Philosophy (BA)

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The major in philosophy is designed to acquaint students with the fundamental problems that are debated within western philosophical thought, and to introduce them to the concepts and techniques necessary for independent philosophical thinking. It is equally intended to provide a broadening perspective for the various areas of specialization in the natural and social sciences and in literature and the arts.

The major in philosophy requires eight courses in philosophy; six of these must be at the upper-division level.

Total units for degree: 128

One course must be a gateway course:

Completing a gateway course is recommended prior to enrolling in any 400-level Philosophy course.

PHIL 315 History of Western Philosophy: Ancient Period Units: 4
PHIL 320 History of Western Philosophy: Modern Period Units: 4
PHIL 336 Philosophy of Mind and Language Units: 4
PHIL 337 Political Philosophy Units: 4
PHIL 340 Ethics Units: 4
PHIL 360 Epistemology and Metaphysics Units: 4
PHIL 362 Possible Worlds Units: 4
PHIL 363 Philosophy of Perception Units: 4
PHIL 385 Science and Rationality Units: 4

One course must be in logic:

Distribution Requirement

Students must take at least one course from each of the three categories listed below:

Note:

Majors may graduate with departmental honors by doing the following: (i) completing all major requirements, (ii) having a GPA of at least 3.5 for upper-level courses for the major, and (iii) completing the Honors Capstone Seminar (PHIL 495 ), or if that’s not possible, the Senior Thesis Seminar (PHIL 494 ). To take PHIL 494 or PHIL 495 , students must be seniors and we recommend having completed two other 400-level Philosophy courses first.

Philosophy (BA)

One course must be a gateway course:

One course must be in logic:

Distribution Requirement

History of Philosophy

Ethics, Law and Value Theory

Systematic Philosophy

Note: