PHILOSOPHY (PHIL)

College of Arts and Humanities
1121A Skinner Building, 301-405-5689
www.philosophy.umd.edu
lgilman@umd.edu
Chair: C. Morris (Acting Chair)
Professors: J. Bub (Distinguished University Professor), P. Carruthers, L. Darden (Distinguished Scholar Teacher), P. Greenspan, J. Horty (Professor), J. Levinson (Distinguished University Professor), C. Manekin, P. Pietroski (Distinguished Scholar Teacher), G. Rey
Associate Professors: S. Dwyer (Director of Undergraduate Studies), M. Frisch, S. Kerstein, J. Maffie (Visiting), M. Morreau, A. Stairs (Associate Chair)
Assistant Professors: E. Eaker, A. Lyon, D. Moller, E. Pacuit, R. Singpurwalla, A. Williams
Affiliate Professors: J. Segal (Res Assoc)
Adjunct Professors: R. Rynasiewicz (Adjunct Prof)
Adjunct Associate Professors: M. Silberstein
Adjunct Assistant Professors: J. Mattingly
Professors Emeriti: J. Brown, C. Cherniak, R. Martin, S. Odell, F. Suppe

The Major

The study of philosophy develops students' reasoning and expository skills and increases their understanding of the foundations of human knowledge and value. The department views philosophy as an activity rather than a body of doctrine and students can expect to receive training in clear thinking, inventive synthesis, and precise expression. For some, this will serve as preparation for graduate studies in philosophy. However, philosophical skills are useful in professions such as law, medicine, government, business management, and in any field that demands intellectual rigor. The department offers a wide range of courses, including several that deal with the philosophy of various disciplines outside philosophy itself.

Program Objectives

All philosophy programs aim to: (1) equip students with an understanding of a range of philosophers and philosophical problems, while encouraging as deep a critical engagement with those philosophers and problems as is feasible in the time available; (2) promote respect for the norms of: clarity; careful analysis; critical reflection; rational argument; sympathetic interpretation and understanding; and impartial pursuit of truth; (3) promote independence of thought and a critical and analytical approach, not only to theories and concepts, but also to the assumptions on which they are based; (4) equip students with the core skills involved in: careful reading, comprehension and compression of textual material; clear thinking; sound argumentation; and the clear and well-organized expression of ideas; (5) provide excellent teaching which is informed and invigorated by the research activities of faculty; (6) facilitate an awareness of the application of philosophical thought to other academic disciplines or to matters of public interest, encouraging students to apply philosophical skills more widely where appropriate.

Program Learning Outcomes

Requirements for the Major

A total of at least twelve courses in Philosophy*

36 credits

• At least two courses at the 400 level
• at least four courses at the 300 level or above
• at least one course in logic at any level
• at least two courses numbered 200 or above in the history of pre-twentieth-century philosophy
• at least two courses numbered 200 or above in value theory (including aesthetics and political philosophy as well as ethics)
• at least two courses numbered 200 or above in metaphysics or epistemology (including philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion, as well as metaphysics and theory of knowledge)
• A grade of 'C-' or  better for all courses counted toward the major
• An overall GPA of 2.0 in the major is required for graduation.

* not counting Internship course (PHIL 386)

Supporting Courses

15 credits

Fifteen hours in a supporting area; the courses do not all have to be in the same department, but they should reflect a coherent program of study. The supporting area must be chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor. For further information, students should consult the undergraduate handbook on the philosophy department's website.
 

 

Requirements for the Minor

Requirements for the Minor

1.   A total of 18 hours (six courses) in philosophy, not counting PHIL 386.

2.   At least three courses numbered 300 or above; at least one course numbered 200 or above in the history of pre-twentieth-century philosophy; at least one course numbered 200 or above in value theory (including aesthetics and political philosophy as well as ethics); at least one course numbered 200 or above in metaphysics or epistemology (including philosophy of science, mind, and philosophy of religion, as well as metaphysics and theory of knowledge).

3.   A grade of C- or higher in each course counted toward the minor requirement.

4.   An overall GPA of 2.0 in the minor is required for graduation.

To make an appointment to explore or declare a minor, go to www.arhu.umd.edu/undergraduate/academics/minors.

Advising

Philosophy Majors must be advised each semester before registration.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

The W.E. Schlaretzki Prize is given to the most outstanding graduating senior each year. The Joseph and Beth Duckett Scholarship is given to the most outstanding junior.

Awards and Recognition

See scholarship section

Return to top