Philosophy has been defined as the love of wisdom, as the search for truth through reasoning, as the search for the reasons for our basic beliefs, or as a discipline which comprises metaphysics, logic, ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics. Such definitions have their use, but you can discover what philosophy is only by studying and doing it.
Philosophy is concerned with fundamental questions: What can I know? What is the basis of ethics? How is ethical thinking applied in medicine, business and public affairs? What is art? Can we know anything about the nature and existence of God? What do we mean by "mind?" What types of knowledge can we gain from science and other disciplines?
The study of Philosophy encourages a civilized mind and humane actions. Philosophy promotes understanding and critical thinking about a broad range of human values, beliefs, and institutions.
Why Study Philosophy?
In philosophy courses, you'll have a chance to respond to many fundamental questions, and others. You'll study the ideas of ancient philosophers (such as Plato & Aristotle), modern philosophers (Descartes & Kant), contemporary philosophers (Wittgenstein & Foucault), as well as philosophers from India, Japan, and China. You'll discover what has been written concerning, in the words of Socrates, "the most important things" -- issues of human character and the conduct of life.
You'll develop intellectual survival skills. Such skills involve questioning what passes as common knowledge and accepted wisdom, evaluating your own and others' positions, and formulating new ideas. You'll learn to think, write, and speak intelligently about the texts and issues you study. Such skills will enable you to succeed in subsequent courses as well as outside the classroom, in your personal life and as an educated citizen.
Career Opportunities
Many philosophy majors decide to pursue a scholarly career, as members of the professoriate, and continue their education in masters and doctoral programs. The study of philosophy also develops abilities that are useful in science, the ministry, journalism, government, computer science, business and other professions. Philosophy majors are one of the highest scoring groups on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
The Philosophy Major and Minor
The philosophy major is offered with the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. It requires 33 hours, including 24 hours of upper-division credit. The Philosophy minor is available with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, or Bachelor of Social Work. The University Catalog provides a more detailed explanation of the major and minor requirements.