The study of philosophy is therefore to be recommended to all students, regardless of their major. Philosophy involves both systematic forms of inquiry and a prolonged reflection upon its own history. For its majors, minors and for all students interested in deepening their humanistic culture, the Department offers courses in the history of philosophy which span the entire tradition from the pre-Socratics to the philosophers of our own century. Courses in non-Western philosophy are also offered. The historical courses are best pursued in conjunction with more systematic courses.
Philosophy is much more than the acquisition of a certain kind of knowledge.
It is the ability to think reflectively about problems at the root of what might appear as self-evident. Students are permitted to take only one Themes course or one First-Year Intensive Seminar. To its majors and minors, the Department offers a program that combines necessary structure with the freedom to follow an individually oriented course of study. Advisors in the Department, chosen when students decide upon the major or minor, will give individual advice and help with the selection of courses before and during preregistration. Double majors take no fewer and no more than ten courses in philosophy.