To begin the process of formulating your objectives, we suggest that you think about all the courses you have taken, both in philosophy and in other departments. Which ones were most interesting to you? What subjects, issues, or problems did they raise? Do they seem to have anything in common that could help you realize where your own intellectual interests lie? Also think about your career plans, both in general and specific terms. What kind of work do you hope to do? Do you want to work with people, e.g, as a teacher or counselor? Do you seek a career in business? In law? Whatever your plans, talk with the Academic Advisor about how the study of philosophy might help you achieve them or make your career richer and more rewarding. Consider also your own future apart from your career, whatever work you end up doing. What intellectual skills will help you achieve the kind of life you want for yourself? What philosophical knowledge would you find useful and satisfying? Are there issues or ideas that you feel passionate about that the study of philosophy could help you apply yourself to?

You may find it helpful to consider some examples of particular objectives that often motivate students to study philosophy:

• to understand the ideas of central thinkers in the history of Western Philosophy
• to understand and evaluate philosophical issues in epistemology and metaphysics
• to understand and evaluate philosophical issues in ethics and social and political philosophy
• to understand and evaluate philosophical issues in logic and/or philosophy of science
• to explore philosophical areas outside the Western tradition
• to pursue study in other disciplines related to your philosophical interests, e.g., religion, political science, psychology, art, etc.
• to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental life issues
• to improve reading and/or writing skills
• to improve logical and analytical skills
• to prepare for graduate study (M.A. or Ph.D.) in Philosophy
• to prepare for law school
• to prepare for other post-baccalaureate studies