Philosophy (Minor)

Program Summary

Philosophy is for everyone. Philosophy is the oldest of the academic disciplines, and aims at examining fundamental principles and assumptions that underlie both other disciplines and our day-to-day lives in the hope of identifying what it means to live well. In the philosophy program, we study classical and contemporary philosophical texts, reconstruct and evaluate the arguments philosophers make, emphasizing the use of tools such as formal and informal logic, analysis, careful reading, and interpretive charity. Some of the central questions to be found in philosophy include: What is the nature of knowledge? What sorts of things exist? What is the nature of value, morality, and justice? What is the nature of a political state, and what makes it legitimate? What is a good life, and how do we ensure we are living it?

We aim to cultivate intellectual virtues and skills necessary to read difficult texts closely, communicate clearly and with precision, and to adopt reasonable positions on life’s most difficult questions, all while remaining open to new or alternative perspectives. The nature of philosophy lends itself to pairing naturally with just about any other discipline. Since the minor is not particularly credit intensive (18 credits), picking up a philosophy minor is a great way to set yourself up for success!

Program Information

• All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major. Only letter grades count toward the minor.
• Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in the minor requirements.
• Students must complete at least 12 credits of upper-division coursework in philosophy.
• No more than 12 credits may transfer, as approved by the Chair of Department of Languages and Philosophy , for the minor.