Philosophy

About the Major

Philosophy is the oldest of all disciplines, dating back to a time before universities. Whether dealing with the nature of knowledge and reality, questions pertaining to moral right and wrong, or with methods of reasoning and analysis, the questions and concerns of philosophy inform all other disciplines and professions, as well as everyday life. Given its longevity, breadth, and rigor, it should not be surprising that the study of philosophy is widely considered as among the most challenging academic programs.

The Philosophy major at Drexel provides a strong connection with all fields of knowledge and professions. Many of the courses study assumptions made in the arts, sciences, and technologies, while others investigate ethical issues in the professions. In this sense, the philosophy major uses the other disciplines and professions as subject-matter, and encourages students to supplement and broaden their philosophical studies by choosing from among the more than 80 minor programs of study at the University. For the more ambitious student, a carefully planned use of the Philosophy major’s 48 credit hours of free electives will allow the pursuit of a double major, in philosophy and biology, or philosophy and economics, for example.

Instruction in philosophy begins with lecture courses that introduce the several branches of philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, etc. ). Class size is limited to 25 students. Beginning in the third year, students take seminar classes (limited to 12 students) in which advanced study of philosophical subject areas is pursued. These seminars are discussion oriented, reading- and writing-intensive, and grant students much greater responsibility for learning from peers. In the senior year, students conclude their studies by pursuing a year-long research and writing project, culminating in the defense of an argumentative essay before the philosophy faculty and fellow philosophy majors. This year-long project consists of three one-on-one tutorials.

The Philosophy major will serve the serious student who seeks employment in industry and business (employers have noted a strong interest in graduates trained in careful conceptual and logical analysis), as well as the student who intends to apply to graduate or professional schools. Besides familiarity with professional issues, philosophy majors score consistently higher on Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) and other professional school placement exams (LSATs, GMATs) than students trained in most other fields.

For more information about the Philosophy major, visit the Department of English and Philosophy page.