Minor and Cluster Requirements
Minors
The Department of Philosophy offers four minors (one general philosophy minor and three specialty minors) and six clusters in philosophy.
Philosophy Minor (PH)
Requirements: Five courses in philosophy, at least two of which are advanced courses (above PHIL 202). At least two of the five must be advanced courses (above PHIL 202), and no more than two may be logic science courses (PHIL 110, 199, 215, 216, 217, and 249).
History of Philosophy Minor (HP)
Requirements: PHIL 201 and 202, and three other courses in philosophy, at least two of which are advanced courses in the history of philosophy (PHIL 261-70).
Ethics Minor in Philosophy (ET)
Requirements: PHIL 102 or 103, and four other courses in philosophy, at least two of which are advanced courses in ethics (PHIL 220-230, 235, 311-12, 320, 321, 326).
Philosophy of Science Minor (PS)
Requirements: PHIL 152 or 252, and four other courses in philosophy, at least two of which are advanced courses in philosophy of science (PHIL 212, 244, 257, 375).
Clusters
The department offers six clusters, five of these clusters are in the humanities academic division. The Logic cluster is in the natural sciences and engineering division.
Ethics and Values
Students in this cluster will explore issues in theoretical and applied ethics. This cluster fulfills the humanities cluster requirement.
History of Philosophy
In this cluster students will learn about history of philosophy from ancient times through the early twentieth century. This cluster fulfills the humanities cluster requirement.
Knowledge, Mind, and Nature
This cluster introduces students to the basic methods of philosophical reasoning and allows them to pursue their philosophical interests by taking more advanced courses in the theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, and metaphysics. This cluster fulfills the humanities cluster requirement.
Philosophy and Law
Students in this cluster explore analytical techniques and philosophical issues related to studying law. This cluster fulfills the humanities cluster requirement.
Ethics of Technology
This cluster addresses ethical concerns associated with technological innovation and its social and environment impact. It introduces students to methods of ethical analysis, ethical frameworks, and their significance for professional decision-making.
Logic
Students in this cluster will get a foundation in basic logic, as well as explore theoretical questions about logic and develop more advanced logical systems. This cluster fulfills the natural science cluster requirement.