Philosophy

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires 42 hours of Philosophy major courses comprised of a combination of history of philosophy, ethics, and logic courses, as well as History of Christian Theology I or II. In addition, students are encouraged to take other support courses such as Art History, Political Theory, Literary Criticism, etc. to narrow their focus to their chosen career.

General Education Requirements: 
The Philosophy degree requires 57 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

A few examples of courses students in this major take:             

• History of Philosophy I – Revisits a period of almost a thousand years, beginning with the Greeks circa 600 B.C. and continuing through the transition from the classical to the medieval period.
• Philosophy of Religion – Explores the complex relations between religion and culture.
• Advanced Logic – Examines a more advanced consideration of sequential logic, first-order predicate logic, and modal logic (logic of possibility and necessity). (Pre-req: PHIL 2303)

For more details and course descriptions, view and download the Undergraduate Course Bulletin (PDF).

Skills You Will Gain

Philosophy majors hone their ability to analyze, critique, organize and communicate with others. The life skills they develop are assets in any career:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Writing
• Speaking
• Communication
• Independent thinking
• Collaboration
• Flexibility 
• Research

Hands-On Experiences

Philosophy majors can put their critical thinking into action through internships. Students have previously interned at Austin’s Equal Justice Center and at Mongazon école supérieure in Angers, France, helping French children improve their English. 

Philosophy majors are an eclectic bunch who are active in a wide range of projects.

• The Philosophy Club meets weekly to discuss a brief reading, movie or podcast that is relevant to a theme the members have chosen for the semester, such as feminist philosophy. As a member, you’ll discuss ideas and debate with fellow students who are interested in philosophy and history.
   
• The Food and Philosophy lecture series features well-known speakers from around the country who address current topics over lunch. Topics have included the following:
  • Genetically Engineering Our Children
  • Conscientious Refusal to Participate in Evil
  • Real Judging, Fake Judging and the Myth of Judicial Activism
     
• Hilltop Views, the weekly student newspaper, is published in print and online. Student journalists report news from the campus and the greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer or designer. 
   
• Sorin Oak Review is a literary magazine that showcases the poetry, prose and artwork of St. Edward’s University students. Working on the editorial staff is a great way to gain experience in project management and the practical details of putting together a publication. 
   
• Arete is a student-produced academic journal that publishes student-written research, nonfiction essays and commentary. Editors choose from among the dozens of submissions to create a cohesive journal that represents a variety of perspectives. 
   
• New Literati is a student-produced journal of both academic and creative work. 
   
• B. Hooved is the student humor journal, inspired by our Hilltopper goat mascot. 
   
• Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law organization, meets weekly to listen to guest speakers, learn about the law school admission process, participate in mentorship programs, do service work and learn about internships. The club also has a mock trial team that competes in events hosted by the American Mock Trial Association and Phi Alpha Delta. The team has traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete.
   
• Campus Ministry at St. Edward’s offers programs that enhance your spiritual life, including small-group Bible studies, retreats, interfaith events and programs that support social justice advocacy. The department also coordinates both one-day and semester-long service projects in Austin, as well as Service Break Experiences in other states or countries. Through SBEs, you’ll travel to another community, volunteer and learn about local life while living simply (without your phone, for example). 

Philosophy is an intriguing discipline that uses logic and reason to analyze the world and ourselves. Students of philosophy bring critical and creative thinking, ethical reasoning, and uncommon wisdom to any career they choose. Here's a list of helpful resources that gives you an overview of the many benefits of majoring in philosophy.

• Study philosophy to learn how to live, to get a top LSAT and GRE score, and a great job.
• The importance of philosophy today: Don’t Dismiss the Humanities, by Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times
• John Cleese:  Why Philosophy is Nothing to Laugh About
• Philosophy's role in shaping leaders: How Philosophy Makes You a Better Leader, by David Brendel, The Harvard Business Review
• How philosophy helps in business: The Unexpected Way Philosophy Majors Are Changing the World of Business, by Carolyn Gregoire, The Huffington Post
• And don't just take it from professors on campus. The Philosophy is a Great Major website spells out all the reasons to become a lover of wisdom.
• Even the editorial page of Forbes magazine thinks majoring in philosophy is well worth it.
• And here is a poster of famous philosophers to hang on your wall — unless you’d rather just read a long list of famous philosophy majors.

Skeptical about all these claims? 
Excellent! You’re ready to be a philosophy major! And don't just take our word for it. Ask members of our faculty and staff — Professor of English (and lawyer) Drew Loewe, Professor of French (and Department Chair) Philippe Seminet, Professor of University Studies Cory Lock, and Vice President of Admission Tracy Manier — if their BA in Philosophy degrees have enhanced their life and work. They’re sure to tell you it helped them prepare for careers and more. 

Don’t hesitate to contact our faculty in the Philosophy Department for more information!

Students who wish to earn a Philosophy Minor must take the following coursework, totaling 18 hours.

Required Courses:

• Ethical Analysis
• Logic
• History of Philosophy I, II or III
• Philosophy of Religion or Theory of Knowing
• Directed Readings or Senior Seminar
• Electives

Students may choose any upper division Philosophy elective to complete their minor.

For more information about coursework, please review the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF).

Philosophy faculty members are active in their fields and bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom.

Mark J. Cherry, PhD
Dr. Patricia A. Hayes Professor in Applied Ethics, Professor of Philosophy, and Department Chair

Jack D. Musselman, PhD
Associate Professor of Philosophy

Peter A. Wake, PhD
Professor of Philosophy

View all Philosophy faculty members.