The program in Philosophy introduces students to basic philosophical issues and acquaints them with techniques of philosophical inquiry. The program addresses problems in ethics, social and political philosophy, metaphysics, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, logic, philosophy of religion, and aesthetics from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

A minor in Philosophy is described in the “Minors” section.

Philosophy also offers a joint-major with the Department of Linguistics. The description of the Linguistics-Philosophy major appears under the Linguistics major.

Location

• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

Students majoring in Philosophy must pass 24 credits in Philosophy courses numbered 2000 or above, and 12 or more credits in related fields. Required PHIL courses include:

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
History of Philosophy
Select at least two of the following: 1		6
PHIL 2221	Ancient Greek Philosophy
PHIL 2222	Early Modern European Philosophy
PHIL 3224	Nineteenth-Century Philosophy
PHIL 3263	Asian Philosophy
PHIL 3264	Classical Chinese Philosophy and Culture
Logic
Select at least one of the following:		3
PHIL 1102	Philosophy and Logic 2
PHIL 2211Q	Symbolic Logic I
PHIL 3214	Symbolic Logic II
Metaphysics or Epistemology
Select at least one of the following:		3
PHIL 2208	Epistemology
PHIL 2210	Metaphysics
PHIL 2212	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 3241	Philosophy of Language
PHIL 3250	Philosophy of Mind
Moral, Social, or Political Philosophy
Select at least one of the following:		3
PHIL 2215	Ethics
PHIL 2217	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 3216E	Environmental Ethics
PHIL 3218	Feminist Theory
PHIL 3220W	Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights
9 additional credits of PHIL electives at the 2000 level or higher		9
Total Credits		24

¹

Including at least one of PHIL 2221 Ancient Greek Philosophy or PHIL 2222 Early Modern European Philosophy.

²

Note that PHIL 1102 Philosophy and Logic does not count toward the 24 credits in Philosophy courses numbered 2000 or above.

Students meeting the requirements for the major will automatically meet the exit requirements for information literacy. The exit requirement for writing in the major can be satisfied by passing any W course in Philosophy numbered 2000 or above.

Learning Objectives

1. Critical Reasoning and Theoretical Analysis: analyze and evaluate complex arguments and conceptual frameworks with logical rigor, identify underlying assumptions and implications, and construct coherent, well-supported arguments in response to philosophical and, where applicable, interdisciplinary questions.
2. Historical and Global Understanding: demonstrate knowledge of major figures, movements, and ideas in the history of philosophy, and explain how these have shaped contemporary philosophical and interdisciplinary debates.
3. Ethical and Normative Analysis: apply ethical theories and normative analysis to contemporary moral, political, and social issues, articulating well-reasoned positions on normative questions.
4. Philosophical Writing and Expression: produce analytical and argumentative essays that demonstrate clarity of expression, logical organization, precision in language, and effective engagement with philosophical texts and scholarship.
5. Philosophical Reflection and Independent: develop independent philosophical thought using appropriate scholarly methods, and present their findings clearly and persuasively, adhering to professional academic standards.