The study of philosophy is an indispensable part of a liberal education. In its critical function, philosophy teaches students to analyze arguments and to assess the value of various claims of knowledge. In its systematic function, it develops an integral view of the world, with a special focus on the human person and with final reference to God as the highest cause. In its ethical function, philosophy presents an account of the rational principles which ought to guide one's moral life. Accordingly, the Philosophy program endeavors to sharpen students' critical skills, integrate their knowledge of reality, and assist them in living a more rational and more worthy life.
Major requirements (9 courses):
To satisfy the core requirement of philosophical reasoning, all students at Saint Anselm College take two courses in philosophy, one in theoretical philosophy (THER) and the other in practical or moral philosophy (ETH). In addition, philosophy majors must complete seven further courses in philosophy, as indicated below. (While some of the courses listed below may have been taken to fulfill a core requirement in philosophy, every philosophy major must still complete a total of nine philosophy courses and cover each of the areas indicated below.)
Students who major in philosophy follow a program in the history of philosophy supplemented by courses in systematic philosophy. This is usually a three-year program, but students who become majors at the end of their sophomore year will be able to complete their requirements. After graduation, many philosophy majors attend law school or graduate school; others pursue employment in a variety of capacities, such as positions in business, government, ministry, education, and the arts.
- PH 320 - Critical Thinking or
- PH 321 - Formal Logic and
- PH 211 - Ancient Philosophy: Know Thyself or
- PH 212 - Medieval Philosophy: Faith and Reason and
- PH 213 - Modern Philosophy: Knowledge and the New Science or
- PH 214 - Contemporary Philosophy: Meaning, Language and Existence and
- PH 325 - Metaphysics: Theories of Reality or
- PH 331 - Philosophy of Science or
- PH 336 - Aesthetics: Theories of Beauty
- Twelve additional credits in courses offered by the Philosophy department.
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