Philosophy, BA

Overview

The Philosophy major covers key areas of philosophical inquiry, 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 law, medicine, business, and academia.

 

Degree Requirements

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

Major Requirements (30 credits)

Ethics and Value Theory

Complete one of the following courses:

PHI 1401	Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Thought	3
PHI 1600	Ethics	3
PHI 1612	Ethics and Character	3
PHI 2532	Philosophy of Art	3
PHI 3100	Theories of Justice	3
PHI 3402	Philosophy of Law	3
PHI 4930	Topics in Philosophy	3
PHI 4931	Advanced Topics in Philosophy	3

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

History of Philosophy

Complete two of the following courses:

PHI 2170	Ancient and Medieval Philosophy	3
PHI 2420	Modern Philosophy	3

Metaphysics and Epistemology

Complete three of the following courses:

PHI 1100	Logic	3
PHI 1214	Suffering and Evil	3
PHI 1220	Philosophy of Language	3
PHI 1320	Theories of the Mind	3
PHI 1360	Theory of Knowledge	3
PHI 1400	Philosophy of Science	3
PHI 1550	Metaphysics	3
PHI 1710	Religion and Philosophy	3
PHI 2560	Philosophy in the 19th and 20th Centuries	3

PHI 4930 and PHI 4931 are applicable to this requirement when the topic is approved as relevant to Metaphysics and Epistemology.

Electives

Complete any four additional PHI courses from the categories above and/or the following:

PHI 1011	Introduction to Philosophy	3
PHI 2560	Philosophy in the 19th and 20th Centuries	3
PHI 4930	Topics in Philosophy	3
PHI 4931	Advanced Topics in Philosophy	3
PHI 4901	Independent Study	1 TO 3