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Aristotle: "If you ought to philosophize you ought to philosophize; and if you ought not to philosophize you ought to philosophize: therefore, in any case you ought to philosophize. For if philosophy exists, we certainly ought to philosophize, since it exists; and if it does not exist, in that case too we ought to inquire why philosophy does not exist -- and by inquiring we philosophize; for inquiry is the cause of philosophy."
What is philosophy?Philosophers love to argue about that. Philosophy has been defined as the love of wisdom, the critical examination of ideas about ourselves and the world, the search for truth through reasoning, the quest for the foundations for our basic beliefs, as well as a discipline which comprises metaphysics, logic, ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics. Such definitions have their uses, of course. But you'll only discover what philosophy really is by studying and doing it. Hilary Putnam: "Any philosophy that can be put in a nutshell belongs in one." Here are some of the questions philosophers ask: What can I know? What should I do? What can I hope for? What does it mean to be human? Who am I? What can I become? Can I change? Philosophers also ask such questions as: Does God exist? What is science? What is religion? What is art? What is the relation of the community and the individual? How can we be ethical in medicine, law, and business? Return to top
Should I study it?Definitely! In philosophy courses, you'll get to respond to those questions, and many others. You'll study the ideas of ancient philosophers (such as Plato & Aristotle), modern philosophers (Descartes & Kant), and contemporary philosophers (Wittgenstein & Foucault). 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. Friedrich Nietzsche: "A very popular error: having the courage of one's convictions; rather it is a matter of having the courage for an attack on one's convictions!" In addition to engaging the great philosophers, you'll get intellectual survival skills. You'll learn how to question what passes as common knowledge & accepted wisdom, to evaluate your own & others' positions, and to formulate new ideas. You'll be able to think, write, and speak intelligently about the texts and issues you study. Such skills will enable you to excel in all of the other courses you'll take, as well as to succeed in whatever you do after you graduate. They'll contribute to your development as an educated citizen in a democratic society. Return to top
Can I have a list of courses?100-level: Logic, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics. 200-level: Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Art & Beauty, Philosophy of Law. 300-level: Ancient Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy, 19th Century Philosophy, 20th Century Analytic Philosophy, 20th Century Continental Philosophy, Metaphysics, Epistemology. 400-level: Philosophical Studies: Great Figures; Topics in Ethics, Society, & Politics; and Topics in Epistemology, Metaphysics, & Science. Specific figures & topics change each year. John Stuart Mill: "A pupil from whom nothing is ever demanded which he cannot do, never does all he can." Most philosophy classes have about twenty students. There's a Philosophy Club too, where students discuss ideas and eat pizza. Return to top
What about a major or a minor?We've got both. For a major, you only need 9 courses. So it's easy to do a double major. You'll have plenty of choices. You'll be able to pursue your own interests. Ask the philosophy majors and they'll tell you -- it's wonderful! Friedrich Nietzsche: "What I understand by 'philosopher': A terrible explosive in the presence of which everything is in danger." For a minor, you'd take 5 courses. Again, lots of choices. Even if you're a double major, you can do a philosophy minor too. Hypatia of Alexandria: "Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all." Return to top
Who teaches this stuff?Nick Smith, chair: Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Ancient Philosophy, and Epistemology. J. M. Fritzman: Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Philosophy of Art & Beauty, Philosophy of Law, 19th Century Philosophy, and 20th Century Continental Philosophy. Jay Odenbaugh: Environmental Ethics, Logic, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, and Metaphysics. Rebecca Copenhaver: Logic, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Early Modern Philosophy, 20th Century Analytic Philosophy, Metaphysics, and Epistemology. All of us teach the 400-level Philosophical Studies courses. Jean-François Lyotard: "One 'teaches philosophy' only by learning how to philosophize." Return to top
Anything else?Each semester, six to eight philosophers are invited to campus to present colloquia where they talk about their work and ideas. In addition, the students regularly design a "Philosophy Extravaganza" where we discuss such topics as "What is truth?" or "Are we free?" Majors have the option of writing an honors thesis during their senior year. And, there's the Philosophy Club. Return to top
Are there career opportunities?You bet. Philosophy develops intellectual survival skills that are useful in science, the ministry, journalism, government, computer science, business, and other professions. Philosophy majors are one of the three highest scoring groups on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), second on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), and sixth out of fifty on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Together with the relevant science courses, philosophy provides a unique preparation for medical school. Wisdom and success. What more could you ask?
Any examples?
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