Philosophy

Students majoring in Philosophy or Religious Studies share a common core of four classes, inwhich they examine and compare both philosophical and religious perspectives on four fundamental areas of questioning: human personhood, human social and political life, human values, and world wisdom traditions. The remaining classes in the Philosophy major include a series of tutorials in which a small group of students encounter and debate the great themes and the great thinkers of past philosophical traditions, while bringing to bear a number of critical contemporary perspectives that open up the “perennial” questions to new and diverse voices.

A student graduating with a major in Philosophy is expected to be able to (1) think widely and deeply about foundational and framework questions; (2) explicate and critically analyze complex texts; (3) construct and present sound and well-developed arguments, orally and in writing; (4) know enough of the history of Philosophy, Western and non-Western, to make illuminating comparisons between the approaches of different thinkers and traditions to basic ethical, epistemological, and metaphysical questions; and (5) articulate a well-reasoned personal stance on fundamental questions of reality, meaning and value.

In the senior year each Philosophy major will demonstrate command of these competencies in a Portfolio which includes a sample of work from each Tutorial, one other paper of the student’s choice, and a 15-20 page senior essay presented and defended in a tutorial or in the ISAC 195(W) Senior Colloquium.

Philosophy Preparation for the Major PHIL 2 Logic PHIL/RLST 20(W) Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or PHIL/RLST 40(W) The Human Person Requirements for the Major (24 upper-division units) PHIL/RLST 120(W) Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or PHIL/RLST 140(W) The Human Person PHIL/RLST 122 Religion, Philosophy and Human Rights PHIL/RLST 175 World Wisdom Traditions PHIL 100A, B, C, or D The Great Philosophers (at least two tutorials) PHIL 180A Theories of Knowledge PHIL 180B Metaphysics 180C Ethics and Metaethics One upper division elective in Philosophy Seniors will write a senior essay under the direction of a member of the Philosophy faculty. Note: Although some courses are listed more than once, a course used to satisfy a requirement in one area cannot be used to satisfy a requirement in another. The Minor Requires a minimum of 21 units in Philosophy, as advised.

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A major in Philosophy has many uses. Society is well served by the training of people skilled in rational analysis, sensitive to complex and value-laden issues, and practiced in thinking clearly, flexibly, and creatively. Such skills can often be more useful as career preparation than narrowly specialized training. In addition to pursuing graduate work specifically in Philosophy, majors have gone on to successful careers in such fields as law, journalism, computer science, social services, education, and public service.

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Rene Sanchez, PhD (Candidate)

Boston College
510-436-1199
rsanchez@hnu.edu

Robert Lassalle-Klein, Ph.D

Graduate Theological Union
Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy
510-436-1439
lassalle-klein@hnu.edu

Irene Woodward, PhD

Catholic University of America
Associate Professor of Physical Science
510-436-1071
woodward@hnu.edu

Sheila O'Neill Gibson, PhD

University of Toronto
Professor of Philosophy
510-436-1171
gibson@hnu.edu

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