Philosophy: Humanistic Philosophy, BA

Philosophy seeks to illuminate fundamental aspects of the world, of our relation to and knowledge of the world, and of our own nature as rational, purposive, and social beings. The study of philosophy aims at an appreciation of the ways this enterprise has been, is, and might be approached. It also provides a vantage point for reflecting on the nature and achievement of other disciplines, such as science, the arts, and the humanities. Philosophical topics can be divided roughly into VALUE THEORY (ethics, politics, aesthetics) and THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY (epistemology, metaphysics, mind, and logic). The four concentrations available within the major allow students to emphasize different sets of questions.

The Humanistic Philosophy Concentration emphasizes practical philosophy and its history; it pairs philosophy courses with courses in one or more humanistic disciplines.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.

Required: 8 course units in Philosophy and 8 course units in Humanities and/or Political Science (Non-Philosophy courses need permission of the Undergraduate Chair).

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Distribution Requirements
PHIL 1110Ancient Greek Philosophy1
PHIL 1170History of Modern Philosophy1
PHIL 1710Introduction to Logic1
Select 1 course in Contemporary Theoretical Philosophy (Attribute APLT)1
Select 2 courses in Value Theory (Attribute APLV)2
Level Requirements
Select 2 course units of Philosophy at 2000 level or above
Select 1 course unit of Philosophy at 3000 or 5000 level
Humanities and/or PSCI Courses
Select 8 courses of HUM or PSCI courses 28
ANCH 1000:4999
ARCH 1000:4999
ARTH 1000:4999
CIMS 1000:4999
CLST 1000:4999
EALC 1000:4999
ENLG 1000:4999
FNAR 1000:4999
GSWS 1000:4999
HIST 1000:4999
HSOC 1000:4999
LALS 1000:4999
MUSC 1000:4999
NELC 1000:4999
PSCI 1000:4999
REES 1000:4999
RELS 1000:4999
Other Courses in Philosophy2
Total Course Units36
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

2

No Introductory or Theater Performance Courses.

Honors

Must be a Senior Major in Philosophy and have a minimum 3.33 GPA in the major. Applicants must have completed the distribution requirements for the major including two courses above 2000 one of which must be above 3010. Please consult with the Undergraduate Chair for other specific criteria.

PHIL 4998Directed Honors Research (or a 5000-level course)1

 


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.