2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, BA


Contact:

Director of Undergraduate Studies
541 Hall of LanguageS
315-443-2245.

Faculty

Kenneth Baynes, Frederick C. Beiser, Benjamin Bradley, Janice Dowell, Kevan Edwards, Kim Frost, André Gallois, Samuel Gorovitz, Mark Heller, Kris McDaniel, Christopher Noble, Hille Paakkunainen, Kara Richardson, Michael Rieppel, Nathaniel Sharadin, David Sobel, Laurence Thomas, Robert Van Gulick 

Description

Using reason and argument, philosophers seek to answer the most fundamental of questions: What am I? What can I know? What must I do? Because the study of philosophy so effectively sharpens and extends the mind, many students find it to be the ideal companion to other courses of study.

The philosophy curriculum has two principal divisions. The first division consists of studies that are central to philosophy proper. There are four core areas: ethics, logic, metaphysics and the theory of knowledge, and the history of philosophy. The second division includes courses devoted to the philosophical examination of other areas of inquiry and culture, such as mathematics, the natural and social sciences, language, politics and the law, the arts, history, education, and religion.

Students particularly interested in political philosophy should see the program description under that heading here .

Students particularly interested in logic should see the description of the logic concentration, included under “Interdisciplinary Minors” in this section of the catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Explain core philosophical concepts and theories and their historical development

2. Critically evaluate philosophical theories and arguments

3. Write clearly and concisely, and organize their writing effectively

4. Conduct independent research on a philosophical topic by finding, assessing, and employing relevant literature

Major Requirements


Students seeking a BA in philosophy are required to complete at least 30 credit hours in philosophy, at least 24 credits of which are numbered 300 or above. In order for a course to count towards a student’s major program, the student must receive a grade of C or better in the course. Each student must fulfill the following requirements:

Note:


*Other appropriate courses as approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies

Note:


*Other appropriate course approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies

Note:


*Other appropriate course approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies