“Without philosophy we would be little above the animals.”
– Voltaire

To Cultivate Self-Knowledge
    We live in a complex, fascinating and often confusing world. To make sense of the world and to guide our everyday actions we rely upon ideas developed and learned over time. Ideas provoke questions—and questions lead to philosophy.

    Philosophy represents an intellectual searching in regard to the most basic issues of human existence: anxiety about the unknown, beliefs about God and the meaning of life, and questions of morality. Acquaintance with classical philosophical ideas that have shaped modern thought will enable you to acquire greater self-awareness and self-understanding. This can be crucial in making successful decisions in life, choosing your career, and planning your future.

    "The unexamined life is not worth living." – Socrates

To Develop Critical Thinking Skills
    Philosophy engages people in the art of discovery, a sort of archaeology of fundamental human beliefs and principles. In grappling with philosophical issues you will be honing your skills of observation, analyzing and evaluating information, weeding out irrelevancies, using imagination, and developing persistence as you move forward in the inquiry process.

    Courses are carefully designed to help you improve your practical abilities of reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and communicating ideas. Studying philosophy will foster mental habits and attitudes that will broaden your perspectives on the world and enable you to be open-minded, inquisitive, creative, and flexible in everyday life situations.

To Complement Other Specializations and Strengthen Career Preparation
    Being broadly interdisciplinary and having a values orientation, philosophy is an area of education that is relevant to many other primary fields of interest. Fundamental principles of philosophy are evident in psychology, sociology, theology, political science, and the natural sciences. You will quickly learn how courses in philosophy can provide a solid foundation on which to build a career in law, public service, social work, journalism, education, and even business.

    Philosophy is an appropriate minor if you are preparing for any vocation requiring a general education and the skills of critical thinking, concept analysis, interpersonal communication, and decision making. Proficiency in language, practical logic, and problem solving are important in mathematics, computer science, marketing, international relations, management, administration, and other areas that require logical reasoning and clear thinking.

A minor in applied philosophy consists of 15 semester hours in philosophy, including PHIL 100.

A minor in applied ethics is also available.