PHILOSOPHY
WHAT IS PHILOSPHY?
Philosophy literally means "the love of wisdom." The study of philosophy, therefore, involves heady life questions like: What is reality? What is truth? What is knowledge? What does it mean to be good and moral? Students who study philosophy read and analyze the work of some of the world's most profound thinkers, people who have wrestled with the nature and meaning of existence and developed compelling ideas about the world.
Philosophy majors labor under a stigma that the discipline is of little practical use. In other words, what does one do with a philosophy degree, besides think? Because the study of philosophy requires clear thinking, outstanding critical and analytical skills, and excellent writing, philosophy majors graduate with a set of tools they can take with them into whatever field they choose. (It just might be wise to apply those skills in an internship, prior to graduation.)
WHAT COURSES DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE?
Your philosophy major will build on your undergraduate liberal arts core, giving you an outstanding background in western intellectual history and thought. Many philosophy programs require majors to complete a final paper, or thesis, before graduation. As a philosophy major, you will take, among other things:
- Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Religion
- Logic
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PHILOSOPHY DEGREE?
While some philosophy majors pursue graduate studies in philosophy, theology, or religious studies, others find that the rigorous intellectual training they receive as undergrads serves them well in law school. Philosophy majors, who targeted careers as undergraduates, find work as journalists, critics, freelance writers, government employees, technical writers, advertising professionals, and teachers (with a teaching certificate).