Curriculum
The Department of Philosophy's curriculum provides the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical issues from a diverse array of philosophical traditions, methodologies and perspectives. Our courses develop students’ skills in critical thinking, analysis, clear writing, and sustained reflection on important philosophical problems, both contemporary and perennial. These problems are addressed in courses which focus on ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, language, logic, the natural and social sciences, politics and religion - among other interesting and timely philosophical topics. Philosophy majors at Purdue acquire both disciplinary knowledge and the philosophical skills needed to understand and address the global challenges facing humanity, now and in the future.
Plan of Study
Majoring in Philosophy at Purdue requires a total of 27 credit hours (nine courses), including:
- PHIL 15000 (Principles of Logic), and either PHIL 30100 (History of Ancient Philosophy) or PHIL 30300 (History of Modern Philosophy)
- as of 2020, students may take CS 18200 (Foundations Of Computer Science) instead of PHIL 15000
- an additional 30000 level course in the history of philosophy (assuming you have only taken 1 of the above)
- either PHIL 24000 (Social and Political Philosophy) or a 40000 level course in ethics (Modern or Recent Ethical Theory)
- and three advanced courses in philosophy (40000 or 50000 level).
Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in philosophy should also take a third course in the history of philosophy and a course in metaphysics or epistemology.
Because of the flexibility in major and minor requirements, many students tailor their elective choices to concentrate their expertise or complement their studies in areas such as law, medicine, history, literature, science, mathematics, engineering, religion, business, or politics and government. A philosophy major can be a valuable part of most types of pre-professional training.
A Philosophy minor requires a total of 15 credit hours (five courses) in philosophy, including:
- one of the following courses in the history of philosophy
- PHIL 30100 (History of Ancient Philosophy)
- PHIL 30200 (History of Medieval Philosophy)
- PHIL 30300 (History of Modern Philosophy)
- and at least one other intermediate (30000 level) or advanced course (40000 or 50000 level).
The Department of Philosophy also offers a minor in Human Rights Studies.
Students interested in graduate studies in philosophy are encouraged to consult with their advisor and philosophy faculty and graduate students.
Admissions
To learn more about admissions, visit this link.
