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 107

Medieval Philosophy

Instructor
Griffith

Introduction to philosophers of the medieval period. We will study thinkers of the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions, spanning from the fourth century C.E. up to the fourteenth century. Philosophers discussed may include: Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Peter Abelard…

PHI 212

Metaphysics

Instructor
Robb

In this course we think carefully and systematically about some of the most fundamental questions of existence: Why does anything at all exist? That is, why is there something rather than nothing? What explains the laws of nature…

PHI 216

Philosophy of Language

Instructor
Jankovic

Discussion of theories of communication, linguistic meaning, and truth. Other topics vary, and have included metaphor, naming and describing, reference, vagueness, and universals.

Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.
Satisfies a requirement in the…

Related Programs

Classics English Global Literary Theory Humanities Religious Studies Writing Program

Interested in Studying Philosophy at Davidson?

Request Admission Info

Learn whether studying this program at Davidson is the right fit for you.

Request Now

Schedule a Visit

Experience the Davidson community for yourself—come visit us on campus!

Reserve Your Spot

Apply

Find out how to apply, dates and deadlines, and what you'll need to start your journey as a Davidson Wildcat.

Learn More About Applying