General Information for Philosophy Students
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 concentration 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 concentrating 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.
Career Opportunities
The analytical skills developed by studying philosophy are excellent preparation for law school and graduate school in philosophy, and provide a foundation for success in many walks of life. Courses in ethics are also helpful for medical and business students who may find it necessary in their work to make moral decisions, and to take moral stands. A logic specialty coupled with some courses in mathematics is good preparation for entering into computer-related work and other technical fields. Some resources on careers for Philosophy Majors:
- UR Career Center
- Illinois State University Philosophy Department Career Information Page
- career discussion in the brief guide to philosophy from the American Philosophical Association.
- University of Kansas Career Center: Philosophy
Internships
Internships provide an opportunity to put the skills learned in philosophy to work in a variety of professional settings, and can be useful in exploring career possibilities. Philosophy majors have recently held internships in law offices, public schools, international agencies, and social services. For more information, contact Professor Curren or Professor Feldman.
Graduate School
The graduate program in philosophy at the University of Rochester is a highly regarded program. Teaching is perhaps the most common career following graduate school in philosophy.
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. [Warning: this is a very large download in Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf)].
Contacts
- Undergraduate Advisor:
- Earl Conee
Lattimore 528
Phone: 565 275-8115 - Philosophy Council Advisor:
- Jeffrey Glick
Lattimore 526
Phone: 585-275-8147 - Department Chair:
- Randall Curren
Lattimore 532
Phone: 585 275-8112 - Administrative Assistant
- Amy Bray
Lattimore 532
Phone: 585 275-4105