Philosophy, BA

Program Description:

The philosophy major explores the basic questions of human existence, questions of value, aesthetics, ethics, logic, science, and meaning. Students discover the history of ideas and learn how to evaluate arguments, understand multiple points of view and develop clear and logical thinking.

he major consists of 10 courses, 4 of which must be in the areas of History of Philosophy, Value Theory, and Core Courses (at least one each). The other 6 are open electives in Philosophy. Philosophy majors must also take PHL 2230 for their quantitative methods course.

The requirements in the major are designed to allow students the freedom to study what interests them most. It also enables students to explore other disciplines or technical fields. Philosophy is an excellent choice for students who seek a well-rounded liberal education and is excellent preparation for those who intend to pursue further training in professional disciplines such as law, medicine, or theology.

Faculty:

Professors Chamberlain (chair), Irvine, Taylor (Emeritus)

Associate Professors Banks, Farmer, Hough (Emeritus), Miyasaki, Wilson

Philosophy Minor

A minor in Philosophy is available for students unable to fit the major into their program. It consists of 3 courses one in each areas (History of Philosophy, Value Theory, and Core Courses) plus 4 Philosophy electives.

Philosophy Honors Program

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or better in Philosophy may apply to do an Honors project. An Honors project involves independent study with a faculty mentor. It will usually extend over two consecutive terms and earn six hours of credit upon its successful completion. The project will normally culminate in the writing of a major research paper (25-30 pages) or a series of related shorter papers during the second term and an oral defense of the project with the Department faculty.

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 3 Hours

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Requirements: 30 Hours

Four Area Courses with at least one from each: 12 Hours

History of Philosophy
Value Theory
Core Curriculum

Six Electives: 18 Hours

III. Related Requirements

IV. College Requirements: 18 Hours

Foreign Language: 12 Hours

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:
Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, American Sign Language or other.

Methods of Inquiry

Quantitative Methods: 3 Hours

One Course from:

COM 4490 - Survey of Communication Research Credit Hour(s): 3
MUS 4140 - Intro to Research in Music Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 2100 - Quantitative Methods in Political Science Credit Hour(s): 3
SW 2910 - Social Science Data Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3400 - Sociological Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
URS 4980 - Quantitative/Qualitative Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3410 - Introduction to Research Methods Credit Hour(s): 3
MS 2040 - Introduction to Business Statistics Credit Hour(s): 3

Qualitative Methods: 3 Hours

PHL 2230 - Symbolic Logic I Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 38 Hours

Total: 124 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.