Philosophy seeks to illuminate fundamental aspects of the world, of our relation to and knowledge of the world, and of our own nature as rational, purposive, and social beings. The study of philosophy aims at an appreciation of the ways this enterprise has been, is, and might be approached. It also provides a vantage point for reflecting on the nature and achievement of other disciplines, such as science, the arts, and the humanities. Philosophical topics can be divided roughly into value theory (ethics, politics, aesthetics) and theoretical philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, mind, and logic). The four concentrations available within the major allow students to emphasize different sets of questions.
The Philosophy and Science Concentration emphasizes theoretical philosophy and philosophy of science; it pairs courses in philosophy with courses in one or more scientific disciplines.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.
Required: 8 course units in Philosophy and 8 course units in either Natural or Social Science, or Science, Technology, and Society (STSC, previously HSSC).