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 two minors: a Minor in Philosophy, and a Minor in Ethics, and Social and Political 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 9 credits of which must be taken in the Philosophy Department at the University of Maine.
- 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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