Philosophy
Philosophical reflection encourages you to seek the truth, no matter what your investments in a situation. As a philosophy major at Duquesne University, you will ask big questions about yourself, your surroundings and the larger world—questions like “What is thinking, and what are its limits?” “Is language a social intervention, an innate ability or an imitation of nature?” “Is there a God, and what is God like?” “How should we organize our society?” “Why are there inequalities, and is justice only the law of the stronger?” “Are mind and body one thing, two things or many?” “Are standards of beauty objective, or do they depend on the observer?”
As a student in our philosophy program, you will cultivate the art of thinking and engage deeply in the history of philosophy so as to develop a competency powerfully to engage diverse intellectual positions on all issues pertaining to human existence. The philosophy faculty walk alongside you as you develop a broad understanding of diverse philosophical positions to aid in your future success, regardless of path or industry.
What can you do with a philosophy degree?
Philosophy majors distinguish themselves as leaders in academia, medicine, politics, journalism, public relations, finance, public interest research, ministry, law, business and education. Paired with Duquesne’s broad liberal arts approach, a philosophy degree provides you with a valuable skillset of problem-solving, careful thinking, analytical clarity, critical precision, clear presentation of complex ideas and innovative thinking that can be applied to any career path.
The faculty nurture individual thought through primary literature and recommend that students publish and their papers at academic conferences. The level of individual mentorship is nearly impossible to find elsewhere and has added immense value to my academic career.
Program Information
Our Philosophy program helps you to develop logical analysis, conceptual interpretation, and critical argumentation skills. Dive deep into the history of philosophy to engage diverse intellectual positions on human existence.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Academic Department
Philosophy
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
30
The philosophy major and minor are structured to maximize your freedom to choose your
own path through our curriculum. Philosophy minors must complete 15 credits in philosophy: As a Philosophy major with a QPA of 3.5 or above, you may apply during your junior
year to join our Philosophy Honors program in your senior year. This program gives
you the opportunity to take a graduate seminar and to write a thesis with guidance
from a philosophy professor, providing you a credential demonstrating your initiative
and your excellent research skills.
Philosophy unlocked several previously unknown doors for me. Studying philosophy
offers you a new way of thinking, helps you comprehend the metaphysical world and
its people (including yourself) and perhaps most importantly presents you hope for
any possibilities and outcomes.
The Duquesne Undergraduate Philosophy Society meets weekly for extra philosophical stimulation. All Duquesne undergraduates are
welcome. Curriculum
Select 9 philosophy credits at the 300-level. Some course offerings include:
Select 3 credits at the 400-level or above. Some course offerings include:
Please refer to the list of courses in the major requirements section, but know that
those courses are not the full extent! Philosophy courses are constantly being added
to the catalog for maximum student benefit.
Our Capstone is organized by research modules representing core methodological practices
in philosophy as a discipline. As a Philosophy Capstone student, you choose one of
four modules to structure the writing project for your 400-level seminar:
Most Philosophy Capstone writing will use more than one of these, but the module you
choose designates the primary lens for your Capstone work.
Contact Dr. Selcer or Dr. Swindal for details and permission to register for PHL 499.
Philosophy beyond the Classroom
Members aim to expand their study of philosophy to include its application to non-academic
activities and shared life and work with others. We energize and encourage each other
to debate philosophical issues and publish and present philosophical papers. Our journal,
Phenomena, is published annually and considers submissions from any undergraduate in any university.
You can email the Society or email James Swindal for more information.Learning Outcomes
Contact
Dr. James Swindal