Philosophy

The Major: Philosophy, derived from the ancient Greek ‘philia’ (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 lie 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 also is 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 a minimum of 33 hours of course work in philosophy. Of these, 27 hours must be at the 3000-level or above, with at least 3 hours 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 3 hours of individual work (PHI 4905 or PHI 3905) count toward the required minimum. Area requirements and the courses that meet them are given in the following table:

Honors: To graduate cum laude, a student must have a 3.5 junior-/senior-level grade point average. To graduate magna cum laude (high honors) or summa cum laude (highest honors), a student must take an additional three hours at the 4000-level or above beyond the required minimum and then complete an honors project while taking PHI 4912.

The honors project involves 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 will conduct an oral examination and evaluate the project papers to determine the level of honors.

The Minor: The philosophy minor requires a minimum of 15 hours in philosophy. Of these, no more than 6 hours may be transfer credits. The 15 hours must include either (i) both parts of the history sequence (PHH 3100 and 3400) or (ii) one part of the history sequence and a logic course (PHI 2100 or 3130). At least 9 hours must be at the 3000-level or higher; only 3 of these hours may be independent study (PHI 4905 or PHI 3905).

Philosophy

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

• Complete 1 Philosophy course

• Maintain course work from semester 2

• Complete 1 additional Philosophy course with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work

• Complete 1 additional Philosophy course (1 of the 3 courses must be at the 3000 level) with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work