Philosophy
Philosophy is the disciplined and critical inquiry into fundamental
questions of human existence — What is the nature of reality?
What is knowledge? Does God exist? Is my will free? What is the difference
between right and wrong? What is the relation between the mind and the
body? What is the meaning of life? — to name a few. Philosophers
use reason and argument in the attempt to answer these questions. The
UW-Eau Claire philosophy major is designed to provide students with
a working knowledge of reflective methods that can be applied to other
areas of interest. A minor in philosophy complements other majors such
as business or journalism and reinforces the issues involved in other
fields.
Why study philosophy?
- The major is an excellent background for graduate study in a variety of areas. In fact, philosophy majors consistently score in the highest percentile of the LSAT, GMAT and GRE exams.
- In addition to preparing students to become philosophers, the study of philosophy also will lead you to a variety of fields including law, journalism, publishing, ministry, government, teaching, medicine, business and public health.
- As a philosophy major, you'll develop strong analytical and synthetic reasoning skills along with problem solving and organizational abilities that will make you extremely valuable to employers in the 21st century.
- It can broaden your intellectual horizons and enhance your capacity for self-expression.
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Learn about the advantages of studying philosophy at UW-Eau Claire. |
Career options
- Business – advertising executive, investment broker, bank officer, development manager, computer services.
- Education – admissions or alumni representative, researcher, educational tester, teaching, college administrator.
- Law/Government – congressional staff member, diplomat, policy analyst, planning consultant, city manager or planner, U.N. official.
Undergraduate programs
The UW-Eau Claire department of philosophy and religious studies (see separate Fact Sheet on the religious studies major) offers:
Majors
- Philosophy – liberal arts
- Religious Studies – liberal arts
Minors
- Philosophy – liberal arts
- Religious Studies – liberal arts
High school preparation
- While in high school, students are encouraged to successfully complete courses in English composition, public speaking, social sciences, history, mathematics, foreign languages and psychology.
- All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a
minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas
Freshman course work (sample first year)
In addition to a variety of general education courses, the department would like students to complete Phil 101 (Basic Philosophy), Phil 235 (Ancient Philosophy) or one general course in philosophy before taking upper level courses.
- Phil 101 Introduction to Philosophy
- Phil 120 Moral Problems in Contemporary Life
- Phil 150 Introduction to Logic
- Phil 235 Ancient Philosophy
- Phil 236 Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
- Phil 335 Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Philosophy
For more information
For more information about UW-Eau Claire's
programs in philosophy and religious studies, contact: |
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costs, housing, admission requirements and tours: |
