The Department of Philosophy offers a program of study leading to a B.A. in philosophy
in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The major offers students a diverse
set of courses, representing the full spectrum of philosophical inquiry. Philosophy
is a discipline devoted to rigorous reflection on human nature, culture, and the
world. It has a long history, beginning with the Ancient Greeks, that is the foundation
of philosophical education. Areas covered in the curriculum include environmental
and medical ethics, ethical theory, existentialism, social and political philosophy,
logic, phenomenology, feminist philosophy, Hinduism and Buddhism, philosophy of
language, aesthetics, philosophy of science, and the history of philosophy. The
curriculum is organized so that advanced courses will prepare those students who
wish to continue studying philosophy in graduate school.
Philosophy is also a well-respected gateway major for students interested in
careers in law, business, government, or education. The Department teaches courses
in bio-medical ethics, business ethics, and environmental ethics that investigate
ethical problems relevant to many professional fields of study and work. In addition
to its major, the Department of Philosophy offers a minor in philosophy.
Faculty members in the Department of Philosophy are recognized scholars who contribute
actively to the professional advancement of philosophical inquiry and innovation
both nationally and internationally.
The Department welcomes double majors and minors from other fields. For those
students who have theoretical interests and/or a concern with ethical and political
issues related to their main discipline, philosophy can be an excellent addition
to the major field of study.
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Requirements:
- A minimum of 30 credits in philosophy
- At least 21 credits (seven courses) in philosophy must be upper level courses,
i.e., courses above the 100 level;
- PHI 200
- Three credits in logic: PHI 103 or PHI 250
- Nine credits in History of Philosophy including PHI 210, PHI 312 and one of the
following: PHI 286, PHI 287, PHI 317, PHI 342, PHI 343, PHI 420
- PHI 475 Junior/Senior Philosophy Seminar
- A minimum grade of “C-” for courses to count toward the major.
A Typical Four-year Program in Philosophy
The University of Maine The University of Maine
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