The Major in Philosophy

B.A. in Philosophy
B.A. in Philosophy - Applied Ethics

Many students double major in philosophy with another subject area that overlaps one of the many sub-areas of philosophy.

The philosophy major at UMD is 33-34 semester credits, or 39-41 credits for the applied ethics emphasis. The traditional major includes an introductory course, a course in logic, and three courses covering important philosophers of the past. The applied thics major includes courses in ethical theory and fields where ethics are applied. The remaining courses are largely electives providing coverage of contemporary issues and more depth in specific areas.

Students who major in philosophy pursue careers in a surprising diversity of fields. Many go on to law school, some teach, some write or work for publishers, some go into politics, some find work in government (at all levels, local to national), and many work in a variety of businesses -- or run them. Besides answering questions that are important and challenging, and providing familiarity with an important tradition of great books and ideas, the study of philosophy improves analytical reasoning, problem solving, writing and communication skills. It provides an excellent college experience and prepares a student for a fulfulling life and career. We have devised a suggested plan for completing a philosophy double-major in under four years.

The Minor in Philosophy

The philosophy minor consists of 16 credits of philosophy courses, excluding independent study. At least 10 of those credits must come from Upper Division courses (courses numbered 2000 and above). We have compiled a complete listing of all Philosophy courses offered at UMD. You are bound to find something to love.

Overview of Philosophy

Philosophers attempt to find answers to the most important questions that have concerned people ever since we were free to think for ourselves.

Some of these questions are:

Is there a God? If so, why is evil permitted, and why are innocent people allowed to suffer?

Is there an objective basis for ethics and morality?

Is human freedom compatible with a world where every event appears to be the inevitable outcome of prior causes?

What distinguishes art from non-art?

What is the difference between rationality and irrationality?

What is the meaning of life? (some people argue "42", but many philosophers aren't satisfied with that answer)

What is knowledge? Are there theoretical limits to what can be known?

What is consciousness? Could a machine, such as a digital computer, be conscious? What is animal consciousness like?

Is time travel possible?

Do we have moral obligations to animals? To preserve the environment? To use all available life-preserving technology?

As you can see, philosophy is one of the most interdisciplinary areas of study. People interested in philosophical issues are usually interested in those that relate to some specific area, such as psychology, medical practice, art, law and public policy, computers and artificial intelligence, the history of thought and institutions, mathematics, women's studies, physics, education, literature, or many other areas. Fore more information on philosophy please see the resources page.

A major in Philosophy allows people to focus on the issues that interest them most in these areas, and gives them freedom to explore the general questions that cut across all disciplines.

For more information, please come by the Philosophy Department office in 369 A.B. Anderson Hall, phone (218) 726-8548, or email phil@d.umn.edu.