Philosophy Majors

The Philosophy Department offers three different majors: General Philosophy, Humanistic Philosophy, and Philosophy and Science. Philosophy divides into a number of areas: epistemology and philosophy of science, logic, metaphysics, moral and political philosophy, and aesthetics. None of these areas of philosophy can be pursued in complete isolation from the others. Thus all three Majors include a distribution requirement, satisfaction of which ensures familiarity with central issues from different areas of philosophy. Philosophy is not a cumulatively obtained body of knowledge. Philosophers of each generation continue to learn from the classical works of older philosophical traditions. Thus each of the three Majors includes a distribution requirement in the history of philosophy. Questions concerning what courses meet which distribution requirements should be addressed to the Undergraduate Chairperson. Finally, all three Majors include a level requirement to guarantee that students do not confine their studies to introductory courses. Transfer students especially should note that at least eight courses toward any of the Majors, including all the distribution requirements and the 300-level course requirements, must be taken from regular or visiting members of the Philosophy Department at the University.