The philosophy major has two tracks: a philosophy track and a religion/philosophy track.The philosophy major is designed to give students a broad introduction to the philosophical enterprise, to relate that enterprise to the student’s total educational experience, and to encourage creative reflection on life’s deepest questions. The major is designed to acquaint students with the discipline of philosophy in both its historic and contemporary expressions. It aims to broaden students’ intellectual horizons while heightening their moral sensitivity and to develop their thinking and speaking skills while encouraging the integration of learning.  The religion/philosophy track is designed to explore how the methods and concepts of philosophy can assist us in the examination and clarification of theological ideas.

While the study of philosophy is particularly important for students planning to enter the professions, the skills and attitudes acquired through philosophical inquiry will benefit anyone who wants to think more clearly, critically, flexibly, and comprehensively, no matter what one’s major or vocational goals may be. We are therefore eager to work with students who want to combine their study of philosophy with other majors or areas of study.

Major: A minimum of 24 credit hours (eight courses), including Philosophy 120, 200, 220, 230, 300, and 332. There are no required supportive courses. With the approval of the program coordinator, students may apply toward the philosophy major one course with philosophical content from another discipline.

Religion/Philosophy Track: 30 credit hours within the Religion and Philosophy Department offerings, including: Phil 110; Reli/Phil 200; Reli/Phil 24; Phil 220 and Phil 230; Reli/Phil 400; four courses to be selected (in consultation with the student's advisor) from Reli/Phil 210, Reli 211, Reli 216, Reli 219, Reli 229, Reli 232, Reli 235, Reli 236, Reli 237, Reli/Phil 242, Reli/Phil 243, Religion 244, Phil 300, Reli/Phil 305, Reli/Phil 310, Religion 332, Phil 332.

Minor: A minimum of 15 credit hours (five courses) are required.

Related information: Students preparing for graduate study in philosophy need careful advising in their choice of courses. Majors are encouraged to broaden themselves by taking courses in the natural and social sciences as well as in the humanities. A study of one or more foreign languages is recommended.

Note: Consult the Interim catalog for courses not listed here which may be applied to a philosophy major.

110. DIMENSIONS OF THE SELF. 3 Cr. Hrs.
An inquiry into the nature and conditions of selfhood. Issues explored include: the self in relation to education, vocation, maturation, morality, rationality, rights and responsibilities; the self in relation to its projects and possibilities and values, its capacity for transcendence, meaning, and interpersonal relationships. May be applied to Area 1.2.

120. CRITICAL THINKING. 3 Cr. Hrs.
A broad introduction to the art of reasoning. Topics include: the basic concepts of logic, with techniques for detecting, classifying, and evaluating arguments; mistakes in reasoning committed in everyday life; deductive and inductive logic; problem solving skills. Designed to make the student a more careful thinker and a better judge of evidence and arguments. May be applied to Area 2.2.

200. REASON, FAITH AND THE SEARCH FOR MEANING. 3 Cr. Hrs.
A study of those issues which are of common concern to philosophy and religion. Topics focused upon include: the nature and function of religion; the existence and attributes of God; the claims of reason and the claims of faith; God and the problem of evil; the meaning of religious statements; religious experience and the inexpressible; religion and morality; human freedom and the meaning of life. Prerequisite: Religion 110. This course may be applied to Area 4.2.

210. ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES.  3 Cr. Hrs.

An introductory exploration of basic ethical issues from different philosophical perspectives as well as from the vantage point of the Christian faith.  This course is designed to encourage a thoughtful appraisal of the deep questions of life within the broadest possible context.  Topics to be discussed will be selected from: the good, the true and the beautiful; freedom and moral action; virtue, justice and vocation; God, happiness, and the meaning of life.  May be applied to Area 4.2.

220. OUR PHILOSOPHICAL HERITAGE I. 3 Cr. Hrs.
A survey of the history of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through the scholastics, concentrating upon the main thinkers, ideas, and cultural developments of the period. May be applied to Area 3.1A.

230. OUR PHILOSOPHICAL HERITAGE II. 3 Cr. Hrs.
A survey of the history of Western philosophy from the 17th Century through the 20th Century, concentrating upon the main thinkers, ideas and cultural developments which have shaped the modern mind. May be applied to Area 3.1B.

241. THEOLOGY IN A PHILOSOPHICAL CONTEXT.
See Religion 241. May be applied to Area 4.2.

242. FEMINIST/WOMANIST THOUGHT.
See Religion 242. May be applied to Area 4.2.

243. CREATION AND COSMOLOGY; CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION.
See Religion 243. May be applied to Area 4.2.

300.(W) CONTEMPORARY MORAL ISSUES. 3 Cr. Hrs.
This course explores a variety of ethical theories, both classical and contemporary, acquaints students with a number of contemporary moral issues (abortion, euthanasia, world hunger, animal rights, civil disobedience, sexual morality, etc.), and examines the different ways in which these issues can be addressed.

305. BIOMEDICAL ETHICS. 3 Cr. Hrs.
This course will study the moral and ethical implications of contemporary developments in the medical treatment of human life. The course will seek to develop a philosophical and theological perspective on decision making as it relates to such issues as human experimentation, abortion, euthanasia, genetics and the control of human development, and the availability of medical care.

310. DEATH, DYING, AND BEYOND. 3 Cr. Hrs.
This course will focus on such topics as: dealing with one’s own death; biblical, theological, and philosophical perspectives relating to death, suffering, self, and afterlife; care of the dying person, components of grief and loss, funerals, wills, suicide, and euthanasia. May be applied to Area 1.2.

311. READINGS IN PLATO AND ARISTOTLE. 4 Cr. Hrs.
See Classics 311.

320. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY. 3 Cr. Hrs.
See Government and International Affairs 320.

332. SEMINAR. 3 Cr. Hrs.
A concentrated study of one or more philosophers or a period of philosophy or a particular branch of philosophy. Prerequisites: Philosophy 220 and 230 or consent of instructor.

395. INTERNSHIP. 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

197, 297, 397. TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY. 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

199, 299, 399. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

400. SENIOR THESIS.  3 Cr. Hrs.
In consultation with a faculty member, a second semester senior will select a research topic.  With supervision from the faculty member, the student will research and write a paper during the semester.  At a final senior thesis forum, the student will present his/her paper to fellow seniors as well as the faculty of the Relgion and Philosophy Department.