Philosophy
Office: 2110 Fenton Hall
(716) 673-3495
Neil Feit, Chairperson
Email: philosophy.department@fredonia.edu
Website: http://www.fredonia.edu/philosophy/
Philosophy is the study of the most basic questions one can ask about the nature of reality, human existence, knowledge, value, and meaning. It develops the skills of careful inquiry and logical thinking, which are the hallmarks of successful people in all walks of life. The philosophy department offers a major, a minor, and a series of courses designed to complement student majors in other fields, as well as courses of general interest to all students.
Numerous philosophy courses are designed to complement student majors in other fields including business, economics, computer science, art, film, music, theatre, criminal justice, legal studies, and the natural and social sciences. The philosophy department has advisement material available for students who wish to pursue an interest in philosophy in conjunction with these majors and minors.
Graduates with a major in Philosophy typically go on to careers in areas such as law, business, public service, teaching and creative writing.
The Fredonia Philosophical Society is a student-initiated club organized for the purpose of holding extracurricular discussions of a wide range of philosophical topics. The Fredonia Philosophical Society and the Department of Philosophy co-sponsor external speakers of general interest. All meetings are open to the entire campus and the public.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy
Thirty (30) credit hours in philosophy, at least 18 credit hours of which are in courses numbered 300 or above.
Students are required to take:
One logic course
PHIL 116 |
Introduction to Deductive Logic |
or |
|
PHIL 301 |
Intermediate Deductive Logic |
One history of philosophy course
PHIL 222 |
The Greek Way |
or |
|
PHIL 223 |
Roman Philosophy |
or |
|
PHIL 224 |
Medieval Thought |
or |
|
PHIL 226 |
The Age of Reason and Its Legacy |
or |
|
PHIL 432 |
The Age of Analysis |
One capstone course
PHIL 477 |
Capstone Seminar* |
*Required for first-year students who enter in or after Fall 2007, and transfer students who enter in or after Fall 2009.
A Model Program would include:
PHIL 115 |
Philosophical Inquiry |
|
|
PHIL 218 |
Introduction to Ethics |
or |
|
PHIL 265 |
Social and Political Thought |
|
|
PHIL 345 |
The Meaning of Life |
or |
|
PHIL 441 |
Philosophy of Language and Semantics |
|
|
PHIL 430 |
Philosophy of Mind |
or |
|
PHIL 351 |
Metaphysics |
or |
|
PHIL 353 |
Theory of Knowledge |
Plus related philosophy courses and PHIL 477 capstone experience.
Seniors are strongly urged to take an additional seminar:
PHIL 446/449 |
Selected Problems in Philosophy |
or |
|
PHIL 460/469 |
Major Philosophers |
Students should consult the department for current offerings in the above areas. All waivers of requirements must be approved by the chairperson.
