2024-2025

Philosophy (Major, Minor)

Philosophy Department

Pamela O'Brien, Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Nicole Dular, Ph.D.
Jina Fast, Ph.D.

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

The Philosophy Department of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business offers a Major and Minor in Philosophy to traditional undergraduate students, and a Minor to students in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.

Summary

Traditional Undergraduate and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Philosophy, the oldest of the liberal arts, rests on Socrates' views that "all philosophy begins in wonder" and "the unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates promoted the practical uses of philosophy in everyday life, and encouraged dialogue and vigorous debate as the most effective ways of discerning truth. In this Socratic spirit, the Philosophy Department seeks to: assist students in acquiring a fundamental and realistic understanding of self and world; acquaint students with the thinking of philosophers whose ideas have most influenced the development of our culture; and, engender in students those habits of critical and systematic thinking necessary for a coherent and ethical perspective on the world, while also nurturing their passion for social justice and equity.

Philosophical study prepares students for success in a variety of fields in academia as well as in the private and public sectors through developing and honing skills of clear and analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective reasoning. Some program majors and minors have attended graduate schools, including the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Yale School of Divinity, American University, University of Chicago, University of Maryland School of Law, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, State University of New York at Binghamton, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Others have accepted positions in the fields of education, business, law, politics, and medicine.

Home to NDMU's Ethics Bowl Team and the Phi Sigma Tau chapter of the national philosophy honor society for students who meet the membership requirements, the Department requires a senior thesis as a capstone project for its majors. Under the advisement of a faculty member, the student chooses a philosophical subject of interest to explore in greater depth while demonstrating the skills learned over the four-year course of study. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the Philosophy Major.

The following Empower and Engage General Education requirements may be met by the Philosophy courses listed:
Thinking Critically and Analytically: PHL-201
Pursuing Meaning, Purpose and Well Being: PHL-220, PHL-316, PHL-339
Understanding and Valuing Diverse Identities and Perspectives: PHL-230, PHL-324
Becoming an Engaged Citizen: PHL-210
 

Program of Study

Required Courses for the Major in Philosophy (Credits)

The major consists of a total of 33 credits to include:

       Introductory course (3)

       PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

       One course in religion and human nature (3)

       PHL-302 Philosophy of Human Nature (3)
       PHL-305 Philosophy of Religion (3)
       PHL-306 Problem of Evil (3)
       IDS-479 Honors: Philosophy through Literature (3) 
 
 
       One course in metaphysics and epistemology (3)
 
       PHL-310 Logic (3)
       PHL-316 Philosophy of Education (3)
       PHL-321 Epistemology: Knowledge & Ignorance (3)

 

       One course in ethics (3)

       PHL-330 Ethics (3)
       PHL-334 Business Ethics (3)
       PHL-336 Environmental Ethics (3)
       PHL-339 Medical Ethics (3)
              

       One course in social philosophy (3)

       PHL-315 Philosophy of Sexuality (3)
       PHL-322 Social & Political Philosophy (3)
       PHL-323 Feminist Philosophy (3)
       PHL-324 Philosophy of Race (3)

       

      One course from the historical sequence (3)

       PHL-312   History of Western Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3)
       PHL-313   History of Western Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (3)
       PHL-376H Honors: Human Flourishing: Ancient Perspectives, Contemporary Interpretations (3)


       One seminar (3)

       PHL-422 Major Themes in Philosophy (3)
       PHL-424 Major Figures in Philosophy (3)


       One thesis (3)

       PHL-411 Senior Thesis (3)


       Electives (9) three electives, at least two of which must be the 300/400 level. One of these elective courses may be satisfied by:

       PHL-210 Ethics Bowl: Foundations and Practice (3)
       PHL-230 Gender, Self-Representation, and Popular Culture (3)
       PHL-252 Extraordinary Bodies and Minds: Philosophical Perspectives on Disability (3)
       PHL-463 Independent Study (3)
       PHL-465 Directed Readings (3) 

 

Minor in Philosophy

The Philosophy Department also offers a Minor in Philosophy that consists of 18 credit hours of course work in Philosophy. Courses for the Minor are chosen by the student and should be selected in consultation with a faculty member in the Philosophy Department.

Philosophy Four-Year Plan

Below is a sample Program of Study for the Philosophy Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall
Spring
First year


ENG-101 College Writing  3  Foreign Language 3
NDMU-100 First Year Seminar 3 History 3
COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Com 3 Mathematics 3
General Education/Electives 6 Social Science 3
 [15 credits]
PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy 3


[15 credits]
Second year


PHL Historical Sequence course 3 PHL Meaning & Purpose General Education 3
Fine Arts 3 Natural Science 4
Religious Studies 3 PHL Social Philosophy course 3
PHL Ethics course 3 English Literature 3
General Education/Electives 4 General Education/Electives 3
[16 credits]
[16 credits]
Third year


PHL Religion and Human Nature course 3 PHL Metaphysics and Epistemology course  3
PHL 300/400 Elective 3 PHL Seminar course 3
General Education/Electives 9 General Education/Electives 9
[15 credits]
[15 credits]
Fourth year


PHL 300/400 Elective 3 PHL 300/400 elective 3
PHL 411 Senior Thesis 3 General Education/Electives 9
General Education/Electives 9 Physical Education/Wellness
[15 credits]
 [13 credits]

 


Courses

PHL-103 Critical Thinking

Examines the basic topics and builds the basic skills of proper reasoning, informal logic, and rational argumentation. Skills promoted include identifying arguments, extracting arguments, assessing arguments, and building rationally persuasive arguments. Topics covered include fallacies, major valid argument forms, and basic argument types such as informal arguments, and analogical arguments. Fulfills general education requirement for Thinking Critically and Analytically. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy

Explores some of the major issues that have intrigued reflective people from time immemorial: How do we know? What is human nature? Is there life after death? Where did the universe originate? We will evaluate replies suggested from the time of Plato to the 20th century. Fulfills general education requirement for 200-level course and general education requirement for Thinking Critically and Analytically. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-210 Ethics Bowl: Foundations and Practice

Explores both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions from the time of Confucius and the Ancient Greeks to the 21st century as students evaluate contemporary moral issues through the lenses of these traditions and their own personal values Students will examine contemporary moral issues and the methods of philosophic thought that can provide some typical solutions to the issues, and will discover the place and influence of philosophy in life today as they increase their ethical awareness and identify their own beliefs and values.  Fulfills general education reqirement in Pursuing Meaning and Purpose. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-220 The Well Examined Life: Finding Meaning

Explores both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions from the time of Confucius and the Ancient Greeks to the 21st century as students evaluate contemporary moral issues through the lenses of these traditions and their own personal values Students will examine contemporary moral issues and the methods of philosophic thought that can provide some typical solutions to the issues, and will discover the place and influence of philosophy in life today as they increase their ethical awareness and identify their own beliefs and values.  Fulfills general education requiement in Pursuing Meaning and Purpose. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-302 Philosophy of Human Nature

Explores the meaning and nature of human existence. Investigates both classic and contemporary answers to the following questions: Is the person a body or a mind? Are we free or determined? What grounds do we have for belief in God? On what principles do we judge things right or wrong? Why should citizens obey the law? What things do we call art? When can I say "I know"? What is the meaning of life? Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level course. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-305 Philosophy of Religion

Explores, examines, and analyzes philosophical inquiry by major thinkers on issues that fall under the area of study known as the philosophy of religion, such as: the attributes and xistence of God, the problem of evil, the nature of miracles, death and immortality, and others. Specific attention will be given to the definitions, concepts, and theories that surround these questions and issues, and how understandings may be depending upon the time period and the faith-based foundation upon which philosophical inquiry has been made. Prerequisites: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level course. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-310 Logic

This course will address topics in both informal and formal logic, with an emphasis on formal logic. Topics covered will include argument identification and structure, the translation of English statements into propositional form, the use of truth tables, and natural deduction in propositional logic. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level philosophy. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-312 History of Ancient and Medieval Western Philosophy

Explores the major philosophical thinkers and movements in Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the works of Socrates. Plato and Aristotle as well as the major philosophical thinkers and movements in Western philosophy from St. Augustine in the fifth century to responses to Thomas Aquinas in the 14th and 15th centuries. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/500 level course. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-313 History of Modern and Contemporary Western Philosophy

Explores Western philosophic thought from the 17th and 19th centuries through the works of select Continental Rationalists and British Empiricists with a special emphasis on metaphysical and epistemological views. Considers questions (and answers) that dominate 19th and 20th century Western philosophy. Investigates the origins and themes of American pragmatism, Anglo-American philosophy of language, existential-phenomenology, critical theory and postmodernism. Offers an opportunity to make sense of emerging issues and debates in 21st century philosophy. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level philosophy course. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-315 Philosophy of Sexuality

Employs a philosophical approach in the study of human sexuality. Specific topics include questions related to sexual orientation, lust, casual sex, adultery, love, sexual practices, relationships, and the intersectionality of sexual identity with other identities such as race and gender. As we consider these questions, we will challenge assumptions regarding human sexuality, consider the importance of sexuality to a good life, and discuss the appropriate role of the state in human secual behavior. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level philosophy course and Impact of Diversity. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-316 Philosophy of Education

Explores philosophical principles underlying formal education as well as the principles, values, and assumptions underlying the process of learning. Examines contemporary methods of practicing and assessing philosophy in schools. Engages with philosophical texts from ancient philosophy through contemporary scholarship to address questions such as: What does it  mean to learn? How can teaching be an ethical practice? How might schooling be critiqued through a philosophical lens? Prerequisite: PHL-201. Fulfills General Education Requirement for 300-400 level Philosophy course and general education requirement for Pusuing Meaning and Purpose. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-321 Epistemology: Knowledge & Ignorance

Analyzes the nature and scope of human knowledge. Focuses on the ways in which knowing, believing and having an opinion differ, and investigates the limitations of reason and the boundaries of human understanding. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level course. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-322 Social and Political Philosophy

Examines the origins and justifications of various social and political systems from ancient through contemporary times. Topics addressed may include: The moral justification of particular forms of government, the definition of community and the relationship of the individual to the community, and the importance of race and gender in society. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course and values. [3 credits]

PHL-323 Feminist Philosophy

Investigates the meaning and significance of lived, bodily experience in the formation of human consciousness. Evaluates the history of Western Philosophy from the perspective of those who were once seen as marginal to it, and in doing so elucidates the many debates within Feminist Philosophy about the nature and limits of the philosophical enterprise. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course, gender and diversity. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-324 Critical Philosophy of Race

Examines the concept of race and the phenomenon of racism. Differentiates between individual racism and institutional racism, with a strong focus on the latter. Topics addressed may include: the concept of race as both constructed and real, the politics of racialized identity, epistemologies of ignorance, the persistence of racial inequality, reparations, and the intersection of race with gender, class and sexuality. The corse is heavily interdisciplinary, drawing from history, sociology, gender studies, comparative literature, African-American studies, and Hispanic/Latino studies. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course and general education requirement for Understanding and Valuing Diverse Identities and Perspectives. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-330 Ethics

Introduces contemporary moral issues in light of systems suggested by major thinkers such as Aristotle, J. S. Mill and Kant. Includes considerations of topics such as abortion, euthanasia, cloning and capital punishment. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level and values. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-334 Business Ethics

Discusses ethics as a dimension of social responsibility, the role of corporate culture in business, and emerging issues in business ethics, such as the ways in which differences will affect ethical decision making. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course and values. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-336 Environmental Ethics

Addresses a variety of challenging issues in environmental ethics. Topics considered may include, among others: the status of non-human animals, farming and the environment, global climate change, inter-generational justice, issues of land use, the preservation of forests and wilderness, and the use and development of energy resources. Through an examination of some of these issues, the course also introduces students to a variety of moral theories, from both philosophical and religious perspectives. The social, gender, and environmental justice implications of ecological issues are a major concern of the course. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level PHL and values. Crosslisted with ENV 336. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-339 Medical Ethics

Explores the study of moral problems in medical practice and health care delivery while providing an historical overview of the field of medical ethics. Against the background of  traditional ethical theories, students will critically explore, examine, analyze, and engage in the study of issues that arise in medical ethics. Specific attention will be given to examining the major areas of discussion and debate within the realm of medical ethics and social justice/ responsibility such as paternalism and patient autonomy, disparities in health care, and issues of life and dealth, and, through critical analysis and applied ethical theory, to the critical oral and written evaluation of case studies specific to these issues. Prerequisite: PHL-201. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course and values and general education requirements for Pursuing Meaning and Purpose. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-411 Philosophy Senior Thesis

Designs a research project culminating in a thesis on a philosophical issue. At the end of the semester, the student will give an oral presentation of the thesis to department faculty, students, and invited guests. Prerequisite: philosophy major with senior status, or philosophy major with junior status and at least seven philosophy courses completed, or permission. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-422 Major Themes in Philosophy

Provides an in-depth exploration of a major theme, concept, framework, or idea central to the discipline of philosophy. May be taken twice on different themes. Past themes include: Philosophy of Mind & Disability, Virtue Theory & Anti-Theory. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. Fulfills general education requirement for cross-cultural studies ONLY WHEN THEME IS Islamic philosophy. [3 credits]

PHL-424 Major Figures in Philosophy

Provides an in-depth exploration of a major figure or group of figures, either historical or contemporary, central to the discipline of philosophy. Past themes include: Islamic Philosophy, Immanuel Kant, Simone de Beauvoir. May be taken twice on different figures. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course. [3 credits]

PHL-463 Independent Study

Provides an opportunity for independent work on an approved topic in philosophy. Prerequisite: 200-level philosophy course; one 300-level course; and permission of instructor. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-465 Directed Readings in Philosophy

Provides an opportunity to explore an area of the student's particular interest under the guidance of a member of the department to permit intensive examination of the area of special interest. Prerequisite: one 200-level philosophy course; one 300-level philosophy course; permission of the instructor. [ 3 credits ]

PHL-471 Honors: Morals and Mortality: Ethics of Exiting

Considers the structure and foundations of morality with special emphasis on ethical problems related to death and dying. Prerequisite: PHL-201, Morrissy scholar or permission. Fulfills general education requirement in philosophy and values. [3 credits]