Philosophy

www.clas.ufl.edu/CLAS/Departments/Philosophy

THE MAJOR: Philosophy, derived from the ancient Greek 'philos' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom), is the study of the most fundamental questions that arise in reflecting on the nature of the world and the place of human beings in it. The value and importance of the study of philosophy lies in the habits of thought it inculcates, the breadth of vision it encourages, and the perspective it gives us on ourselves, our activities, and our lives among others. It can be the beginning of a process that can enrich one's life immensely.

Philosophy is also good training for professional studies in journalism, law, medicine, and business, as well as for graduate study in philosophy. As in the case of other liberal arts majors, it provides the kind of well-rounded education and general intellectual skills that are prized in management in both the private and the public sectors. The serious study of philosophy offers one of the best opportunities to enhance one's analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities, as well as one's ability to express oneself clearly and to formulate and respond to arguments in speech and writing.

The philosophy major requires 33 hours of coursework in philosophy. Of these, 27 must be at the 3000-level or above, and three of these must be at the 4000-level, excluding PHI 4905 and PHI 4912. No more than 15 hours in transfer credit can count toward the degree and no more than three hours of individual work (PHI 4905 or PHI 3905) count toward the required minimum. Area requirements and the courses required to meet them are given in the following table:

The rest of the required hours are electives. Students should discuss their interests and plans with an adviser in the department when choosing electives. More information is available in the department's handbook, available at the department office and on the department's web page: http://web.phil.ufl.edu . Students must complete an exit questionnaire for the department the term they graduate.

HONORS: For graduation with honors a student must attain a 3.5 junior/senior level grade point average. For high or highest honors a student must also complete an honors project, PHI 4912, for an additional three credits, and take an additional three hours at the 4000-level or above, excluding PHI 4912.

The honors project is advanced and usually is independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. Application to undertake the project should be made to the undergraduate coordinator at least one and preferably two semesters before graduation. The director and undergraduate committee shall evaluate the project papers for high or highest honors.

THE MINOR: A student needs a minimum of 15 hours in philosophy, i.e., five courses. Of these no more than six hours may be transfer credits. The 15 hours must include at least one part of the history sequence (PHH 3100 or 3400) and, if only one part of the sequence is elected, a logic course (PHI 2100 or 3130). At least three courses must be at the 3000 level or higher; only one of these may be independent study (PHI 4905 or PHI 3905). Consult the undergraduate coordinator.

Applied and Professional Ethics: A fifteen credit-hour minor is available for students who wish to augment their training in philosophy with courses in disciplines that specifically address ethical issues or to prepare for professional or graduate school by taking courses that examine the ethical issues and problems within a number of disciplines or professions.

This minor is additional preparation for students who anticipate teaching applied ethics courses after completing their graduate degrees, for pre-professional students who want to develop a comparative understanding of how value issues are addressed and for pre-professional students who are interested in developing courses in ethics within their own fields. For further information, contact Dr. Richard Haynes, 301 Griffin Floyd Hall, 392-2084, ext. 301, rhaynes@phil.ufl.edu .

Students must take three credit hours in philosophy at the 4000-level in an area of ethical theory or applied philosophy and six hours each from cluster A and B, below.

Required (three credits) *

Cluster A: Philosophical Foundations of Ethics and Applied Philosophy (six credits) *

Cluster B: Applied Ethics and Philosophy (six credits)

OVERSEAS STUDY: Consult an adviser or the UF International Center in 123 Grinter.