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 325

Philosophy of Law

Instructor
McKeever

In this course we will examine a range of general philosophical questions about the law, including: What is the law and how does a legal system differ from other rules? How do (or how should) judges interpret the…

PHI 250

Buddhism as Philosophy

Instructor
Robb

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, but it is at the same time a philosophical system, one that has something to say about many of philosophy's central problems. These include questions about the existence and nature…

PHI 215

Ethics

Instructor
Layman, McKeever

Introduction to the philosophical evaluation of ethical decision-making and moral life. Discussion of such questions as: What grounds the difference between right and wrong action? How is happiness related to morality? Do moral questions admit of objective…

Related Programs

Classics English Global Literary Theory Humanities Religious Studies Writing Program

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