Through a discussion of the guiding ideas in these texts, students gain historical perspective on the evolution of our cultural traditions. They also gain critical perspective on the operative assumptions that ground their sense of cultural and personal identity in a rapidly changing world.

The central issues raised in these courses concern the relation of moral judgment to evaluation, subjective perspective to the desire for objective understanding, language-games to discourses of power (including critical perspectives on metaphysical discourses), and critical approaches to the study and assessment of art and literature.

Many of the Philosophy courses focus on the challenges and opportunities facing a multicultural society, including issues relating to self-development, cultural diversity, and the need to agree on shared principles as a basis for preserving or enhancing a sense of community. Philosophy also discusses the contingencies underwriting the judgments that give privilege to some values over others, and that serve to legitimize some voices at the expense of others.

Philosophy courses promote careful discussion of the relevance of intellectual ideas and positions. Philosophy stresses the practice of sound reasoning techniques as a basis for discerning and defending philosophical principles. Philosophy also emphasizes reflective analysis of implications that follow from principled commitments.

Studies in Philosophy offer excellent preparation for advanced studies in Philosophy, Law, Literary Criticism, Counseling Practices, and Rhetoric Studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Requirements

1. Complete University General Education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (51 units minimum).
2. Complete the following prerequisites to the major (9 units):
   PHIL 2100 Logic, 3 units
   PHIL 2200 Ancient Philosophy, 3 units
   PHIL 2230 Modern Philosophy, 3 units
3. Complete the major of at least 30 upper-division units.

The Major (30 units)

Minor in Philosophy

The philosophy minor is ideal for students majoring in other fields who desire concentrated study in areas of philosophical thinking relevant to their personal or professional development.

Requirements (18 units minimum)
Complete a minimum of 18 units of philosophy coursework chosen in consultation with a department adviser. Of these 18 units, at least 12 units must represent upper-division coursework. Students are encouraged to tailor their philosophy minor to emphasize philosophical issues and methods relevant to their field of interest or professional goals.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Applied Philosophy
Please refer to the Liberal Studies section of the catalog.

Learning Objectives
Students of Philosophy will:

• Develop knowledge of important figures, fields, and problems in the history of philosophy.
• Recognize significant developments and emerging trends in contemporary philosophy.
• Develop a capacity for self-conscious reflection on philosophical inquiry itself, including its methods, and its role in human life, culture and society.
• Cultivate skills in formulating questions, reading philosophical texts, constructing and evaluating philosophical arguments, and discussing philosophical ideas.
• Develop an understanding of significant philosophers, philosophical problems, and methods of philosophical inquiry.
• Develop the ability to comprehend philosophical works, to critically appraise philosophical (and other) arguments, and to develop compelling interpretations and positions when dealing with philosophical and intellectual problems.
• Develop the skills of critical and expository writing, including interpretive analysis of primary texts in their historical context.