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Philosophy, BA

Overview

The Philosophy major is an exploration into philosophical inquiry, covering key areas such as ethics, logic, metaphysics, and political philosophy. The curriculum includes studies in the history of philosophy, major thinkers, and specific philosophical problems, fostering intellectual engagement and thorough examination. 

The program also offers opportunities to take interdisciplinary courses that interface with other fields, such as religious thought, mathematics, computer science, and political theory. Students learn to articulate complex ideas clearly and precisely, preparing them for careers in fields such as law, medicine, business, and academia, among others.

 

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits including major requirements, Stern College General Education and Jewish Studies requirements, and elective courses as needed.

Major Requirements (30 credits)

Ethics and Value Theory Requirements

Complete one of the following courses: 

PHIL 1600Ethics

3
PHIL 1401Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Thought

3
PHIL 2407Epidemiology

3
PHIL 2532Philosophy of Art

3
PHIL 3100Theories of Justice

3
PHIL 3300Just and Unjust Wars

3
PHIL 3402Philosophy of Law

3
PHIL 3500Medical Ethics

3
PHIL 3620Environmental Ethics

3
PHIL 4930Special Topics in Philosophy

3
PHIL 4931Advanced Topics in Philosophy

3
PHIL 4930 and PHIL 4931 are applicable to this requirement when the topic is approved as relevant to Ethics and Value Theory.

History of Philosophy Requirements

Complete one of the following courses:
PHIL 2170Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

3
PHIL 2420Modern Philosophy

3
PHIL 2560Philosophy in the 19th and 20th Centuries

3
PHIL 4930Special Topics in Philosophy

3
PHIL 4931Advanced Topics in Philosophy

3
PHIL 4930 and PHIL 4931 are applicable to this requirement when the topic is approved as relevant to History of Philosophy.

Electives

Complete any eight additional PHIL courses from the categories above and/or the following:

PHIL 1100Logic

3
PHIL 1320Theories of the Mind

3
PHIL 1360Theory of Knowledge

3
PHIL 1710Religion and Philosophy

3
PHIL 2405Classical Political Theory

3
PHIL 2407Epidemiology

3
PHIL 2532Philosophy of Art

3
PHIL 2740Science and Religion

3
PHIL 4930Special Topics in Philosophy

3
PHIL 4931Advanced Topics in Philosophy

3

Six credits in JPHI courses (in excess of the Jewish Studies requirements) may be taken as electives, with approval.