Philosophy majors examine fundamental human questions such as the following: What can we know? What exists? What is right? They approach these questions through rigorous study, emphasizing clarity of thought and expression, careful reasoning and problem-solving, and the analysis of diverse viewpoints. These intellectual skills, combined with broad exposure to the liberal arts, are highly valued by the business community and by schools providing graduate training in law, medicine and other disciplines. In addition to major courses, Philosophy majors will take courses in a broad range of business subjects, including finance, accounting, statistics and strategy. By combining skills in critical thinking with business study, these students gain a distinct advantage in the job market.
While acquainting students with philosophy’s rich history, the major emphasizes the application of philosophical methods to contemporary problems, especially in ethics. The department regularly offers courses in environmental ethics, health care ethics, and business ethics. Majors will have a chance to broaden their knowledge of ethical issues in business by close engagement with the university’s nationally recognized Hoffman Center for Business Ethics.
In addition to the specific major requirements described below, students must also complete the General Education Curriculum, and additional degree requirements for Arts and Sciences majors, including focused-course requirements, additional electives, modern language requirements and a Business Studies Minor or Business Studies Major.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A philosophy major requires completion of eight courses that include the following areas: | ||
| Epistemology or Metaphysics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Theories of Knowledge | ||
| Theories of Reality | ||
| Consciousness and Experience | ||
| Perception and Perspectives | ||
| Normative Theory | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Ethical Theory | ||
| Social Philosophy | ||
| Liberty, Morality and Law | ||
| Applied Ethics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Ethics: Corporate Social Responsibility | ||
| Business Ethics: Philosophy of Work | ||
| Business Ethics: International Business Ethics | ||
| Healthcare Ethics | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Four additional electives, chosen in consultation with the Philosophy major advisor 1 | 12 | |
| PH 402 | Seminar in Philosophy | 3 |
| 1 | With the approval of the Philosophy major advisor, students are permitted to take up to two electives outside of Philosophy that are relevant to the student’s choice of focus in the major - e.g., students interested in the philosophy of science may take up to two courses in NAS, while students interested in the philosophy of law may take up to two courses in LTFP, etc. |