A Major in Philosophy
is not primarily a vocational or technical program, as concentrations
in business or engineering might be. Instead, it offers a wide
range of opportunities for intellectual growth and self-development
to students with a variety of interests. For those seeking an
understanding of themselves, our cultural heritage, and the
important issues concerning life, knowledge, and values, a Philosophy
Major can serve as the core of a strong liberal education.
The requirements for the Major provide flexibility allowing students
to tailor their course of study. A well-designed program is appropriate
not only for students whose primary interest is the study of philosophy, but
for various pre-professional students (for example, those planning on law
school or medical school). Philosophy is also very popular as a second
Major, because philosophical study tends to reinforces a deep understanding
of the issues of interest to other disciplines. Among the many other
disciplines about which we offer courses are Asian studies, biology,
business and professional ethics, cognitive science, environmental studies,
feminist theory, history, linguistics, literature, mathematical logic,
medical ethics, physics, political theory, psychology, and social science.
The Undergraduate Advisors (listed above) are available by appointment
to meet with students to discuss their academic programs. These advisors
can discuss the various ways in which students may wish to tailor their course
of study so as to enhance their individual goals.
Regardless of how one's individual course of study is tailored, completion
of our program in Philosophy will provide a broad based understanding of the
central problems and positions in philosophy, in each of the central areas of
philosophy, including ethics and value theory, metaphysics and epistemology,
the history of philosophy, and logic and formal methods.
There are currently 19 full time faculty
members in the Department. The Philosophy faculty offers a variety
of areas of specialization and expertise in the field.
Undergraduate Program
Information 
