Major in Philosophy (Departmental Review: Spring Term 2024)

Upon completion of a major in Philosophy, students will be able to:

1. Philosophical Inquiry and Critical Analysis

• Objective: Engage in philosophical questioning and analysis
• Sub-competencies:
  • Formulate questions: Pose critical questions from a philosophical perspective; seek justifications; uncover unstated assumptions or presuppositions of various views
  • Analyze arguments: Break down arguments into premises and conclusions; assess their validity and soundness
  • Recognize and acknowledge dialectical complexity: Evaluate competing evidence, positions, and counterarguments; suitably qualify conclusions
  • Develop well-reasoned evaluations or judgments: Develop thoughtful viewpoints through reflective analysis

2. Philosophical Method

• Objective: Identify, discuss, and evaluate various philosophical methods
• Sub-competencies:
  • Identify methods: Recognize and label different philosophical methods (e.g., deductive, inductive, and abductive arguments; forms of analogical reasoning; conceptual analysis; intuitions; thought experiments)
  • Discuss methods: Characterize and articulate the key characteristics of philosophical methods
  • Evaluate methods: Compare the utilities of various methods, including their strengths and limitations; recognize when and how to use different methods

3. Critical Self-Reflection

• Objective: Reflect on personal, social, and moral dimensions of life
• Sub-competencies:
  • Reflect critically and empathetically on personal Identity: Explore how personal, racial, gender, ethnic, and cultural factors shape philosophical views
  • Uncover subjective bias: Recognize the contingency of one’s own viewpoint; develop self-awareness; acknowledge both the virtues and limitations of one’s own normative views.
  • Reflect critically and empathetically on moral, political, and epistemic agency: Explore ethical, political, and epistemic responsibilities and choices.