Philosophy

The ability to think critically, analytically and logically is central to success in all professions. A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Philosophy from the University of Idaho gives you the finely-tuned reasoning and communication skills that are highly valued by today’s employers. You’ll graduate competitively positioned for a wide range of exciting career opportunities in business, education, government, journalism and many other dynamic fields. If you want to become a lawyer, philosophy offers one of the very best pre-law majors.

As a philosophy major, you’ll examine fundamental questions concerning the nature of reality, society and human life. You’ll engage in thought-provoking discussions and problem-solving activities that challenge you to think critically and analytically about complex issues. The program includes in-depth study of writings from history’s revered philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche and Wittgenstein. Specifically, you’ll learn to reason and write clearly as you acquire well-rounded knowledge of:

• Ethics and moral thought
• Logic and critical thinking
• Political philosophy and justice theory
• Philosophy of law
• Epistemology (study of the nature of knowledge and its relation to truth, belief and justification)
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of science and biology, including bioethics

The Department of Philosophy has particular strengths in environmental philosophy, natural resource ethics and bioethics. Faculty members work closely with the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources and the Department of Biology to create unique learning opportunities surrounding these areas.

The department also offers a special course of study in professional ethics and global justice. By taking certain courses, you can earn a Certificate in Professional Ethics along with your bachelor’s degree. Combining your course work with a justice-focused study abroad at partner universities in Kenya, Ecuador, Japan or Mexico allows you to enhance your degree with a Certificate in Global Justice.

The University of Idaho Department of Philosophy has a rich history of collaboration with the Department of Philosophy at neighboring Washington State University (WSU). This partnership gives you access to faculty expertise and the excellent resources of both universities. You will have the opportunity to receive University of Idaho credit for philosophy courses offered at the WSU campus in Pullman, Washington, located just eight miles from Moscow, Idaho. Free transportation is provided between the two campuses.

Prepare for Success

Philosophy majors are inquisitive, intellectually-demanding students who can think outside of the box to solve complex problems. To succeed, you must be curious about the world around you and willing to challenge yourself as an analytical, critical, and logical thinker. You should also have strong reading, comprehension, and writing skills. Prepare in high school with courses that require close reading and interpretation of texts and that require you to think analytically and logically. Participation in debate or in student clubs related to social justice and environmental concerns is good preparation, as well.

Your First Year

You will spend the first year as a philosophy major completing university core requirements and foundation courses in philosophy. You will take:

• Phil 102 – Reason and Rhetoric
• Phil 103 – Ethics
• Phil 201 – Critical Thinking or
• Phil 202 – Introduction to Symbolic Logic
• Phil 240 – Belief and Reality

B.A. or B.S. Philosophy Requirements
Philosophy Course Descriptions

What You Can Do

A degree in philosophy provides the broad education and critical thinking skills that are highly valued in many professions. Philosophy majors often pursue careers in:

• Education – teaching, research, administration
• Government – political office and campaigns, research, intelligence, public information
• Law
• Business – human resources, marketing, sales, consulting
• Journalism – writing, editing, management, public relations
• Nonprofit/public service – Peace Corps, nongovernmental organizations, clergy
• Arts and entertainment – writing, managing, announcing, directing

Opportunities

The study of philosophy is well known for developing the reasoning and communication skills that are central to success in all professions and all areas of study, such as the ability to express and defend coherent views on complex issues.

A philosophy degree is excellent preparation for a career in law, which demands exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills abd a strong educational background in ethics, social responsibility, and justice.

Many philosophy majors pursue graduate study in philosophy or in another field of study. Philosophy majors consistently have among the highest scores on entrance exams for graduate and professional schools, including law.

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members in the Department of Philosophy are nationally recognized for their expertise. Current research interests include:

• Philosophy of law
• Biblical interpretation
• Philosophy of science and biology
• Philosophy of mind
• Environmental philosophy
• Ethics and bioethics

Hands-On Experience

 As a philosophy major at the University of Idaho, you will have opportunities to participate in exciting learning opportunities, including:

• Hemlock Papers: This student-run publication, distributed regionally, features essays written by philosophy students.
• Inland Northwest Philosophy Conference : This annual conference, co-sponsored by the University of Idaho and Washington State University, gives students the chance to hear presentations from well-known philosophers and scholars from around country.
• Study Abroad: Philosophy majors at the University of Idaho are encouraged to study abroad and to augment their bachelor’s degree with a Certificate in Global Justice. You will have the opportunity to participate in a challenging justice-focused semester or summer abroad in a combined study and service-learning experience. Cooperative global justice programs currently exist in Ecuador, Kenya, Japan and Mexico.
• Professional Ethics Certificates: Through the Idaho Professional Ethics Initiative, philosophy majors are also encouraged to complement their philosophy degree with a Certificate in Professional Ethics or a Certificate in Diversity and Intercultural Relations.