Philosophy

The philosophy major is designed to teach students to use logic and philosophical reasoning to tackle the big questions in life and pursue truth. Professors show students how to build sound arguments to defend or disprove an argument. Students are exposed to the theories and writings of some of the greatest philosophical minds throughout history, as well as contemporary thought in philosophy. Most of the upper-level courses you will take in philosophy are held in a round-table style to foster discussion and, at times, debate. Students will also be taught critical thinking skills, to examine philosophic principles verbally and in written form. Typical courses you may encounter in a philosophy major are: Problems in Philosophy, History of Ancient Philosophy, Symbolic Logic, Social-Political Philosophy and Ethics.

If you love to ask the question “why?” and enjoy the art of the argument, then philosophy might be the major for you. It is also a good major for individuals who want to learn how different philosophies affect politics, culture, religion and interpersonal relationships. The skills and knowledge you will gain as a philosophy major can also be applied to a variety of careers. For instance, philosophy is considered an excellent pre-law major, as it teaches students early on to form effective arguments. It is also great preparation for ministry positions, as many of the essential philosophical topics involve ideas relating to God. Other career possibilities can be found in education, opinion journalism or counseling.