Philosophy Program

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Overview

Philosophy is a basic field of inquiry that is neither part of nor reducible to any other discipline. Philosophers explore ideas, questions, issues, and problems that arise from the entire spectrum of human experiences. Philosophy courses deal with fundamental issues concerning the nature of morality and the good life, methods of correct reasoning, the nature of knowledge and reality, aesthetics, and the foundations needed for a good society. In addition to courses dealing explicitly with those issues, courses are also offered that survey the history of western philosophy in light of these issues.

As a discipline central to a liberal arts education, philosophy seeks to develop students' skills and knowledge, preparing them for life as a whole. Hence it fosters critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills that are relevant to any subject matter. The philosophy minor complements any major field of study that demands higher order thinking skills and the ability to understand and assess complex and competing points of view.

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Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, one should be able to achieve the following objectives:

1. articulate essential concepts of logic (e.g., argument, conclusion, fallacy, inference, premise, proposition, soundness, validity);
2. differentiate between the major fields and subfields of philosophy;
3. explain the historical development of central concepts in philosophy;
4. understand and apply distinct ethical concepts;
5. analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments and theories;
6. develop philosophical arguments;
7. write philosophical arguments clearly;
8. synthesize one's personal, informed view on philosophical issues;
9. become a more interested, intellectually active individual and member of one's community.

-adopted by Program in April 2018

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Student Organization

The Philosophy Club, coordinated by students under faculty guidance, sponsors a variety of academic and social activities throughout the academic year. Some of these include Philoso-free Pizza (pizza and lively discussion of current events and timeless philosophical questions), dinner gatherings, movie nights, debates, and special guest lectures on selected topics in philosophy, religion, and culture.

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For More Information

For more information about the philosophy program, please contact Dr. Chris Minor. 

 

Find the UWW-Philosophy Club on Facebook!