Philosophy, BA: Humanistic Philosophy
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 more information: http://philosophy.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/philosophy-majors-and-minor/philosophy-majors/major-humanistic-philosophy
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Distribution Requirements | ||
| PHIL 1110 | Ancient Greek Philosophy | 1 |
| PHIL 1170 | History of Modern Philosophy | 1 |
| PHIL 1710 | Introduction to Logic | 1 |
| 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 2 | 8 | |
AFRC 1000:4999 | ||
ANCH 1000:4999 | ||
ARCH 1000:4999 | ||
ARTH 1000:4999 | ||
ASAM 1000:4999 | ||
CIMS 1000:4999 | ||
CLST 1000:4999 | ||
COML 1000:4999 | ||
EALC 1000:4999 | ||
ENLG 1000:4999 | ||
FNAR 1000:4999 | ||
GSWS 1000:4999 | ||
HIST 1000:4999 | ||
HSOC 1000:4999 | ||
JWST 1000:4999 | ||
LALS 1000:4999 | ||
MUSC 1000:4999 | ||
NELC 1000:4999 | ||
PSCI 1000:4999 | ||
REES 1000:4999 | ||
RELS 1000:4999 | ||
SAST 1000:4999 | ||
SPAN 1000:4999 | ||
| Other Courses in Philosophy | 2 | |
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
- 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.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 4998 | Directed 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 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.