Philosophy BA
Philosophy, meaning “the love of wisdom,” is the systematic and critical study of fundamental questions arising both in everyday life and in the practice of other academic disciplines. It is the most ancient of the academic disciplines, with sources from around the world dating back thousands of years.The philosophy major is designed to develop your ability to think clearly, carefully, constructively, and critically about a wide range of issues including questions about:what is real (and what merely fictional or mythical): Does God exist? Am I just a material body, or am I also an immaterial soul? Are humans free and therefore responsible for what they do, or are they determined by forces beyond their control? Are race and/or gender socially constructed, or do they reflect biological realities?values: What makes an action right, a person good, a painting beautiful, or a nation just? Are standards of value universal or culturally specific?knowledge: What is the difference between knowing something and simply having an opinion or belief about it? Are there limits to what we can know, and do some of our questions foolishly violate these limits? Is all knowledge ultimately grounded in sensory experience or can some truths be known through reason alone?philosophy itself: Is philosophical truth universal, or is it merely cultural and relative to time and place? Do the same laws of logic and reason apply everywhere or do they differ from one culture to the next? Is philosophy practiced in the same way across the world, or are there importantly different conceptions of philosophy and its methods?Philosophical questions can be pursued out of simple curiosity (and the encounter with new ways of thinking can be exhilarating for its own sake), but the philosophy instructors at Metro State are convinced that the main value of philosophy is to enable us to lead richer lives and to make the world a better place.CareersThe study of philosophy helps a person to develop their abilities to:Read texts carefully, closely, accurately, and sympatheticallyAnalyze positions and arguments fairly and criticallyUncover unstated and unexamined assumptions in arguments— – both one’s own and others’Construct cogent and persuasive arguments for one’s positionWrite and speak in a manner that is simple, natural, clear, and persuasive.See an issue from more than one point of view and value dialogue with others.These skills are useful in many fields —careers in law, computer science, business, medicine, criminal justice, the arts, publishing, and many more all value the skills developed by the study of philosophy. People with philosophy degrees can be found in nearly every line of work, and their analytic skills and mental flexibility often help them to excel.A Case for Majoring in PhilosophyThe Unexpected Way Philosophy Majors are Changing the World of BusinessIs Philosophy the Most Practical Major?In a New Generation of College Students, Many Opt for the Life ExaminedThe Rise in Stock of Philosophy GraduatesPhilosophers Find the Degree Pays Off in Life And in Work