As a result, philosophy majors have the opportunity to interact with a variety of students, evaluate different perspectives and viewpoints, and engage in spirited discussions on issues that affect everyone. One of the major advantages of a philosophy major at Furman is the chance to study with teacher-scholars who emphasize close relationships with their students and are committed to exciting, imaginative teaching. Philosophy majors often assist faculty members in teaching or research projects through the Furman Advantage Program, and on occasion they publish their work in professional journals or in the Furman Humanities Review. The Philosophical Course Flexibility is a key ingredient in the philosophy program at Furman. Any combination of eight courses that includes two courses in historical foundations of philosophy and a seminar satisfies the requirement for the major.
Students consult the head of the department to plan a program that fits their needs.
Other courses focus on existentialism, the history of philosophy, and the development of philosophical thought in the work of Plato, Descartes, Kant, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche and others. One course looks at the political and moral relationship of the individual to the state, and the medical ethics class studies ethical issues in health care and does field work in the Greenville hospital system. All philosophy courses at Furman help students develop their talents in such areas as problem solving, communication, persuasion and writing skills. Furman philosophy graduates have found success in a variety of areas, among them banking, insurance, marketing, medicine, ministry and teaching. Many students find philosophy excellent preparation for the demands of law school.