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Philosophy has been central to higher education since the inception of the university in the Middle Ages, is the original source of many of the other rational endeavors to know the world, and remains the cornerstone of Catholic education. Philosophy promotes clear thinking. It teaches students to think analytically, to write and speak clearly and persuasively, to evaluate evidence, to construct and present sound arguments for their viewpoints, and to recognize flaws in opposing arguments—skills essential to success in any profession or career. Philosophy helps to create responsible citizens. It allows students to see through cultural and intellectual fads, protects them from the often empty posturing of politicians, defends them from the slippery claims of advertisers and salespeople, insulates them from the often unfounded assertions of media pundits and commentators, and shields them from foolish opinions and everyday nonsense. Philosophy contributes to our becoming more fully human. It broadens the range of things that students can understand and enjoy, enhances their expressive powers, contributes to their self-knowledge, foresight, and sense of direction in life, nurtures individuality and self-esteem, and brings them into contact with the most important and fundamental human questions about reality, knowledge, morality, and all other aspects of the human experience. The Department of Philosophy embodies the University's commitment to its students. We do this by creating an academic environment that encourages students to approach fundamental questions with an attitude of open and disciplined reflection, that evokes a love for the intellectual life, and promotes a deeper appreciation of our civilization, which has been influenced by philosophy at all levels.

Philosophy Major 30 cr.

Plus 3 elective courses in philosophy:

PHL 1000 is a prerequisite for all other philosophy courses except for PHL 1400 and 1500, which may be taken without prior coursework in philosophy. Students planning to do graduate study in philosophy are strongly urged to take more courses than the required 30 hours. The philosophy faculty will work with students to select additional courses that will help prepare them for graduate work in the discipline.

PHILOSOPHY MINOR
The 18 credit hour minor in philosophy is comprised of 9 credit hours (or 3 courses) that provide the necessary foundation for advanced study in philosophy, and are therefore required of all students who choose the minor. The remaining 9 hours in the minor allow the student to choose 3 upper division (3000 or 4000-level) courses that explore those philosophical issues in which the student has the greatest interest.

Students seeking a philosophy minor must take:

and one (1) of the following courses in logic:

Although all students may choose any combination of upper division elective courses in philosophy, students may configure this part of their minor in such a way that complements their major area of study. The Department of Philosophy suggests the following possible minor "tracks":

Pre-Law Students, Political Science and Criminal Justice Majors:

Business Majors:

Nursing, Dental, and Health Professions Majors:

History Majors:

Religious Studies Major:

Architecture Majors:

Psychology Majors

Science Majors

Important Notes:

• These examples are not exclusive of other philosophy minors that can complement other majors in the University curriculum. Through the use of Directed Readings (limit one per minor) and Advanced Topics in Philosophy courses, the Philosophy Department can help students design minors that best compliment their particular major and/or interests.
• Students seeking a philosophy minor are encouraged to take more than the 18 hours required.
• PHL 1000 is a prerequisite for all other philosophy courses except for PHL 1400 and 1500, which may be taken without prior coursework in philosophy.
• A minor tracking form may be downloaded from the website at: http://liberalarts.udmercy.edu/programs/depts/philosophy/minor/index.htm