B.A. in Philosophy

The characteristic activity of philosophy, from its beginning to the present day, has been reasoned reflection about ourselves, our world, the good life and our relations with one another. Philosophy deals with issues of fundamental human importance—the scope and limits of human knowledge, the nature of reality and truth, what it means to be a person, the relation of mind to body, the sources of value and obligation, the evaluation of social institutions and practices, and the nature of logic and correct reasoning. The Philosophy major is designed to acquaint students with the distinctive nature of philosophical activity and to help them think critically about matters of fundamental philosophical concern. Student Learning Outcomes Students will: Develop a critical understanding of the work of central thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition. Read and comprehend philosophical texts. Respond critically and analytically to philosophical positions, arguments and methodologies, including positions, arguments and methodologies involved in the investigation of significant issues in epistemology, metaphysics and value theory. Defend their own philosophical positions and arguments. Write well-organized philosophical essays in which they clearly articulate philosophical positions and arguments. Write well-organized philosophical essays in which they clearly and effectively present and defend their own philosophical positions and arguments. Apply the basic concepts essential to a critical examination and evaluation of argumentative discourse, where this includes learning how to determine whether an argument is valid and whether it is sound.