Philosophy

Philosophy 

Mission 

The philosophy department rooted in the systematic analysis of the Western philosophical tradition:

• Endeavors to instruct and inspire students to discover the relevance of philosophy to current problems in our world, and encourages a lifelong commitment to philosophical reflection and ethical practice.
• Challenges students to the pursuit of truth and ethical decision making.
• Provides opportunities to engage students in critical thinking and public discourse about some of the most important ideas of the human experience.
• Manifests in its faculty a passion for philosophy and a commitment to the student’s pursuit of truth, ethical decision making, intellectual honesty, and the courage and tenacity for philosophical inquiry and practice.
  

Philosophy encourages exploration and discussion of fundamental philosophical questions and issues that proceed from commitment to the virtues of the Catholic Franciscan tradition, including hospitality, humility, and a commitment to truth, faith, hope, and charity. Accordingly, the program aims to engage students in systematic critical thinking, introduce students to classic figures and topics in the history of philosophy, develop students’ insight into the philosophical implications of their own life values and American cultural attitudes, challenge students to discover the relevance of philosophy to current problems in our world, and encourage lifelong commitment to philosophical reflection and ethical commitment in the world.

Philosophy Major (Goals) 

• Knowledge of the history of philosophy
• Knowledge of formal and informal logic
• Develop the skills of critical and independent argumentation
• Develop an appreciation for viewpoints apart from one’s own
• Knowledge of the branches of philosophy and how epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics differ
• Specialization in a particular period or philosopher
• Strong investigative and research skills in philosophy
• Strong oral and written communication skills in philosophy
  

Philosophy Goals (discipline specific) 

• Identify and evaluate logical arguments
• Develop knowledge of the history of philosophy (primarily from the Western tradition, but not exclusive to the Western tradition)
• Foster an appreciation for the Socratic method as a way of inquiry
• Develop an understanding of different ways of acquiring knowledge
• Develop the skills of critical analysis and effective communication
• Identify and articulate some of the ethical issues in contemporary society
• Evaluate strategies for ethical decision-making and problem-solving
• Develop a greater understanding of oneself as a social and moral agent
• Appreciate the basic differences among a deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics approach to resolving contemporary ethical problems
• Understand how theory informs practice and vice versa
• Understand the philosophical questions central to the study of epistemology
• Understand the philosophical questions central to the study of metaphysics
• Understand the philosophical questions central to the study of politics and the structure of societal relations
  

Philosophy Major (Bachelor of Arts) 

• core curriculum and mission seminars – see the core curriculum section of this catalog
• philosophy requirements – PHIL 100 or 101 or 105, 400, two courses from PHIL 320, 340, or 370, three courses from PHIL 311, 312, 313, or 333, 15 credits from PHIL 244, 286, 302, 310, 315, 316, 321, 360, 365, 381, 486, 488, or 490
• support courses – HIST 101, 102, PSYC 100 or 171, RLST 410, three courses, with a minimum of two disciplines, from ENGL 307, 341, 354, HIST 247, 335, PSYC 425
• final degree requirements – see the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of the Bachelor of Arts degree as well as final graduation requirements

The total credits of the core, major and support course requirements are 57. The core curriculum and mission seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Philosophy Minor 

• 18 credits, including PHIL 100 or 101

The total credits of the minor requirements is 18. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Philosophy minors are encouraged to consider a concentration in ethical studies.

Philosophy Minor, Ethical Studies Concentration

• PHIL 100, VUSM 100 or 300, PHIL 488 or VUSM 400 (approved for philosophical inquiry), two courses from PHIL 302, 315, 321, OMGT 402, one course from ACCT 425, ADCT 423, BLAW 343, COMM 414, CRMJ 470, EDUC 343, ENGL 243, HIST 304, 344, MGMT 379, NURS 301, 302, OMGT 379, 402, PHIL 316, 340, 360, PSYC 250, 374, RLST 465, SOCL 250, 333, 354, SOWK 333, 341, SPML 320