BA MAJOR & MINOR
What You’ll Study
To have an appreciation of philosophy is to understand the ambiguity and complexity at the very deepest foundations of our greatest institutions — language, nations, religions, science — even down to our very understanding of reality itself. These things all rest on assumptions about what is valuable, what is true, and what is real — issues that have always been up for grabs to the people with the most charisma, the strongest evidence, or the power of arms. At its highest, philosophy is about changing the world.
On the personal level, appreciating philosophy gives you the perspective to appreciate the work of others and to appropriately criticize your own. It gives you the power to think critically and to make strong, influential arguments.
Our Philosophy major explores a wide range of philosophical interests, with the most emphasis placed on modern through contemporary thought in the Western tradition. Our aim is to give you the tools for a well-examined life, fruitful career, and success in graduate studies, if you choose that path.
As a Philosophy major, you’ll receive a solid background in the Western philosophical tradition, and be able to choose elective courses such as:
- Existentialism & Phenomenology
- Contemporary Philosophy
- Feminist Philosophy
- Environmental Ethics
- Eastern Philosophy
- Philosophy of Art and Politics
- Philosophy of Technology
