

Sections

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See the Undergraduate Advising page and email both advisors for the earliest appointment. 

Further Resources