Philosophy Department

Majors & Minors

The Philosophy faculty members have a variety of specialties in philosophy and represent diverse philosophical perspectives.

Philosophical issues addressed in undergraduate courses include both traditional topics from areas such as epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of science, and also the most recent contemporary concerns. The techniques brought to bear on these issues are analytical, formal, and historical.

The undergraduate program stresses Western philosophy, ancient and modern, and gives particular emphasis to recent and contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. The department's course offerings provide excellent foundations for graduate work in law and cognitive science, as well as in philosophy itself.

Philosophy is relevant to every program and major in the University. The basic problems it addresses are of perennial significance. Below are listed groups of courses that might be of particular relevance to students majoring in other disciplines:

Anthropology
PHL 102, 103, 105, 201, 202, 247, 252
Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Microbiology, Physics and Astronomy
PHL 110, 152, 252
Computer Science, Mathematics
PHL 110, 210-219, 252
Economics
PHL 102, 105, 110, 220, 223, 252
English, Art and Art History, Modern Languages and Cultures
PHL 115, 141, 171, 201, 202, 247
History
PHL 201-202, 260-269
Naval Science
PHL 102, 110, 223, 252, 308
Political Science
PHL 102, 103, 110, 220-229, 252, 308
Psychology and Cognitive Science
PHL 241-249, 348
Religion
PHL 101-103, 111, 201, 202, 242, 268

Skills and Interests Congenial to the Study of Philosophy

Good writing skills, analytical thinking, and interests in morality, law, politics, religion, science, history, or mathematics are useful in the study of philosophy.

Extras

One Philosophy Colloquium a semester is coordinated with an advance undergraduate class. There are also several other departmental colloquia a semester. Colloquia begin at 3:30 on Friday afternoons and consist of a philosophy talk, usually given by a distinguished philosopher from outside the university, a question period, and a reception. All students are invited. The Undergraduate Philosophy Council meets regularly for informed discussion and refreshments. All philosophy concentrators and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

The Undergraduate Bulletin

The Undergraduate Bulletin is available on the Web and contains more detailed information on requirements, available programs, faculty members, course offerings, etc.

Undergraduate Program Contacts

Undergraduate Advisor:
William J. FitzPatrick
525 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-8107
Philosophy Council Advisor: Council Page ยป
Brad Weslake
520 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 276-3821

Department Office Contacts

Department Chair:
Deborah Modrak
532 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-8111
Administrative Assistant:
Amy Bray
532 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-4105
Web Publisher:
John Gates Bennett
524 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-8145