Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts 

The department offers courses in all of the major historical periods of the western intellectual tradition (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary) and in the main disciplines of philosophy (Logic, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, and Aesthetics). The philosophy department designs its courses to: 1) focus primarily on the analysis of philosophical questions, arguments, and/or perspectives; 2) provide students with the opportunity to explain, analyze, and evaluate philosophical questions, arguments, and/or perspectives; and 3) demonstrate how understanding philosophical concepts helps to illuminate contemporary issues.

In regard to its ethics offerings, the department seeks to: 1) explore the meaning and purpose of the ethical life, highlighting the concepts of the human person and human nature consistent with the mission of the College and the Judeo-Christian tradition; 2) examine the complexity of the decision-making process and provide guidance for making good moral decisions; 3) provide opportunities for students to nurture a habit of reflective moral judgments through the study of moral problems; and, 4) include a consideration of the philosophical traditions of Aristotle or St. Thomas Aquinas.