By studying the most difficult, important, and fundamental questions that humankind has learned to ask, Philosophy students learn to think critically and independently, to challenge old assumptions, and to expand their world views. The Philosophy major provides a rigorous background in the history of western philosphy, and studies contemporary approaches, both analytical and continental, to philosophical issues. It provides understanding of basic ideas that shape our culture, perspectives on important contemporary social issues, and training in analytical skills of reasoning and argumentation applicable in many areas of human inquiry. At UCR, Philosophy majors enjoy close contact with a nationally prestigious 14-member department committed to excellence as much in their teaching as in their research.
Many faculty members are among the top scholars in their fields nationally.
Department members have won numerous outside fellowships, including National Endowment for the Humanities sabbatical awards, NSF grants, and internal UC awards. The B.A. degree in philosophy prepares students for graduate study in philosophy, and is also excellent preparation for law school, or other careers that require analytical skills. For students interested in a double major, philosophy is an excellent complement to political science, psychology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, mathematics, and the natural sciences. The Department also offers an approved subject matter preparation program for the Multiple Subject teaching credential. Students who complete such a program are exempt from subject matter examinations when applying to a teaching credential program.