Undergraduate Program

Overview

Philosophy addresses a wide range of questions in areas such as:

• Metaphysics and Epistemology—What is the fundamental nature of reality, and what is our place in it? What can we know, and how can we get that knowledge?
• Mind—What is consciousness? How it is related to brain activity? Can we have free will?
• Science—How do the sciences yield knowledge? How does scientific explanation work? What sets good science apart from bad science or pseudoscience?
• Ethics—What is good, and how should we live? Are there objective moral standards?
• Politics—What makes for a just society? What are the conditions for global justice?
• Logic—What are the basic principles underlying good reasoning and argumentation?
• Math—What is the nature of mathematical knowledge? How is mathematics related to logic?
• Language—What is linguistic meaning? How do words refer to things in the world? How is language related to thought?
• Religion—Is there a supreme being? Is faith compatible with science and reason?
• Aesthetics—e.g., What is beauty? What is art? Can aesthetic judgment be objective?

The techniques brought to bear on these issues are analytical, formal, and historical.

The undergraduate program stresses Western philosophy, both ancient and modern, and gives particular emphasis to recent and contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. The department's course offerings provide excellent foundations for graduate work in law and cognitive science, as well as in philosophy itself.

Academics

Students interested in philosophy can choose between two different majors, one in philosophy and one in politics, philosophy and economics, as well as four different minors:

• Philosophy
• Ethics
• History of philosophy
• Philosophy of science

There are also six philosophy clusters.

What Can I do with a Philosophy Degree?

Many philosophy majors go on to law school, where they find the analytic and critical skills emphasized in philosophy most useful. Others go on to medical school, business school, graduate school in other fields, or various professions. Some go on to do graduate work in philosophy. Explore the many practical benefits of studying philosophy.

Many philosophy majors are double majors, combining philosophy with majors in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, or other humanities. Students have the option of emphasize a particular subfield of interest through optional tracks in law and ethics, history of philosophy, or logic and the philosophy of science.

Departmental Advice for Undergraduate Students

All students who wish to take a philosophy course should begin with any of our introductory courses, which are the 100-level courses along with 201 and 202. PHIL 101 is our broadest survey of philosophy and is also a requirement for the major, so that is an excellent way to begin.

Once you’ve taken at least one introductory-level course you can explore more advanced-level courses according to your interests.

Get Involved

The department hosts several Philosophy Colloquia throughout the semester that are open to all students. Once a semester advanced undergraduates students help coordinate a colloquium.

Students can also join the Undergraduate Philosophy Council, which meets regularly for informed discussion and refreshments. All interested students are encouraged to attend.