Philosophy

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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A grade of C- or better is required in any Philosophy courses counting towards major.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C”) in the major.

Minimum number of credits required to complete the major: 30

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: PHI 475

Contact Information: Kirsten Jacobson, Chair, Department of Philosophy, Room 9, The Maples. 581-3848, kirsten.jacobson@maine.edu; Jennifer Bowen, Administrative Specialist II, Department of Philosophy, The Maples, 581-3865.

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 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 requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.

Requirements: a minimum of 30 credit hours in philosophy

At least 21 credit hours (7 courses) in philosophy must be upper level courses, i.e., courses above the 100 level.

Three credit hours in Ethics:
PHI 230 - Ethics Credits: 3
or
PHI 240 - Social and Political Philosophy Credits: 3
or
PHI 344 - Theories of Justice Credits: 3
Three credit hours in logic:
PHI 103 - Methods of Reasoning Credits: 3
or
PHI 250 - Formal Logic Credits: 3
Nine hours in the History of Philosophy including:
PHI 210 - History of Ancient Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 312 - History of Modern Philosophy Credits: 3
and one of the following:
PHI 212 - Hegel and 19th Century Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 214 - 20th Century Continental Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 221 - Classical Chinese Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 286 - Religions and Philosophies of the East: Hinduism Credits: 3
PHI 287 - Religions and Philosophies of the East: Buddhism Credits: 3
PHI 317 - Existentialism and Phenomenology Credits: 3
PHI 342 - Marxist Philosophy I: The Philosophy of Karl Marx Credits: 3
PHI 346 - The Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi Credits: 3
PHI 420 - Topics in Recent Continental Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 475 - Junior/Senior Philosophy Seminar Credits: 3
Completion of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement for the B.A. degree (for students admitted for Fall 2011 and after); a minor outside the field of your major, or a double major. For students admitted prior to Fall 2011 the old B.A. requirements remain in force unless you choose to adopt the new B.A. requirement of a minor outside your major field or double major. If you have questions, please consult your advisor.
Completion of University General Education requirements.

First Year

Two philosophy courses without prerequisites at the 100- or 200-level.

Second Year

Two courses that meet the department’s history requirement
One course that meets the department’s ethics requirement

Third Year

One course that meets the department’s logic requirement
One course that meets the department’s history requirement
One elective at the 200 level or higher

Fourth Year

Two upper level philosophy courses, including PHI 475 (if not taken in Junior Year)

List of Philosophy Courses

PHI 100 - Contemporary Moral Problems Credits: 3
PHI 102 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 103 - Methods of Reasoning Credits: 3
PHI 104 - Existentialism and Literature Credits: 3
PHI 105 - Introduction to Religious Studies Credits: 3
PHI 132 - Life, Technology and Evolution Credits: 3
PHI 210 - History of Ancient Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 212 - Hegel and 19th Century Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 214 - 20th Century Continental Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 221 - Classical Chinese Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 230 - Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 231 - Topics in Applied Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 232 - Environmental Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 233 - Business Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 235 - Biomedical Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 240 - Social and Political Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 242 - Ethics in Professional Life Credits: 3
PHI 244 - Philosophy of Law Credits: 3
PHI 250 - Formal Logic Credits: 3
PHI 262 - Philosophy of Art Credits: 3
PHI 286 - Religions and Philosophies of the East: Hinduism Credits: 3
PHI 287 - Religions and Philosophies of the East: Buddhism Credits: 3
PHI 312 - History of Modern Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 317 - Existentialism and Phenomenology Credits: 3
PHI 332 - Environmental Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 342 - Marxist Philosophy I: The Philosophy of Karl Marx Credits: 3
PHI 344 - Theories of Justice Credits: 3
PHI 345 - Global Justice Credits: 3
PHI 346 - The Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi Credits: 3
PHI 360 - Metaphysics Credits: 3
PHI 420 - Topics in Recent Continental Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 431 - Advanced Topics in the Philosophy of Art Credits: 3
PHI 432 - Environmental Philosophy and Policy Credits: 3
PHI 465 - Advanced Topics in Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 466 - Readings in Philosophy Credits: 1-3
PHI 475 - Junior/Senior Philosophy Seminar Credits: 3
PHI 566 See Graduate Catalog for list of Graduate Level courses

Elective Credtis

Elective credits may be used to meet remaining general education, college, B.A., or department requirements.

Students may also take additional credits in department courses beyond the 30 required for the major, but must take at least 60 credit hours outside of Philosophy courses.