Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Mission Statement

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is dedicated to helping students acquire the skills which are central to a first-rate liberal arts education. The mission of the philosophy major is to provide students with skills in reasoning, evaluation, argumentation, and communication that will prepare them for their chosen profession; to encourage critical engagement with the major ideas, figures, and theories in philosophical traditions; and to provide extensive knowledge of the field of philosophy in preparation for further study on the graduate level. Through quality teaching and engaged learning, our majors acquire the ability to express ideas effectively, to appreciate great works in philosophy, and to make reasoned, thoughtful, and compassionate judgments in the complex and diverse world in which we live. The department encourages students to apply these skills to current issues relevant to their lives, and it is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that helps students to mature intellectually and emotionally so that they are prepared for life in our global society.

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies advances the mission of the University to promote personal integrity and responsible behavior in business, medicine, and interacting with the environment by offering applied ethics courses in these areas. Our course in business ethics is required of all business majors and aims to give future business leaders the ability to serve all of their stakeholders responsibly. Our religious studies courses prepare students for global citizenship by promoting understanding and tolerance for cultural and religious differences.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the requirements for a B.A. in philosophy will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

the history of ancient and modern philosophy;
ethics (both theoretical and applied);
metaphysics and epistemology;
formal logical systems, including those of sentential and quantificational logic;
how to write argumentatively, by identifying, presenting, and critically evaluating positions and arguments.

Programs

Majors/Degrees

Philosophy, B.A.

Minors

Certificates

Applied Ethics Certificate

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