Undergraduate Study in the Sage School

The Study of Philosophy

The study of philosophy provides students with an opportunity to become familiar with some of the ideas and texts in the history of thought while developing analytical skills that are valuable in practical as well as academic affairs. It affords the excitement and satisfaction that come from understanding and working toward solutions of intellectual problems.

The philosophy curriculum includes offerings in:

• history of philosophy
• logic
• ethics
• social and political philosophy
• metaphysics
• theory of knowledge
• philosophy of mind
• philosophy of language
• philosophy of science

Getting Started

Any philosophy course numbered in the 1000s or 2000s is suitable for beginning study in the field. Sections of PHIL 1110, 1111, and 1112 are part of the first-year writing seminar program; they are taught by various members of the staff on a variety of philosophical topics, and because of their small size (17 students at most) they provide ample opportunity for discussion. Students who want a broad introduction to philosophy may take PHIL 1100, but many students with special interests may find that the best introduction to philosophy is a 2000-level course in some particular area of philosophy; such courses have no prerequisites and are usually open to first-year students.

(For more information about appropriate courses in philosophy see COURSES.)