Learning Outcomes

B.A. Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy has adopted the following program goals for the Philosophy Major:

1. Students will develop a critical understanding of the work of central thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition.
2. Students will read and comprehend philosophical texts.
3. Students will respond critically and analytically to philosophical positions, arguments, and methodologies, including positions, arguments, and methodologies involved in the investigation of significant issues in epistemology, metaphysics and value theory.
4. Students will defend their own philosophical positions and arguments.
5. Students will write well-organized philosophical essays in which they clearly and effectively present and defend their own philosophical positions and arguments.
6. Students will apply the basic concepts essential to a critical examination and evaluation of argumentative discourse, where this includes learning how to determine whether an argument is valid and whether it is sound.