Philosophy
College of Arts and Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin
Department of Philosophy
HUM 388
Phone: 415-338-1596
Chair: Anita Silvers
Faculty
Professors: Silvers, van Fraassen
Associate Professors: Azadpur, Hood, Sowaal, Sveinsdóttir, Wilcox
Assistant Professors: Landy, Montemayor, Peschard, Tiwald
Lecturers: Balboa, Dupen, Kay, Kemtrup, Mutti, Nutting, Robertson, Sudduth
Programs
Bachelor of Art in Philosophy and Religion
Minor in Philosophy and Religion
Program Scope
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Philosophy is traditionally defined as the love of wisdom, the ability to think well about the foundations of human action, the nature of reality, and the purposes and priorities of life. The department offers the opportunity for a systematic study of the philosophies of past and present, of East and West, a study that deepens and broadens one's outlook on the world and on human affairs. This study provides a more secure basis on which to develop one's own philosophy and helps people make their ideas clear and understandable to others.
The enterprise of philosophy requires sharpening the skills necessary for clarifying premises, uncovering presuppositions (one's own and those of others), weighing the pros and cons of conflicting values, and analyzing concepts and issues. Courses in philosophy are frequently designed to help develop or increase these skills, a task that is sometimes more manageable if a restriction of attention is placed on a limited area of thought. Many of the courses concentrate on specific issues. Others are designed to provide an analytic and scholarly overview of an entire area or historical period. The department welcomes students from other majors or programs who wish to examine their own personal philosophy, investigate the philosophies of others, or sharpen their skills as independent thinkers.
Many of the courses offered are not only appropriate as part of a philosophy major but are of special interest to students in other fields. These courses are designed to help students understand the theoretical frameworks, methodological presuppositions, and more abstract dimensions of major areas of knowledge, from the arts to the sciences. Students interested in either the philosophical understanding of a field, or in philosophy for a personal reason should feel free to consult the department chairperson or an adviser on appropriate courses.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion. The philosophy and religion program has the same general aims as those of the philosophy program given above; in addition, the program is designed to assist students in the exploration of the origin, nature, and structure of the quest for human meaning. This entails the study of the thought and practice of diverse groups, communities, and individuals throughout the ages. Courses emphasize the central importance of reading and analyzing texts, integrating diverse areas of knowledge and experience into wider visions of human community, and developing skills for disciplined self-reflection and contemplation. Majors will gain basic knowledge about diverse religious traditions and develop concentrated knowledge about a chosen special area of interest. The goal of this program is to provide students with the skills and discipline required for a rigorous examination of the issues, experiences, and concerns which arise from religious quests for certainty, community, social justice, and self-understanding.
Graduate Program The Master of Arts in Philosophy is designed for students wishing to extend their knowledge of, and competence in, philosophy; for students seeking teaching credentials where the master's degree is required; and for students who are planning to do further study elsewhere. The program is wide ranging and flexible, enabling students to concentrate on a number of different areas within philosophy.
Career Outlook
A principal reason for the study of philosophy and/or religion is the enrichment of one's own life and understanding. However, the study of philosophy is an excellent preparation for a variety of post-baccalaureate professional studies. These range from law and policy planning through the helping professions to computer science. Philosophy and religion offers preparation for the helping professions, the ministry, and advanced studies in theology. In addition, the broader outlook and the ability to think critically about larger issues that are fostered by the systematic study of philosophy and religion are often highly valued by commercial firms in their management level personnel. The skills that are achieved by minoring in philosophy or philosophy and religion are an excellent complement to most university major programs.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Undergraduate advisers are authorized by the department to designate units obtained in other departments as satisfying unit requirements in philosophy for application to both the philosophy and the philosophy and religion programs. Neither students nor advisers should view this as an escape clause which enables a student who has not quite satisfied the major requirements in philosophy to do so. Units outside the department are to be designated for use in the major on the basis of their contribution to the student's major program. In order to avoid confusion on this point, students should obtain written approval from an adviser before obtaining non-department units to be utilized in the major.
PHIL 110 Introduction to Critical Thinking I, or its equivalent, is required of all students as a prerequisite to the B.A. in Philosophy; students who have not met this requirement may begin the program but must satisfy the requirement at the earliest opportunity. Equivalencies must be approved by a departmental adviser.
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires a minimum 40 unit major, with at least 31 of these units being upper division. The program culminates in a one-unit personalized learning outcomes course in which students reflect philosophically on their own development of skills and knowledge.
The program includes 9 units of elective courses in philosophy, permitting individualized emphases in specific areas. Students majoring or minoring in philosophy are urged to lay out a tentative program of courses with their advisers early in their tenure at the university. Depending upon the student's area of specialization, up to 6 units of courses outside the Department of Philosophy may be approved by a department adviser as elective units for the B.A.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
The following courses are required of all majors in philosophy.
Program Requirements
Foundation (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 205 | Formal Logic I |
| PHIL 320 GW | Philosophical Analysis - GWAR * |
History (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 303 | Modern Philosophy |
Plus one additional course from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 301 | Ancient Philosophy |
| PHIL 302 | Medieval Philosophy |
| PHIL 516 | Islamic Philosophy |
Normative Issues (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 450 | Ethics |
Plus two additional courses from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 330 | Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 335 | Law and Society |
| PHIL 380 | Philosophy of Law |
| PHIL 382 | Women and Philosophy: Selected Topics |
| PHIL 383 | Ethics in Medicine |
| PHIL 395 | Ethical Issues: Science and Technology |
| PHIL 435 | Human Rights in Global Perspectives |
| PHIL 436 | Islamic Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 440 | Ethics at Work |
| PHIL 451 | Feminist Moral Issues |
| PHIL 460 | Philosophy of Art |
| PHIL 482 | Philosophy of Feminism |
Core Issues of the Discipline (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 321 | Being and Knowing |
Plus two additional courses from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 350 | Philosophy of Science: The Natural Sciences |
| PHIL 605 | Metaphysics |
| PHIL 610 | Theory of Knowledge |
| PHIL 611 | Philosophy of Perception |
| PHIL 620 | Philosophy of Mind |
| PHIL 630 | Philosophy of Language |
| PHIL 694 | Philosophical Logic Workshop |
Elective Units in Philosophy: 9 units
Culmination
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 696 | Directed Reading: Learning Outcomes | 1 |
Total for Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy: 39 - 43 units
* PHIL 320 GW satisfies the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Students who have satisfied GWAR in a discipline other than philosophy will still be required to complete PHIL 320 GW as a requirement of the major.
Emphasis in Philosophy and Law
Required courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 205 | Formal Logic I |
| PHIL 303 | Modern Philosophy |
| PHIL 320 GW | Philosophical Analysis - GWAR * |
| PHIL 321 | Being and Knowing |
| PHIL 450 | Ethics |
Total for Required Courses, Emphasis in Philosophy and Law: 15 units
Disjunctive History Requirement (3 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 301 or PHIL 302 or PHIL 516 |
Ancient Philosophy Medieval Philosophy Islamic Philosophy |
Core Philosophy Areas Requirement (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 610 | Theory of Knowledge |
| PHIL 620 | Philosophy of the Mind |
Normative Issues Requirement (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 330 | Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 380 | Philosophy of Law |
plus (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 335 | Law and Society |
| PHIL 375 | Peace Law and Human Rights in the U.S. |
| PHIL 383 | Ethics in Medicine |
| PHIL 435 | Human Rights in Global Perspective |
| PHIL 436 | Islamic Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 451 | Feminist Moral Issues |
| PHIL 455 | Sex and the Law |
| PHIL 470 | Environmental Ethics |
Units selected from the following or on advisement: 3 - 4 units
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| AFRS 375 | Law and the Black Community |
| AIS 205 | American Indians and U.S. Laws |
| COMM 461 | Issues in Free Speech (4) |
| C J 501 | Criminal Law |
| I R 330 | World Law (4) |
| LABR 251 | Know Your Work Rights |
| PLSI 552 | Individual Rights and the Constitution (4) |
| PLSI 553 | Legal Issues (4) |
| PLSI 561 | Jurisprudence (4) |
| SOC 459 | Criminal Law and Social Process (4) |
| SOC 457 | Sociology of Law (4) |
| USP 513 | Politics, Law, and the Urban Environment (4) |
| WGS 534/ S S 345 |
Gender and the Law |
Culmination
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 696 | Directed Reading: Learning Outcomes (1) |
Emphasis Total: 43 - 44 units
* PHIL 320 GW satisfies the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Students who have satisfied GWAR in a discipline other than philosophy will still be required to complete PHIL 320 GW as a requirement of the major.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion
The B.A. in Philosophy and Religion requires a minimum of 40 units of which at least 31 must be upper division units.
Program
Foundation (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 320 GW | Philosophical Analysis - GWAR * |
| PHIL 450 | Ethics |
| PHIL 525/ RELS 300 |
The Nature of Religious Experience |
Comparative Thought (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 502 | World Religions |
and two courses from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 436 | Islamic Political Philosophy |
any 500 level Philosophy course
History (9 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 303 | Modern Philosophy |
and two courses from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 302 | Medieval Philosophy |
| PHIL 504 | History of Christian Thought |
| PHIL 516 | Islamic Philosophy |
Philosophical Concepts (6 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 500 | Philosophy of Religion |
and one course from the following list:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 605 | Metaphysics |
| PHIL 610 | Theory of Knowledge |
Elective units from related fields on advisement. 6 units
Culmination
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHIL 696 | Directed Reading: Learning Outcomes (1) |
Total for Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion: 39 units
* PHIL 320 GW satisfies the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Students who have satisfied GWAR in a discipline other than philosophy will still be required to complete PHIL 320 GW as a requirement of the major.
Minor in Philosophy
Each student minoring in philosophy must take at least 21 units in philosophy, at least fifteen (15) of these being upper division units.
Minor in Philosophy and Religion
| Program | Units |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion (all courses in the 500's) | 12 |
| Upper Division units in Philosophy | 6 |
| Lower Division units in Philosophy | 3 |
Total for Minor in Philosophy and Religion: 21 units
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Admission to Program
To enter this program with classified graduate status, students should have completed the following five undergraduate courses (or their equivalents) with a grade of B or better: PHIL 205, (Formal Logic I); PHIL 301 (Ancient Philosophy); PHIL 303 (Modern Philosophy); one upper-division course in ethics; one course in a core area of metaphysics and epistemology: PHIL 321 (Being and Knowing), PHIL 350 (Philosophy of Science), PHIL 605 (Metaphysics), PHIL 610 (Theory of Knowledge), PHIL 611 (Philosophy of Perception), PHIL 620 (Philosophy of Mind), PHIL 630 (Philosophy of Language), PHIL 694 (Philosophical Logic Workshop). Those who have not completed these prerequisites may begin the program as a conditionally classified student with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator in philosophy, but they will be required to make up any deficiencies by receiving a grade of 3.0 or better in each prerequisite class. A GPA of at least 3.0 is expected for both (1) the last 60 undergraduate units and (2) all philosophy courses. An applicant who does not meet this expectation but shows promise in other respects may be given special consideration for admission.
Applicants must submit a Philosophy Department application, obtained from and returned to the department office, as well as the general university application form.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Pre-admission writing sample. Level Two: Satisfactory completion of examination in PHIL 898, Master's Thesis (and Oral Exam).
Course Requirements: Students must take three required courses: PHIL 715, Seminar in Philosophical Writing; PHIL 896, Directed Reading in Fundamental Philosophical Texts (the MA qualifying exam1); PHIL 898, Master’s Thesis (and Oral Exam). PHIL 715 should be taken during the first year (preferably during the first semester of graduate coursework); PHIL 896 should be taken during the second or third semester of graduate coursework; PHIL 898 should be taken during the final semester of coursework. Four graduate seminars in philosophy, and 12 more units of graduate seminar or upper upper-division coursework approved by the Graduate Coordinator, are also required.
Advancement to Candidacy
Besides meeting all requirements, applicants must in addition have completed with grades of B or better two graduate seminars in philosophy. An Advancement to Candidacy should be filed with the Graduate Division when applicants have completed (or are in the process of completing) 18 units of required course work.
All upper division courses offered by Philosophy may be considered for the master's degree, upon approval of the Graduate Coordinator. The graduate coordinator will not approve any course numbered 300-599 in which a student receives below an A-.
Students should expect to be disqualified from the MA program if they are on administrative/academic probation for more than one semester during their time as a graduate student.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 715 | Seminar in Philosophical Writing | 3 |
| Graduate seminars in philosophy excluding PHIL 777 or PHIL 715. | 12 | |
| Upper division/graduate units in philosophy or in a related field with approval of Graduate Coordinator. | 12 | |
| PHIL 896 | Directed Reading 1 | 3 |
| PHIL 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
Minimum Total for a Master of Arts in Philosophy: 33 units
and Oral Examination in Defense of Thesis (a failed examination may be repeated once)
Footnote
- PHIL 896 is a mandatory CR/NC course. Students who fail the exam may attempt it only once more, after enrolling again. Upon admission to the graduate program, students must consult with the Graduate Coordinator in regard to this course. It must be completed with a CR before the student may officially begin work on the master's thesis.
