Philosophic inquiry aims, ultimately, at a general understanding of the whole of reality. It draws on the insights of the great historical philosophers, on what has been learned in all other major fields of study, and on the rich perspective embodied within our ordinary ways of thinking. Philosophers address a diverse array of deep, challenging, and profoundly important questions. Examples include the nature of the self and of personal identity; the existence or nonexistence of God; the nature of such phenomena as time, mind, language, and science; the sources and limits of human knowledge; the nature of the good life; the foundations of state authority; the requirements of social justice; and the nature of art, beauty, and aesthetic experience. Philosophical questions are addressed not by reference to empirical information alone, but by means of analysis, synthesis, argument, and the construction and evaluation of philosophical theories.

What attracts students to philosophy is the intrinsic interest of its subject matter. But the study of philosophy has practical benefits as well. Philosophy majors are practiced in the close reading of complex texts, in the careful analysis and evaluation of arguments, in original and creative thinking, and in the clear, precise, and persuasive communication of ideas. The skills thus acquired are not only a source of deep personal satisfaction, but a strong asset in any profession. That the study of philosophy is highly effective in enhancing academic skills is evidenced by the fact that philosophy majors receive exceptionally high scores on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and other standardized admissions tests. Since philosophy examines the presuppositions and the basic concepts and methods of all other disciplines, a minor in philosophy can be the perfect complement to a major in any other field of study. In addition to the perspective it offers on other fields, a minor in philosophy sharpens intellectual skills, opens a broad intellectual vista, and affords an opportunity to consider fundamental questions of human concern.

For more information about Philosophy, please check out these web-sites:

The American Philosophical Association
http://www.apa.udel.edu/apa/index.html

Philosophy News Service
http://www.philosophynews.com/common/default.aspx

Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy
http://www.american-philosophy.org/

• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Philosophy degree requirements
B.A. degree check sheet
Philosophy course descriptions

Division of Liberal Arts
4601 Central Ave.
Columbus, IN 47203-1769

Office: 812-348-7393
Fax: 812-348-7370
Email: liberalartsiupuc.edu