Philosophy is the study of the ideas that shape our thought and activity.
While we do discuss controversial issues in politics, morality, science, religion, art, etc., philosophy is more concerned with the ideas that underlie all such debates. We consider what the role of government should be, what reasons there could be to describe anything as good or bad, what proves that something is true, whether there could be a reality beyond the physical world, and whether the only value of art is the pleasure it gives. So philosophy emphasizes interpretation and original thought, reasoning, discussion and assessment. Y is a survey of the main topic-areas of philosophy. It is recommended both as a course of general interest and as an introduction to the Major Program.