Philosophy (PHIL)

https://cola.unh.edu/philosophy

Philosophy has always been at the heart of liberal education, deepening and enriching the lives of those who pursue it. The philosophy major provides students with the opportunity to confront a wide variety of questions, especially those that cannot be dealt with in the framework of other disciplines. Such questions include those about the ultimate nature of reality: Does God exist? Are minds distinct from bodies? Are there more things between heaven and Earth than are dreamed of in science? Other questions probe what it is to know: Do we know that material bodies external to our minds exist? What does it mean to justify a belief? Still other questions are about how we ought to be or act: What is a good person? Are there moral rules? How are they justified? Must we obey them?

Philosophy also concerns itself with other disciplines: What makes something a work of art? What distinguishes a scientific theory from a religious theory or myth? Is capitalism amoral? Is legal authority moral or political?

The Department of Philosophy offers a wide range of courses exposing students to the full scope of philosophical activity. Grappling with major primary texts from the history of philosophy is an important emphasis of the program, for philosophy today is the continuation of a conversation that extends back to the ancient Greeks and the Vedic scriptures. Philosophy also always has wrestled with cutting-edge topics emerging in the current culture. Some recent examples are: What are the prospects for machines with mental lives? What are the implications of new views in cosmology? How do we handle the pressing ethical dilemmas brought on by emerging medical technologies, or by the historically unparalleled rate of destruction of the Earth's environment? Are gender and race socially constructed concepts rather than biological concepts?

Options in the Major

Students may select one of three options for the philosophy major, but are not required to do so. The options do not add additional requirements to the general philosophy major, but rather focus philosophy electives in a specific area.

The ethics and social responsibility (ESR) option provides official recognition for those who choose to emphasize concern with moral responsibility in personal and social contexts, including the political and corporate arenas. You will choose courses in environmental ethics, law, evolution, social and political philosophy, and feminism.
The business, innovation, and technology (BIT) option provides official recognition for those who choose to emphasize the study of the relationships between markets, technology, and human well-being. You will choose courses in the philosophy of artificial intelligence, evolution, neuroscience, biotechnology, business ethics, economic policy, environmental ethics and other high-impact subjects.
The political and legal philosophy (PLP) option provides official recognition for those who choose to emphasize the systematic study of the fundamental philosophical questions regarding politics, law and justice, and how they apply to contemporary issues. You will choose courses in the nature of justice, limits of state power, balancing liberty and equality, capitalism vs. socialism, authoritarian challenges to democracy, fascism and antifascism, privacy, freedom of expression, police ethics, justifications for punishment, racial and gender injustice, wealth inequality and crime, immigration, and other issues at the interface of ethics, justice, law and states.

Research

Students are strongly encouraged to consider the possibility of presenting research at the Philosophy Department Undergraduate Research Conference and/or fulfilling an undergraduate research grant. This is especially encouraged for students considering graduate school in philosophy.

Graduate Preparatory Emphasis

This emphasis is strongly recommended for students who plan to do graduate work in philosophy. Beyond the ten (10) courses required for the major, such students should select, with their adviser's approval, two additional philosophy courses above the 400-level, for a total of twelve (12) courses. Consult the Department of Philosophy website for additional graduate school planning information.

Honors in Philosophy

To graduate "With Honors" in philosophy, students will be expected to complete their philosophy capstone requirement; complete two additional 700-level PHIL courses (The 700-level course options will vary depending upon which departmental honors option [thesis or portfolio] the student fulfills; they will be expected to have an overall GPA of 3.5 or above; they will engage in independent study and research (under the supervision of a faculty member) beyond the requirements of their coursework; and, they will be expected to present and defend a culminating project to the department's faculty. Consult the Department of Philosophy website for more details.

Distinction on Senior Thesis

Distinction on Senior Thesis is granted by a unanimous determination of the student's committee that the thesis exceeds A-level work and is worthy of special recognition.

Political and Legal Philosophy Cognate

Philosophy (PHIL)

PHIL 401 - Introduction to Philosophy

Credits: 4

This course gives a basic grounding in Philosophy. We explore enduring questions that we have all grappled with: Does God exist? Do we have free will? How can we lead fulfilling lives? No background in philosophy is needed, only an open and inquiring mind.

Attributes: Humanities(Disc)

Equivalent(s): PHIL 401H, PHIL 401W