Philosophy What is Philosophy? Philosophy is the systematic study of ideas and issues, a search for fundamental truths about the nature of human existence that can be rationally justified, a quest for a comprehensive understanding of the world, and a study of the principles of individual and social conduct. It seeks to establish rational methods for evaluating arguments and ideas. The major areas of philosophical concern include logic, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy. There are also a variety of subfields, like philosophy of mind, philosophy of art, political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of feminism, philosophy of law, and applied ethics.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Why study Philosophy at Saint Peter’s University?
Who You’ll Learn from: Philosophy Faculty
Training in philosophy enhances one’s abilities to solve problems, to understand and express complex ideas, and to develop critical thinking skills that are transferable to any academic discipline. Philosophy deepens one’s awareness of the meaning and variety of human experience. It also develops the understanding and appreciation of those things that ultimately make life worth living. Every area of human experience raises questions relevant to philosophy and its methods may be used in the study of any subject of the pursuit of any profession.
Saint Peter’s faculty members are scholars and expert teachers. They are interested in preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a global society.
The Philosophy Department is home to the Epsilon chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the National Philosophy Honor Society.
Philosophy Major and Minor Programs A Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Saint Peter’s University will provide a student with a perfect foundation for advanced studies. Majors in Philosophy have pursued successful careers in law, medicine, teaching, business, politics, and the arts. Philosophy as part of a double-major has become a very popular option, especially for students interested in graduate studies. A minor in Philosophy is an excellent addition to almost any major. Students are encouraged to pursue double-majors or minors in Philosophy while also studying areas such as Biology, Physics, Psychology, Mathematics, Business Administration and Management, English, History, Fine Arts, Political Science, Sociology, and Theology.
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics 11/21
Our Philosophy faculty members are: Peter P. Cvek, Professor Ph.D., University of Kansas Ethics, Natural Law Theory, Bioethics, Asian Philosophy William G. Evans, Professor Ph.D., Stanford University Classical Greek Philosophy, Plato, Existentialism Daniel Murphy, Associate Professor Ph.D., Université catholique de Louvain (University of Louvain, Brussels) 19th Century Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Kant, Hegel Lisa A. O’Neill Sanders, Department Chair, Professor Ph.D., Temple University Logic, Feminist Philosophy, Philosophy and Culture
Philosophy Major The Philosophy Department offers both major and minor programs with three different major concentrations. All students must take two Philosophy courses as laid out in the university Core Curriculum: • PL-130 Introduction to Philosophy • PL-140 Introduction to Ethics Philosophy majors must take 30 credits in order to complete the program. Along with the two core courses, major requirements vary according to a student’s major concentration. Traditional Concentration: • PL-130 & PL-140 • PL-153 Logic • PL-240 Ethical Theory • 18 Elective Credits in: History of Philosophy, Ethics, and Topical Areas Ethics & Moral Philosophy Concentration: • PL-130 & PL-140 • PL-153 Logic • PL-240 Ethical Theory • 18 Elective Credits* in Ethics & Moral Philosophy *Some electives in the Ethics & Moral Philosophy concentration are interdisciplinary, meaning they can be taken in other departments and count toward your major credit, e.g. TH-484 Christian Medical Ethics and CU-255 Ethics in Communications. At least 12 elective credits must come from Philosophy courses.
Ethical Leadership Concentration: The Ethical Leadership concentration is designed to be a complementary double major for students majoring in programs such as biology, business, political science, and more. In addition to the Philosophy core, a concentration in Ethical Leadership requires majors to take: • PL-153 Logic • PL-240 Ethical Theory • PL-252 Justice and Human Rights • PL-200 Rhetoric, Speech & Argument • 12 credits outside of the Philosophy department, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor • 3 additional Philosophy credits • PL-380 Ethical Leadership Capstone – Option 1: Ethics Fieldwork Research Project – Option 2: Traditional Research Project Special Notes on Major Requirements: 1. Any student desiring to major in Philosophy should apply to the chairperson of the Philosophy Department who will assign an advisor to supervise the rest of the program. 2. Of the 30 credits in Philosophy required of students majoring in Philosophy, up to 6 credits may be taken in other departments, in courses approved by the student’s philosophy advisor. 3. All Philosophy majors are required to maintain a 2.3 average in major courses. Special Notes on Minor Requirements: 1. Any student desiring to minor in Philosophy should apply to the chairperson of the Philosophy Department who will be assigned an advisor to supervise the rest of the minor program. 2. Minors require 18 credits in Philosophy, including the introductory courses. The remaining 12 credits should represent a range of courses in history of philosophy, individual philosophers, and philosophical themes or areas, as is expected of the majors. This can be best achieved by adequate consultation with a departmental advisor.
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics