Philosophy (PH)

What is the best way to live my life? How can I have meaningful conversations with people whose ideas are very different from my own? What do governments owe to their citizens? If you have ever grappled with these kinds of questions, you have already begun to philosophize.

The study of philosophy provides the concepts, analytical skills, historical perspective, and creative perception to engage deeply with the human situation – individual selves, cultures and communities, the biological and physical world we are a part of, our values and ideals, our potentialities, our hopes. Courses in this discipline develop the habits of mind that make it possible to engage our changing world in a perceptive, intelligent, sensitive, and creative manner. The major emphasizes active engagement with philosophical texts, with the history of human thought, and with issues of deep significance.

This major has helped prepare recent graduates for law school, medical school, and graduate school, as well as for positions in teaching, publishing, journalism, television and myriad careers in the business world.

A major in philosophy requires 10 courses in philosophy, including PH 203 (Ancient Greek Philosophy), PH 204 (Modern Philosophy), PH 207 (Logic), PH 375 (Senior Seminar), and 6 additional electives, at least 4 of which must be at the 300-level (and one of these should fulfil the history of philosophy requirement).

A minor in philosophy requires 5 courses in philosophy, one of which should be either PH 101 (Introduction to Philosophy) or PH 203 (Ancient Greek Philosophy) or PH 204 (Modern Philosophy), and 2 of which should be at the 300-level.

Recommended courses for a prospective major or minor

Philosophy Department Site

2nd Floor, Ladd Hall
518-580-5400

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