Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Major

The study of philosophy helps develop our critical and analytical capacities, our ability to understand what we read, and our ability to argue and persuade. It helps us understand, appreciate, and respect other points of view. It reinforces respect for truth and love of learning. It enhances flexibility in thinking, imagination, and intellectual creativity, and nourishes the sense of wonder and the passion for wisdom. It increases sensitivity to moral issues and provides intellectual tools for thinking constructively about them. Career Opportunities The Philosophy major prepares students for any career that requires or values the abilities to think rigorously, critically, and creatively; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to comprehend what one reads; to analyze information and to appreciate the limits of reliability and degrees of uncertainty; and to work effectively with others while respecting people with different points of view and from different cultural traditions. Most employers prize these abilities. In addition, almost every public and private institution, such as hospitals, social service agencies, corporations, and government departments, face complex ethical issues. People who have studied philosophy are in a particularly good position to help these institutions clarify the issues they face and make reasonable decisions. Philosophy majors are among those who do best on the Graduate Record Examination Law School Admission Test and who do best in law school, as well as medical school. The major in Philosophy can also prepare highly motivated students for graduate study in philosophy. Program Objectives To provide students with knowledge of major figures and trends in the history of philosophy. To provide students with knowledge of the major ethical and political theories in the Western tradition. To provide students with the intellectual skills that will enable them to apply philosophical theories to real world problems encountered in personal and family life, at work, and as citizens of a democracy. To encourage students to evaluate carefully the reliability of sources of information and the reasonability of what they read and hear. To enhance students’ ability to comprehend what they read. To enhance students’ ability to make inferences and see logical connections among claims. To enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.