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Updated February 20, 2015

Philosophy

 

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

 

Department of Philosophy

HUM 388
Phone: 415-338-1596
Chair: Anita Silvers

 

Faculty

Professors: Azadpur, Silvers, van Fraassen, Wilcox
Associate Professors: Hood, Landy, Montemayor, Peschard, Sowaal, Sveinsdóttir, Tiwald, Toh
Lecturers: Balboa, Blackmon, Dupen, Fairweather, Kay, Kemtrup, Mutti, Nutting, Robertson, Sudduth

 

Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion

Minor in Philosophy

Minor in Philosophy and Religion

M.A. in Philosophy

 

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Program Scope

The Department of Philosophy offers students a broad education in the history of thought, development of powerful reasoning skills, and opportunities to apply their insights and skills to areas of personal and professional interest.

 

An education in philosophy is beneficial in almost all parts of life. Generally speaking, philosophical education is eminently valuable for careers that call for analysis and evaluation of problems, smart solutions, critical and creative thinking and writing, and powerful advocacy of one's beliefs and values. Our degree programs develop students’ potential for independent thought and intellectual creativity. Philosophy students score extremely well on the admission tests required by various post-baccalaureate professional schools. A double major in philosophy complements and enhances other degrees, whether in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, or professional studies.

 

The department’s programs recognize students’ diversity of interests by allowing a great deal of flexibility in choosing program content. Students may double-major, combining the skills, perspectives, and knowledge acquired in the philosophy major with a pre-professional, social science, liberal arts, human services, business, or biological, physical or computer science degree.

 

Complementary Studies for the Philosophy Major

Twelve units of complementary studies are required of all candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy. These units must come from courses bearing a prefix other than PHIL, and not cross-listed with PHIL. Philosophy majors are given a multitude of pathways toward completing this requirement, each of which is designed to facilitate graduation in a timely manner and deepen the student’s knowledge and appreciation of a philosophical topic in a multi-disciplinary way. Philosophy majors may, with the approval of a department advisor, elect to apply 12 units in a single foreign language of their choosing or courses taken in an approved study abroad program (e.g., CSU Study Abroad). Otherwise, with the approval of a department advisor, the student may take 12 units of courses that complement an area of philosophical specialization. Philosophy is rich in such specializations. Here are some illustrative philosophical specializations in which studying philosophy and studying other disciplines is complementary: Philosophy of the Arts, Ancient Philosophy, Asian Philosophy, Bioethics/Medical Ethics, Business Ethics, Philosophy of Cinema, Philosophy of Dance, Philosophy of Economics, Environmental Philosophy, Global Justice, Islamic Philosophy, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Literature, Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Music, Philosophy of Mind, Modern European Philosophy, Philosophy of Music, Philosophy of Perception, Philosophy of Photography, Philosophy of Psychology/Cognitive Science, Political Philosophy and Social Justice, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Sexuality, Philosophy of Science and Technology, Philosophy and Society, Philosophy of Social Science, Philosophy of Sport, Philosophy of Under-represented Groups, Philosophy of Women and Gender. To accommodate emerging areas of philosophical study, students are encouraged to design 12-unit modules for the review and approve of the department advisor.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Philosophy is traditionally identified with the love of wisdom and the ability to think well about the foundations of human action, the nature of reality, and the purposes and priorities of life. Our 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.

 

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 serve to develop and enhance these skills. Some courses concentrate on specific philosophical issues. Others provide an overview of an entire area of human inquiry or endeavor (such as the sciences, the arts, political theory and law, medicine, social justice, and how our minds, senses and emotions work) or of the philosophical foundations that characterize an historical period.

 

The department welcomes students from other majors or programs who wish to examine their 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 the paramount areas of knowledge. Students interested in either the philosophical understanding of a field of knowledge, or in philosophy for self-understanding, should feel free to consult the department chairperson or an advisor on appropriate courses.

 

Philosophy and Law Emphasis

The philosophy and law emphasis enables students to earn a philosophy degree while focusing on our department’s rich array of undergraduate courses that consider such topics as the foundation of law, legal reasoning, U.S. and global human rights, social justice, law and society, health care law, sex and the law, philosophical foundations of the U.S. constitution, philosophy of criminal justice, wrongs as crimes and torts, and theories of ethics and political philosophy that influence jurisprudence. Philosophy majors consistently receive the highest scores on the law school admissions test (LSAT). This program positions them to excel in law.

 

Complementary Studies for the Philosophy and Religion Major

Twelve units of complementary studies are required of all candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Religion. These units must come from courses bearing a prefix other than PHIL, and not cross-listed with PHIL. Philosophy and Religion majors are given a multitude of pathways toward completing this requirement, each of which is designed to facilitate graduation in a timely manner and deepen the student’s knowledge and appreciation of a set of relevant issues in a multi-disciplinary way. Philosophy and Religion majors may, with the approval of a department advisor, elect to apply 12 units in a single foreign language of their choosing or; courses taken in an approved study abroad program (e.g., CSU Study Abroad). Otherwise, with the approval of a department advisor, the student may take 12 units of courses that complement the study of philosophy and religion. The study of philosophy and religion is enhanced by learning drawn from complementary areas, such as history and culture of Africa, American Indian studies, the arts, alternative medicine, history and culture of ancient religions, history and culture of Asian religions, bioethics/medical ethics and healing professions, business ethics, cinema studies, counseling, environmental studies, global history and culture, history and culture of Islam, Jewish studies, holistic medicine, the human sciences, oral and written communication, legal studies, literary studies, European studies, history and culture of Latina/Latino peoples, music, justice studies, LGBTQ studies, religious studies, sexuality studies, social justice, the social sciences, under- represented groups, women and gender studies.. To accommodate emerging areas of philosophical study, students are encouraged to design 12-unit modules for the review and approve of the department advisor.

 

Students who have earned AA-T or AS-T degrees and are pursuing a similar B.A. degree at SF State are required to fulfill the Complementary Studies requirement as defined by the major department. Students should consult with a major advisor about how transfer units and/or SF State units can best be applied to this requirement in order to ensure degree completion within 60 units.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion

The Philosophy and Religion degree program has some general aims similar to those of the Philosophy program; in addition, this course of study assists students in the exploration of the origin, nature, and structure of the quest for human meaning. The philosophy and religion degree includes the study of the spiritual 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 the disciplines of profound self-reflection and contemplation. Students will gain basic knowledge about diverse religious traditions and develop a deeper understanding of their special areas of interest. The goal of this program is to provide students with techniques and insights needed for rigorous examination of the issues, experiences, and concerns arising from religious quests for certainty, community, and social justice.

 

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. Fortunately, the study of philosophy also is an excellent preparation for a variety of post-baccalaureate professional studies and careers in law, medicine, public policy and strategic planning, the helping professions, computer assisted enterprises, and innovative business and non-profit organizations.

 

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. Some students continue on to graduate work in philosophy or religious studies. SF State graduates now are teaching in colleges across the country. And opportunities to teach philosophy in K – 12 have increased as educators realize the importance of enhancing children’s critical thinking skills. The philosophy and religion program is a strong foundation for the helping professions, the ministry, and advanced studies in theology. 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 advisors 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 advisors 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 advisor before obtaining non-department units to be utilized in the major.

 

Students who have not taken PHIL 110 Introduction to Critical Thinking may begin the program but should complete this course or its equivalent at the earliest opportunity. Equivalencies must be approved by a departmental advisor.

 

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires a minimum of 40 units, 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 advisors early in their tenure at the university. Depending upon the student's area of specialization, up to 6 units of courses outside the philosophy department may be approved by a department advisor as elective units for the B.A.

 

Philosophy (B.A.) — 40 - 43 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

* 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.

 

Philosophy (B.A.): Emphasis in Philosophy and Law — 43 - 44 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

* 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.

 

See complementary studies requirement

 

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.

 

Philosophy and Religion (B.A.) — 40 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

* 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

Philosophy and Religion, Minor — 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 SF State undergraduate courses (or equivalents philosophy courses at another university) 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 such as the following: PHIL 395 (Ethical Issues: Science and Technology), PHIL 450 (Ethics), PHIL 451 Feminist Ethics; one course in a core area of metaphysics and epistemology such as the following: PHIL 321 (Being and Knowing), PHIL 350 (Philosophy of Science), PHIL 351 (Philosophy of Risk), PHIL 605 (Metaphysics), PHIL 610 (Theory of Knowledge), PHIL 611 (Philosophy of Perception), PHIL 620 (Philosophy of Mind), PHIL 621 (Minds, Brains and Computers), PHIL 630 (Philosophy of Language), PHIL 694 (Philosophical Logic Workshop), PHIL 695 (Advanced Logic Workshop). Students 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.

 

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

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different points in a student's program.

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. Also required are four elective philosophy graduate seminars (12 units), as well as another 12 graduate or upper division elective units. Students may select from a wide array of graduate and upper division courses, including various kinds of supervised research and applied, practicum, or publication projects to complete the last group of 12 elective units, but at least 3 of the units in this group must be at the graduate level.

 

Advancement to Candidacy

To be advanced to candidacy so as to commence work formally on their MA thesis, students must be in the process of completing or else have completed 18 units, which must include PHIL 715 and at least two other graduate seminars in philosophy with grades of B or better. An “Advancement To Candidacy” form must be filed with Graduate Studies; students should file during the semester in which they expect to have reached 18 units or in the immediately following semester.

 

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-. Courses numbered 600 or higher must have receive a grade of B- or higher, except that with permission of the Graduate Coordinator some courses in this range may be counted with a grade of CR.

 

Students become subject to declassification from the Philosophy MA program and/or disqualification from the university if they are on administrative/academic probation for more than one semester during their time as a graduate student.

 

Philosophy (M.A.) — Minimum 33 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Footnote

1. PHIL 896 is a mandatory CR/NC course. Students who fail the exam may attempt it only once more, after enrolling again. Students should consult with the Graduate Coordinator to determine when they are ready to take this course. It must be completed with a CR before the student may enroll in PHIL 898, the master's thesis course.