Department of Philosophy

Chairperson: Associate Professor Gay; Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professor in Teaching: Lincourt; Professors: Fishman, Shumaker; Associate Professors: Croy, Presler; Assistant Professors: Kaplan, Toenjes

Philosophy is reasoned inquiry into basic principles for understanding the nature of persons, reality, thought, knowledge, values and beauty. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating fundamental ideas and arguments in all areas of human existence and knowledge. Equally concerned with human endeavor in both the arts and the sciences, philosophy continues to reside at the core of a liberal education.

Students major or minor in philosophy out of a love for the subject and a need to pursue fundamental ideas and principles. The study of philosophy does not contribute primarily to obtaining one's first job after graduation; rather, its value lies in the range of things one can understand and enjoy throughout life. Immediate career opportunities are the same as for other solid programs in liberal arts and sciences.

Many students take just one or two philosophy courses, while majoring in other programs. They find their study of basic ideas and principles enriches their general education and adds a dimension of understanding to courses in their major program. Students often find that philosophy courses give them a deeper understanding of many contemporary social issues, such as biomedical, business, professional and technological ethics. Courses in critical thinking and logic are a benefit to students in all their coursework and can be especially useful to students who plan to enter graduate school, law school, and various professional fields.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

A major in philosophy leading to a B.A. degree consists of a minimum of 28 semester hours in philosophy, at least 14 of which are earned at UNC Charlotte with the grade of C or better, and a GPA of 2.5 for all philosophy courses applied to the major. PHIL 2101, 2105, 3211, 3213, and Senior Thesis 3991 and 3992 are required. Of the remaining 12 hours, at least six must be in traditional historical periods (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, or Contemporary) or in traditional problem areas (Aesthetics, Ethics, Metaphysics, Theory of Knowledge, or another course of this type with departmental approval). Further specification of traditional periods and problems is given in the Philosophy Department Policy Manual available in the department. PHIL 1105 may not be applied to the major unless department approval has been given. Criteria for department approval are stated in the Policy Manual.

Required related work consists of 15 hours of coursework that complements the focus of the student's work in philosophy. Such work is to be chosen in consultation with the department representative or adviser. The completion of a minor or second major fulfills the related work requirement. Students contemplating graduate study in philosophy are encouraged to develop reading proficiency in German and French.

PHILOSOPHY MINOR

A minor in philosophy consists of 15 hours including the following courses and types of courses: PHIL 2101; one course in Logic (PHIL 1105, 2105 or 3235); one course in the traditional historical periods (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, or Contemporary); one course in a traditional problem area (Aesthetics, Ethics, Metaphysics, Theory of Knowledge, or another course of this type with departmental approval); and one additional threehour course at the 3000 level or above.

In addition, restrictions on double-counting courses for COGE and the major or the minor are described in a handout available in the department office.

[COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES]