Philosophy

Maria Carl, PhD, Chair
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/philosophy/

Objectives

The study of philosophy begins with questions that are as personal as they are universal: What truths can I know? How should I live? Who, or what, am I? Where is my place in the grand scheme of things? To respond fruitfully to such questions requires training in critical habits of mind, learning from the rich traditions and the great minds that have meditated on such questions, and engaging in lively discussion with a community of inquirers. Seattle University undergraduate philosophy courses communicate the value of philosophy and impart knowledge of its most influential figures. Even more, the courses help students bring their own intellectual concerns into dialogue with great minds of the past and present, and hone skills of reasoning and argumentation that make that questioning illuminating, reliable, and useful.

Elective courses support a major in philosophy that emphasizes skills of textual analysis, knowledge of the history of philosophy, and familiarity with contemporary figures and major trends.

Policy for University Honors Program Students

Honors Program graduates may earn a philosophy major by taking an additional 35 credit hours, which include the following required courses: 

University Honors Intellectual Traditions track:

PHIL 2600  
PHIL 4850  
25 credits of approved PHIL electives

They are credited with the following equivalents:

HONR 1010   = PHIL 3010  
HONR 1030   = PHIL 3020  
HONR 2020   = PHIL 3650  

University Honors Innovations track:

PHIL 2600
PHIL 3020
20 credits of approved PHIL electives

They are credited with the following equivalents:

HONR 1010 = PHIL 3010
HONR 2020 = PHIL 3030
HONR 2030 = PHIL 3650
HONR 2400 = PHIL 4290