Undergraduate Catalogue
Philosophy Major
Philosophy majors examine fundamental human questions through rigorous study emphasizing clarity of thought and expression, careful reasoning and problem solving, and synthesizing diverse viewpoints. These intellectual skills, combined with broad exposure to the liberal arts, are highly valued by the business community, and by schools providing graduate training in law, business, and other disciplines. In addition to major courses, philosophy students can take a broad range of business courses, or minor in management, marketing, economics or finance. By combining skills in critical thinking with business study, these students gain a distinct advantage in the job market.
The major stresses application of philosophy to business through the university’s nationally recognized program in business ethics and its Center for Business Ethics. For the past three-plus decades, the center has organized national conferences on business ethics, published research on ethical problems in business, and served as a clearinghouse for groups concerned with ethics in business. The center promotes an environment that applies ethical reasoning to the practical problems of business.
Required Courses
A philosophy major requires completion of 8 courses that include the following major courses:
PH 111 Introduction to Logic
PH 215 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
or
PH 216 Modern Philosophy
PH 251 Ethics
PH 252 Theories of Knowledge
or
PH 253 Theories of Reality
One additional course in the history of philosophy. The remaining courses are electives. Philosophy majors can, with the assistance of the departmental adviser, choose electives in an area of interest. For example, students interested in business ethics may take the following courses:
PH 130 Corporate Social Responsibility
PH 131 Philosophy of Work
PH 133 International Business Ethics
PH 135 Medical Ethics
PH 311 Social Philosophy
PH 402 Seminar in Philosophy
Students majoring in Philosophy must also complete a Business Studies minor
