Major and Minor

The Philosophy Major and Minor at Davidson

The Philosophy Department aims to provide you with a systematic approach to foundational questions, an approach that stresses clarity and attention to detail.

Philosophical questions arise in every discipline and in every occupation. Does God exist? Is knowledge possible? What is the best life? Are there objective moral truths? Are we purely physical beings? Do we have free will?

Other philosophical questions are not quite as grand in scope, but are important nonetheless, such as an ethical dilemma in a particular science, or the proper analysis of the evidence or cause of a central concept. Philosophy majors are well-equipped for any profession requiring creative and careful thought; many pursue graduate or professional degrees.

Courses You Might Take

PHI 219

Freedom and Responsibility

Instructor
Griffith

The problem of free will is often cited as one of philosophy's most difficult problems to resolve. As human beings, it seems that we are subject to laws of nature and to chains of cause and effect. But…

PHI 110

Problems of Philosophy

Instructor
Busch, Jankovic, Layman, McKeever

Introduction to philosophy through a survey of selected philosophical problems. Topics vary, and have included questions such as: Does God exist? Do we have free will? Can we know anything? Is truth relative? Is morality…

PHI 451

Senior Colloq in Philosophy

Instructor
Layman, Studtmann

Capstone course required of all senior Philosophy majors. The seminar is organized around the work of four or five philosophers who visit the campus during the semester to discuss their work with students. Topics vary.

Prerequisites
(Spring)

Related Programs

Classics English Global Literary Theory Humanities Religious Studies Writing Program

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