The Philosophy major provides students with a broad understanding of the philosophical traditions, especially that which has developed in the West. The major also equips students with the ability to think in a highly reasoned and logical fashion. Through the major, students participate in philosophy’s reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, quest for understanding, and study of principles of conduct. Furthermore, students come to understand how philosophy seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods for resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments.

The major’s requirements ensure that students sample material from all four major branches of philosophy (ethics/value theory; logic; epistemology/metaphysics; and history of philosophy). Yet these requirements remain flexible enough to allow students to focus on areas that most interest them. Philosophical training is relevant to any career in which analytic and synthetic skills are required.  Philosophy makes an excellent undergraduate major for students going on to certain careers typically involving graduate study, for example law, fields relating to social policy and public affairs, and business administration.  

Interdepartmental majors are available in Philosophy and Political Science, and in Philosophy and Religious Studies.

For detailed information about degree requirements, visit the most recent College of Arts and Sciences Academic Bulletin.