Philosophy

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The Department of Philosophy is a place where students can pursue wisdom through the reasoned investigation of life’s “big questions.” What makes something “real” or “good” or “true”? What is the relationship between body and mind? What can we know, and how do we know it? Do human beings have free will? Does life have a meaning? What are our responsibilities to ourselves and others? What makes a just community? Consistent with the mission of the college, the goal of the department is to offer students the opportunity to consider philosophy as part of their own path to a reasoned pursuit of wisdom and to provide interested students with guided, reflective access to the vast store of literature devoted to such questions.

All philosophy courses focus on an exploration of some of the “big questions,” acquaintance with some of the philosophical positions regarding those questions, and serious opportunities to discuss concepts, ideas, and points of view openly and reasonably within the context of one’s life, personally, professionally, or as a member of one’s community. The department offers courses designed for all students, including philosophy majors, minors, and others who are interested in deeper explorations of philosophy. When choosing a course, students (in collaboration with their advisors) should take into account the significance of course numbering.

100 level-an invitation into philosophical discourse

200 level-focus on gaining knowledge and skills

300 level-focus on deepening knowledge and skills

400 level-focus on integrating knowledge and skills

The Department of Philosophy is committed to the idea that a well-rounded study of philosophy includes understanding diverse philosophical traditions including Western philosophies, Asian philosophies, Africana philosophies, Latinx philosophies, and Feminist philosophies. The Department of Black World Studies is housed within the Department of Philosophy.

No matter what your career goals might be, a degree in philosophy will enhance your capacity for critical thinking, logical argumentation, and written and oral communication. It will facilitate your ability to think about and analyze the world from a variety of perspectives as well as your ability to formulate a well-reasoned position about important issues of our times.

Programs

• Philosophy - B.A.

• Philosophy Minor

Courses

• PHIL 120 - Being Human: Its Philosophical Dimensions
• PHIL 140 - Critical Thinking in Culture
• PHIL 150 - The Roots of World Philosophy
• PHIL 160 - Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL 190 - Philosophy and Film
• PHIL 200 - African and African-American Thought
• PHIL 201 - Hispanic/Latin@ Philosophy
• PHIL 202 - Ethics in World Politics: USA and Africa
• PHIL 205 - Free Will and Morality in Medieval Philosophy
• PHIL 209 - Being Black in America: A Philosophical Appraisal
• PHIL 210 - Contemporary Issues and Philosophy
• PHIL 220 - Women in Philosophy
• PHIL 221 - Gender Issues
• PHIL 224 - Sports Ethics
• PHIL 228 - Philosophical Traditions of Asia
• PHIL 231 - Environmental Ethics
• PHIL 241 - Ethics in the Contemporary World
• PHIL 242 - Introduction to Biomedical Ethics
• PHIL 245 - Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
• PHIL 246 - Ethics in Politics
• PHIL 250 - Logic
• PHIL 275 - Introduction to Political Philosophy
• PHIL 284 - Law, Freedom, and Social Justice
• PHIL 290 - Philosophies of Beauty
• PHIL 302 - Environmental Philosophy
• PHIL 320 - Justice, Evil, and Crimes Against Humanity
• PHIL 330 - Special Topics in Philosophy
• PHIL 341 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
• PHIL 345 - Revolutionary Philosophers
• PHIL 351 - Heretics: Explorations in Modern Philosophy
• PHIL 358 - Existence and Absurdity: Existentialism and Beyond
• PHIL 380 - Contemporary Feminist Theories
• PHIL 410 - Capstone: Integrating Knowledge
• PHIL 450 - Independent Study
• PHIL 455 - Internship

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