Bachelor in Philosophy

Why Study Philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It is distinguished from other manners of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational argument.

How We're Different

Students engage perennial philosophical questions within small upper-level classes. Our students win summer research grants to explore pressing ethical issues. Students shape their philosophical education through individualized courses and directed studies. The Aquinas Philosophy Club extends philosophical conversations outside the classroom. Our students hone their arguments through public events, such as the newly inaugurated Disputatio, a debate series in the Dominican tradition, which offers an opportunity for students, exceptional scholars, and community members to discuss challenging moral issues in a serious yet collegial manner. Courses are offered in applied ethics, the history of philosophical thought, and the core philosophical areas, including: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic. Students can pair their studies with other content areas including humanities and the sciences. Work with faculty who win teaching awards, are awarded national fellowships, and possess active research agendas. Our students move towards further study, such as philosophy graduate programs, medical school and law school. Our faculty seek, as Aquinas himself did, to enliven and encourage thought within students.

Major Requirements:

A minimum of thirty (30) credit hours. Required courses:

• A maximum of two independent study courses
• PH101 may count toward the major, but is not required
• PH111 Logic
• Two courses in history of philosophy (designated H) (normally students will take two of the following three (3) courses: PH215, PH220, PH225; with special permission, students may take another course such as PH330 or PH218 in place of one of the aforementioned history courses.
• One course in Ethics (designated E)
• One course in Metaphysics or Epistemology (designated ME) or, with chairperson’s approval, a course in philosophy or language or philosophy of mind
• At least four courses must be numbered 300 or higher. At most, two courses may be numbered below 200.
• PH450 Philosophical Research (Capstone)

A transfer student majoring in Philosophy must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours in philosophy at Aquinas College.

Courses

• PH101 Introduction to Philosophy (3) HP
• PH111 Logic (3) HP
• PH450 Philosophical Research (3) SC
• PH215 Ancient Greek and Chinese Philosophy (3) H
• PH220 Medieval Philosophy (3) H
• PH225 Modern Philosophy (3) H
• PH/PS312 Political Thought: Its Histories & Concepts (3)

The close-knit educational environment at Aquinas develops students who thrive in all dimensions of life. Learn more, in our students' words about the Aquinas experience and the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.

The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas, we are committed to gathering for liturgical prayer nourished by God's Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God's call for us in the world. We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service-learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that will enable graduates to spread the truths that they have learned - "to make a difference in the world."