The Philosophy Faculty
Philosophy involves rigorous, persistent reflection on a wide range of issues, such as how one ought to live, the existence of God and the problem of evil, the relation between mind and body, the ways in which beliefs may be justified, and many others. Students in philosophy courses explore philosophical issues by examining and responding to the ideas of important historical and contemporary contributors to the discipline.
The study of philosophy can be a valuable part of a liberal arts education. It may have a significant impact on one's beliefs and values, and it helps develop a variety of intellectual skills and abilities which students can put to use in their lives, whatever they choose to do after they graduate. Among those skills and abilities are the capacities to engage in thinking which is critical, disciplined and creative; to express oneself effectively and appreciate the ideas and perspectives of others; to uncover and examine assumptions; to understand, construct and evaluate arguments on both sides of issues; and to deal reasonably with questions to which there are no easy answers.
While the primary objective of the philosophy program is to contribute to liberal arts education, studying philosophy also prepares students well for professional careers in such fields as law, ministry, psychology, business, and medicine, and for postgraduate work in philosophy. In recent years, philosophy majors scored higher on average than business majors on admissions tests to business schools (GMAT), higher than any other humanities or social science areas on the GRE's, and third of all disciplines on the law school admissions test (LSAT); and they have been more likely than almost all other majors to gain admission to medical schools.
Philosophy courses are offered as electives for students in all fields of study. Students may also select Philosophy as a minor field of study for the Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
The philosophy minor requires a minimum of 18 semester hours of
philosophy course work. At least 12 of those hours must be at the
upper-division level, and at least 9 hours must be completed in
residence at TAMU-CC. Students must achieve an overall GPA of
2.0 in philosophy. The following courses are required of all
philosophy minors:
Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 1301) -- 3 sem. hrs.Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (PHIL 2301) -- 3 sem. hrs.
One Ethics course (3 credit hours):
- Foundations of Professional Ethics (PHIL 3340*) or
- PHIL 4390 (where topic is appropriate)
One course (3 sem. hrs.) from either category a) or category b) below:
- a) History of Philosophy (Modern Philosophy (PHIL 3322) or (PHIL 4390, where topic is appropriate))
- b) Metaphysics and Epistemology (Issues in Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 3322) or (PHIL 4390, where topic is appropriate))
Two philosophy electives (3 sem. hrs. each)
Students are encouraged to take PHIL 1301 and PHIL 2301 as early as possible in their pursuit of the minor. Courses from category (4a) and category (4b) are selected in consultation with a philosophy faculty adviser.
*Included in the University core curriculum
INTRODUCTION
TO PHILOSOPHY (PHIL 1301) -- 3 sem. hrs.
An examination of major philosophical issues such as the
existence of God, freedom and determinism, moral rights and
obligations, and the nature and limits of human knowledge. (Replacing
PHIL 3310)
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING. (PHIL
2303) -- 3 sem. hrs.
Basic principles and techniques used in understanding,
constructing, and evaluating arguments. Topics covered may include
formal methods of analyzing arguments, informal fallacies, scientific
reasoning, and moral arguments. (Replacing PHIL 3305)
MODERN PHILOSOPHY (PHIL 3322) -- 3 sem. hrs.
Study of some of the major philosophical developments of the
17th-20th centuries.
FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
(PHIL 3340) -- 3 sem. hrs.
Overview of ethical theories and basic principles of ethical
reasoning. Application to ethical problems arising in public policy
debates, and in the practice of various professional fields. (This
course satisfies the University core requirement for philosophy.)
(Formerly PHIL 340)
ISSUES IN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (PHIL 4331) -- 3 sem.
hrs.
Standard philosophical methods are used to explore such issues
such as the existence and nature of God, the problem of evil, and the
relationship between morality and religion.
TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY (PHIL 4390) -- 3 sem.
hrs.
Study of important philosophical themes and figures. May be
repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly PHIL 490). Recent
topics courses included:
DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDY. (PHIL 4396) -- 1-3 sem. hrs.
Offered on application. (Formerly PHIL 496)
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