BS/JD in Philosophy

Philosophy is a basic field of inquiry. Its range encompasses ideas and issues in every domain of human experience, and its methods apply to problems of an unlimited variety. The major in philosophy can develop not only philosophical skill and sophistication, but also critical thinking and writing abilities that are readily applicable to pursuits in other academic areas, useful in careers far removed from philosophy, and valuable in everyday social and personal life. The study of philosophy can profoundly affect both the thinking one does and the kind of person one is. Along with the philosophy major, we also offer specific graduate courses in philosophy. Philosophy Program Outcomes - Philosophy majors: Will be able to read and discuss complex philosophical texts from sources across a range of historical periods; Will be able to speak and to write clearly and persuasively about abstract and conceptually difficult matters; Will have a firm grasp of the history of Western Philosophy including ancient and modern as well as one of the following areas: epistemology, metaphysics, or moral philosophy; Will have fluency in formal logic including logical proofs and the ability to represent arguments fairly and clearly and to evaluate them for cogency; Will be fluent in the oral and written formulation of original arguments, anticipate objections and respond to those possible objections; Will produce independently researched, well-argued and well-written papers. Students in the 3+3 Program begin their first-year law school courses during their fourth year of study and apply those credits toward both their bachelor’s degree and law degree.