Overview

Charles Natoli, Chair

Robert Brimlow, Barbara J. Lowe, Timothy Madigan,* David White

*On leave, Fall 2011

Although philosophers seldom agree perfectly on the definition of philosophy, most of them recognize as central to philosophical activity a disposition to wonder—to wonder about things so basic that most people take them for granted. Thus, they ask about man and man’s world; about where they have come from and where they are going; about space, time, and causality; about truth, goodness, and beauty; about God. The Department of Philosophy aims at stimulating all students to think critically and constructively about the most fundamental speculative and practical issues confronting us. With this end in mind, it invites students to acquaint themselves with the best philosophical literature, old and new. The range of course offerings is designed to respect the diversity of student interests and talents as well as the needs of those who anticipate graduate work in Philosophy and the other liberal arts or in professional studies such as law and medicine.

Minor

Minor in Philosophy

The minor in Philosophy consists of 18 credits in Philosophy.

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Minor in Classical Studies

A grasp of the languages of Rome and of ancient Greece is, of course, of immense benefit to the understanding of our English language, a tongue very deeply in their debt. No less evident is the fact that Latin and Greek are the keys to direct experience and enjoyment of a treasure trove of masterworks in areas such as literature, mythology, law, medicine, religion, philosophy, and history, works whose influence has been very much alive throughout the intervening centuries and into our own time. But not only does knowledge of Latin or Greek provide intimate access to worlds and world views that resemble our own, although seen in a distant mirror, the study of the classical authors and their contexts also reveals worlds and world views that are profoundly “other” than our own, thus providing a richly stimulating contrast to and enlargement of our own culture’s norms of thinking and feeling.

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Philosophy Major

A major in Philosophy consists of 33 credits chosen from the department offerings. The total requirement is deliberately kept small to encourage the student to combine courses in Philosophy with solid concentrations in such other areas as his or her interests and career goals suggest.

For students majoring in Philosophy, all courses designated as Philosophy courses (PHIL) that may apply to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Recommended Progression

B.A. Philosophy

Recommended progression of courses required for the B.A. Philosophy major. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.