Philosophy

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Major and minor offered 

See also Environmental Studies-Philosophy Combined Major 

Visit the philosophy webpage at https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/philosophy.  

Major Requirements  

A major in philosophy consists of 10 courses, distributed as follows: 

  1. Core Courses (5) 

  • 201. Ancient Philosophy 

  • 202. Reasoning 

  • 203. Ethical Theory 

  • 208. Modern Philosophy 

  • One course in non-Western Philosophy (223. Asian Philosophy OR 232 Africana Philosophy OR other approved course). 

Students are strongly encouraged to begin their philosophical studies with 100, 103 or 120, since a 100-level course is often a prerequisite for core courses. The core courses do not have to be taken in any particular sequence, but we strongly recommend that students take 201 and 208 in sequence in their sophomore year.  

  1. Electives (4) 

At least two electives must be at the 300 level and only one 100-level course may count toward the major. 

  1. SYE course or course sequence (1) 

Normally PHIL 400 Metaphilosophy  

Or PHIL 498-499: SYE Honors Thesis (for students eligible for honors and interested in writing an honors thesis). 

Environmental Studies–Philosophy Major 

A combined environmental studies–philosophy major is available. Please consult the Environmental Studies section of this Catalog for the complete list of courses. 

Honors 

To receive honors in philosophy, a student must satisfy the requirements for the major. In addition, he or she must have a 3.5 grade point average in the department and complete a departmentally approved honors project (PHIL 498/499) as his or her SYE. 

Minor Requirements  

A minor in philosophy consists of five to nine courses that must include: 

  1. 202 and 203  

  1. 201 and/or 208 

  1. 223 or 232  

  1. Only one 100-level course counts toward the minor.  

Preparing for Graduate Studies in Philosophy 

Majors considering graduate school in philosophy are strongly advised to take PHIL 302, Symbolic Logic, plus an advanced course in the subfield of philosophy they may wish to specialize in at the graduate level. Those aspiring to graduate school in philosophy should also plan to write a senior thesis. 

Preparing for Law School 

A philosophy major or minor offers an excellent background for the study of law. A student who wishes to go to law school is strongly advised to take PHIL 202, Reasoning, and PHIL 302, Symbolic Logic. PHIL 206, Political Theory, is also recommended. 

See Philosophy courses