Philosophy, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What Is the Study of Philosophy?

Philosophy is among the oldest of intellectual disciplines. Among the questions dealt with in philosophy courses are “What is knowledge?” “What is truth?” “Can we gain knowledge?” “Does God exist?” The Philosophy Department believes that consideration of these, and related questions, is fundamental to being educated and, as such, should be of interest to all students. The Department offers a wide range of courses in most of the traditional areas of philosophical concern such as history of philosophy, ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

Work in Philosophy fits well into many pre-professional programs, including law school. Emphasizing, as it does, careful, deep, critical analysis of concepts and problems, Philosophy is an excellent major for students who will seek positions in business and government which require a liberal arts background.

How to Declare:

 

In order to declare as a philosophy major or minor, one must first complete three philosophy courses (or 9 credits), with a C- or better in each of those courses. Students who are interested in declaring should contact the Philosophy Department Manager or the Philosophy Department Chair.

Coursework

  • PHIL 102 Introduction to Logic
  • PHIL 112 Introduction to Philosophy: Moral Issues
  • PHIL 114 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 202 Intermediate Logic
  • PHIL 310 Theory of Knowledge
  • PHIL 320 Ethical Theory I
  • PHIL 330 Metaphysics I
  • PHIL 364 History of Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy
  • PHIL 366 History of Philosophy: the Rationalists
  • PHIL 367 History of Philosophy: the Empiricists
  • PHIL 410 Theory of Knowledge II
  • PHIL 417 Seminar in Philosophy
  • PHIL 420 Ethical Theory II
  • PHIL 430 Metaphysics II
  • 15 Additional philosophy credits

GURs:

 

The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.

  • QSR: PHIL 102
  • HUM: PHIL 112, 114
“Western’s philosophy department is comprised of highly distinguished, first-rate philosophers who have earned international reputations for their work. While they disagree on many substantive philosophical issues, the members of Western’s philosophy faculty are unified by their mutual respect for one another, their unyielding dedication to pedagogy, and their shared commitment to providing each of their students with an outstanding undergraduate education.”

- Hud Hudson, Faculty

“The members of Western’s philosophy faculty are unified by an unyielding commitment to excellence. This commitment is manifest not only in their teaching and research (both of which have earned the department international recognition), but also in the undergraduate community that they continually foster—a collaborative community in which new ideas and fresh perspectives are cultivated and cherished.”

- Alex Rivera, Student

Notable Alumni

Simon Blackwell

vice president of technology for Wizards of the Coast

'84, Philosophy

Kris McDaniel

associate professor of philosophy at Syracuse University.

’98, Philosophy

Sample Careers

  • Attorney
  • Analyst
  • Diplomat
  • Lobbyist
  • News Writer
  • Journalist
  • Clergy
  • Critic

Department

Contact

Major/Transfer Advisor and Philosophy Department Chair

 

Ryan WassermanBH 302A, 360-650-3860Ryan.Wasserman@wwu.edu

Academic Department Manager

DeNora Lombard
BH 302b
360- 650-3859
DeNora.Lombard@wwu.edu

Related Majors

Politics/Philosophy/Economics, BA