Philosophy

B.A. in Philosophy

Through attention to ultimate concerns, reflective thought, critical analysis, reading, and integration of knowledge from diverse fields, the Program of study in Philosophy contributes to the realization of the mission of the College, especially to the development of women and men who are skilled critical thinkers and responsible moral agents, and who will continue the quest for meaning, self-realization and fulfillment as social contributors. In Philosophy, the student is introduced to the nature of philosophical thinking and to the perennial philosophical questions concerning the nature of reality and humanity's place in reality.

Requirement: 40 Credits

• PHIL103     Logic and Rhetoric (4)
• PHIL201     Philosophy of Religion (4)
• PHIL203     The Human Person (4)
• PHIL304     Morality and the Good Life (4)

Any two [2] of the following History of Philosophy courses: (8)

• PHIL205     Survey in the History of Philosophy
• PHIL213     American Philosophy
• PHIL230     Women in Philosophy
• PHIL317     History of Ancient Philosophy
• PHIL319     History of Medieval Philosophy
• PHIL321     History of Modern Philosophy
• PHIL600     Catholic Intellectual Tradition*

• PHIL325     Philosophy of Being and God (4)

Any one [1] of the following Applied Ethics courses: (4)

• PHIL233/333 Ethics in Business and Society
• PHIL331     Ethics in Health Care

• PHIL435     Coordinating Seminar (4)

Any one [1] of the following electives: (4)

• PHIL101     Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL105     Philosophy of Being and God
• PHIL111     Philosophy of Art
• PHIL207     Selected Existentialist Philosophers
• PHIL211     Philosophy in Literature
• PHIL215     Philosophy in Film
• PHIL313     Reading the Philosophers
• PHIL409     Philosophy of Language
• PHIL415     Philosophy of Knowledge

Capstone Experience:

As part of PHIL435 Coordinating Seminar, students will be required to compose a substantive research paper in which they attempt to formulate and explain a complete and coherent philosophical system incorporating what they have learned from the four core branches of philosophy, [metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and logic], philosophical psychology/anthropology, and the History of Philosophy.

*This course is offered at the graduate level as part of the MA Program in Theology.

Minor in Philosophy

A minimum of 20 credits in Philosophy is required.

• PHIL --    Any History of Philosophy
• PHIL --    3-- or 4-- Elective 
• PHIL --    3-- or 4-- Elective 
• PHIL --    Elective 
• PHIL --    Elective 

Ethics Studies Minor and Certificate

Any combination of four courses from the following list, at least two of which are Philosophy courses, and at least two of which are Theology courses:

• PHIL204/304** Morality and the Good Life
• PHIL233/333** Ethics in Business and Society
• PHIL331      Ethics in Healthcare
• THEO135     Ecology and Faith
• THEO250     Introduction to Christian Ethics
• THEO2--      Ethics and Spirituality
• THEO200     Bioethics
• THEO239     Christian Sexual Ethics

Plus the following interdisciplinary Philosophy & Theology Course:

• THEO 385    Ethics and Justice

**Courses designated with two numbers are available to Philosophy majors and minors for more advanced work (i.e. 300 level).