Philosophy Major

Requirements for the Major in Philosophy

The Philosophy Major requires a minimum of ten courses, including:

1. One of these courses in History:
   • PHIL040 PO - Ancient Philosophy   
   • PHIL042 PO - History of Modern Philosophy   
   • PHIL043 PO - Continental Thought ​ 
2. One of these courses in Values:
   • PHIL031 PO - Ethical Theory: Historical Perspectives  
   • PHIL032 PO - Ethical Theory: Contemporary  
   • PHIL033 PO - Political Philosophy  
   • PHIL034 PO - Philosophy of Law  
   • PHIL035 PO - Well-being and Autonomy  
3. One of these courses in Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Science:
   • ​​PHIL030 PZ - Knowledge, Mind and Existence   
   • PHIL080 PO - Philosophy of Mind   
   • PHIL081 PO - Epistemology: Truth, Justification, Knowledge   
   • PHIL082 PO - Social Epistemology   
   • PHIL103 PO - Philosophy of Science: Historical Survey   
   • PHIL104 PO - Philosophy of Science: Topical Survey   
   • PHIL120 PO - Metaphysics    
4. One course in Logic: PHIL 060 PO  or a more advanced logic course. 
5. One Seminar: any course numbered PHIL185  PO - PHIL186  PO.
6. Four additional courses. At least three of these courses should be numbered between PHIL 010 and PHIL 186 or PHIL 191
7. The Senior Exercise, PHIL190 PO - Senior Literature Review . This class serves as preparation for the optional thesis, PHIL191 PO - Senior Thesis .

No more than one course can be taken CR/NC for the major and the minor.

Other Information

Students interested in graduate study in philosophy should consult with faculty members about which courses to take beyond the core requirements. The faculty can also offer advice about which languages you might need for advanced work.