Philosophy
Philosophy Department
Evelyn Spratt, Ph.D., Interim Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Nicole Dular, Ph.D.
Jina Fast, Ph.D.
Campuses
Summary
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.
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
Degrees and Certificates
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Philosophy, Major -
Philosophy, Minor