B.A. in Philosophy

USF’s Department of Philosophy offers a thriving major program and an array of core courses for all undergraduate students. In the classroom, students challenge each other and their professor to step out of the rigidness of language, science, math, and politics to find clarity in complex issues. Our goal is to have students think philosophically on the meaning of one’s life, the conceptual foundations of belief, and the nature of self and responsibility. To accomplish this goal our students read, discuss, and analyze in writing (1) philosophical problems (ontology of self and other; metaphysics of action; possibility of knowledge; origin and value of ethical systems; and concern for social justice), and (2) major figures and eras in the history and present of philosophy (ancient, medieval, modern, post-modern, and contemporary). The students will: identify primary philosophical themes found in the writings of major philosophers. write historical and argumentative essays on central philosophical issues. develop philosophical arguments using methods originated by historical and contemporary philosophers.