Philosophy Minor

Students with a college major other than philosophy may earn a minor in philosophy by completing six courses (18 credits) in philosophy. A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another college (see the GMC Undergraduate Catalog).

The principle behind the minor requirements is to allow students freedom to choose two electives, while at the same time requiring students to take two courses in the four major areas (ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary) as well as a course in logic.

For more information about what you can do with a degree in philosophy click here.

Curriculum Information

Requirements: 18 semester credit hours:

1. PHL 2000 Encountering Ethics (or PHL 100 or 101, if applicable)

2. PHL 201 Ancient Philosophy or PHL 202 Medieval Thought

3. PHL 313 Modern Philosophy or PHL 305 Contemporary Philosophy

4. PHL 240 Logic

5. PHL elective

6. PHL elective

Grade Requirements 

The minimum passing grade within the major is C (a grade of C- is not acceptable).

Course Descriptions

Introductory Courses

PHL100 - The Human Condition

This course offers a systematic introduction to some central concerns of men and women both as individual persons and as social beings. It considers our complex nature, the many activities in which we engage, and the problem of our destiny, especially in relation to God and nature.

PHL101 - Ethics: The Moral Quest

This course introduces philosophical interpretations of moral life and their application to contemporary social and moral problems.

PHL2000 - Encountering Ethics

This course examines contemporary moral issues and their possible solutions in light of ethical theories.

Prerequisite: ENG 101

History of Philosphy Courses

PHL201 - Ancient Philosophy

The course studies the emerging rationality of Greek philosophy in its psychological and cultural setting. Greek drama, the Pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle express the course's theme: dreams, myths and passions give birth to thought, which, in turn tames them.

PHL202 - Medieval Thought

This course discusses basic problems of religion, philosophy, love, and death during the Middle Ages. Major thinkers, their lives and works, illustrate varied responses to these problems.

PHL305 - Contemporary Philosophy

This course studies the thought of contemporary philosophers such as Sartre, Heidegger, Wittgenstein and Derrida.

PHL313 - Modern Philosophy

Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Hume and Kant are the main thinkers in modern philosophy. The course centers around their analysis of the nature of knowledge and the knowing self.

Additional Courses

PHL211 - Existence and Love

This course focuses on the internal relation between love and meaning in human existence. It explores this major philosophical theme in Plato, Existentialism and other traditions.

PHL234 - Global Ethics

This course surveys some international problems: hunger, depletion or inequitable distribution of resources, violence. It identifies human values involved and provides a philosophical consideration of some possible solutions.

PHL240 – Logic

This course introduces the study and practice of inductive and deductive reasoning with consideration of such topics as truth, validity and language structure.

PHL250 - Science Fact and Fiction

This course examines the nature of science itself and its relationship to technology and human responsibility as revealed in the works of scientists, philosophers and writers of science fiction.

PHL299 - Special Topics

Investigation of a selected topic designed to integrate and deepen the students' comprehension and application of philosophy.

PHL308 - The Good Society

This course looks critically at American democracy. Readings from philosophy and social science will explores our institutions, individualism and attempts to renew community life.

PHL310 - Philosophy of Education

This course offers a philosophical investigation of the basic principles, aims and human values involved in the process of education. It examines major educational philosophies as well as contemporary issues in this area.

PHL325 - Varieties of Religious Experience

This course studies the shared philosophical themes that emerge in different religious traditions. Readings include works by William James, and from Eastern, Western and Native American religions.

PHL330 - The Healing Journey

Healing involves social forces, personal attitudes and patterns of meaning which allow us to discover an authentic wholeness in the context of illness and suffering. Readings in the social sciences and philosophy are used to investigate these issues. (May be taken for sociology credit.)

PHL430 - Taoism, Zen: A Way of Life

The goal of this course is to gain intuitive insight into the major principles and practices of Taoism and Zen and to see the value and viability of these principles and practices in a modern approach to living. Topics include: Oriental approaches to creativity, aesthetics and spiritual mastery.

PHL439 - Independent Study

Qualified advanced students may arrange independent study in areas not covered by existing courses. Registration is with consent of involved faculty and the permission of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, the Chairperson and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

PHL1999 - Philosophy Transfer Elective

Philosophy Transfer Elective

Employment Information

Up-to-date information for a wide variety of occupations can be found at the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook handbook (OOH), which is available at http://www.bis.gov/OCO/.

FACULTY

Robert R. Clewis, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy.  PhD, Boston College; M.A., Boston College; BA, Wake Forest University.

Patrick Messina, Ph.L., Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy. Ph.D., Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm (Anselmianum), Rome, Italy; Ph.L., Pontifical Gregorian University (Gregorianum), Rome, Italy; M.A., St. Charles Borromeo Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania; B.A., La Salle University, Pennsylvania.