Department of Philosophy

Program Requirements: Philosophy

The requirements for a major in philosophy are designed to ensure exposure to the major systematic fields in philosophy, to ensure familiarity with advanced analytic and logical methods, acquaint the student with the history of the discipline, and provide close faculty-student contacts through advanced seminars and individual research projects. The major program accommodates general liberal-arts students and those pursuing double majors and honors work, as well as those considering graduate study in philosophy. Students, especially those considering graduate school, who wish a more intensive course of study toward the major should consult with department faculty and study the Philosophy Major Handbook in the department office.

Major requirements

1. Required courses in philosophy

A total of eight courses (described below) satisfy the requirements for the Philosophy Major. Students must receive at least a 'C-' grade in these courses.
  • Two courses in the history of philosophy (PHIL141, 142, 143, or 145)
  • One course in formal logic (PHIL110). (The department recommends that students do not take logic as their first and introductory course in the major without first consulting a member of the department faculty.)
  • One advanced course in the area of metaphysics (PHIL 234 or 263)
  • One advanced course in the area of epistemology (PHIL 239, 240 or 241)
  • One advanced course in the area of ethics and social philosophy (PHIL 220, 221 or 228)
  • One advanced elective (200 or above)
  • A designated capstone seminar. Each semester, the department designates an advanced seminar as satisfying the capstone requirement. The capstone should be taken during the student's senior year. For further inquiries about the capstone, please contact the Department Chair and/or your Major Faculty Advisor.

2. Required courses outside philosophy

Either: (i) a completed double major; or (ii) a completed concentration (for example, environmental science and policy, ethics and public policy, women’s studies, classics, ancient civilizations, Jewish studies, or communications); or (iii) a completed minor in any other program or department.