Philosophy BA

The philosophy program gives students the opportunity to think deeply and systematically about fundamental issues having to do with knowledge, values, human nature, and culture. Some of these relate to foundational questions in various disciplines—for instance: Does the scientific view of the world mean that free will is an illusion? Could a computer be conscious? What makes a work of art meaningful? What is justice? Other questions arise in the course of everyday experience and concern the way we live—our ethics, our choices, our relationships, and our work. 

Philosophy students will become acquainted with the history of ideas, with classical and contemporary philosophical debates, and with methods of philosophical analysis. A student who graduates with a major in philosophy will be knowledgeable about the history of Western thought, have some acquaintance with non-Western thinking, be skilled in the analysis of arguments and texts, and be able to understand contemporary issues in their broader historical, intellectual, and cultural contexts. Since philosophical questions often overlap with questions in other fields of learning, philosophy students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary work. 

Philosophy majors can pursue careers in any field requiring well-developed analytical and communication skills, including government, business and service professions. Philosophy is also excellent preparation for further studies in graduate and professional schools. Our recent graduates are pursuing careers in medicine, law, philosophy, teaching, politics and policy, and performance art. 

Upon completion of this program a student is able to:

1. Evaluate the nature and quality of philosophical arguments they are presented with
2. Construct their own philosophical arguments with rigor and clarity
3. Discuss links between philosophy and other cultural phenomena, e.g. natural science, the arts, politics, and religion
4. Read texts carefully, sensitively and critically
5. Demonstrate knowledge of at least two periods or movements in the history of philosophy
6. Demonstrate familiarity with several ongoing debates in contemporary philosophy