Philosophical problems constitute the subject matter of philosophy.
Academic courses in philosophy have the value of introducing the crucial problems in a systematic way, exposing students to fruitful methods for attacking them, to models of solid, hard-hitting argumentation, and to a literature ranging from Plato's Dialogues to current professional journals. Philosophy 101, though there are several courses, especially at the 200 level, that are open to students without a background in philosophy. The 300 level includes courses designed to provide more in-depth treatments of traditional philosophical areas. Courses at the 400 level are devoted to the history of philosophy. Courses at the 500 level deal with specific issues and problems.