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