Mark Hébert, Chair
The Greek term “philosophy” often is translated as “love of wisdom.” Attaining wisdom is the pursuit of a lifetime. Our goal at Austin College is to help students begin that pursuit. This endeavor entails providing a basic understanding of key philosophical issues in ethics, logic, epistemology, metaphysics, etc., and the critical thinking skills necessary to deliberate clearly about these issues.
The mission of program is to help students develop interpretive, analytical and reflective skills in philosophy. The curriculum provides students with a wide range of topics in ethics, metaphysics, logic, and epistemology.
A major in philosophy consists of a minimum of nine approved course credit units in philosophy, including Philosophy 110, 220, 225, 230, 495, and two additional courses numbered 300 or above. Philosophy 105 may count toward the major if not taken after any philosophy course numbered 200 or above. Students wishing to pursue graduate work in philosophy should consider completing 11 credits in philosophy in consultation with philosophy faculty.
A combined major in religious studies and philosophy is available for students whose personal or professional interests include both disciplines. The major in religious studies and philosophy consists of 10 course credit units approved by both departments (usually consisting of a five/five distribution), to be chosen from offerings in both fields according to the interests of the student. The student must take two 300 level or above courses in both philosophy and religious studies (four total).
A minor in philosophy consists of five course credit units in philosophy with at least three courses numbered 200 or above.
A minor in ethics consists of five course credit units in philosophy, normally taken from the following list: 205, 207, 211, 209, 213, 302, 307, 314, and 105 (if not taken after any of the other courses in this list). Approved topics courses also may count, but students should consult the instructor to determine whether a course is appropriate before enrolling in it. See more about Ethics.
