Philosophy
"Philosophy" means "love of wisdom" and philosophers demonstrate that love by asking questions about fundamental issues: What does it mean to be human? How should we interpret our history? Is there a right way for human beings to live together in a society? What is our relationship to each other and to the earth? What is reality? Is truth attainable? Is science the path to truth? Is beauty universal? Does human life have a purpose?
These questions are characteristic of philosophy and reveal its interdisciplinarity. Philosophical questions cut across the boundaries of science, art, politics, and religion--crucial to all these areas yet belonging to none of them. They demand that we subject both our experiences and our beliefs to critical scrutiny. This can be uncomfortable, since people in all cultures and human enterprises accept core beliefs which seem to answer or put to rest these fundamental questions. The task of philosophy is to remind us that these historical "answers" are always partial and tentative, never the final word, and that the questions which gave rise to them are not fully settled by these answers.
Philosophers use argument, logic and systematic dialogue to engage these questions.
These methods involve critical thinking, analysis of problems, synthesis of
ideas, and imagination.
Because it calls
into question those beliefs we otherwise tend to take for granted, philosophy
has always been considered central to liberal education, the point of which
is to generate thoughtful citizens. Its commitment to critical reasoning makes
the study of philosophy an excellent foundation for law, science, business,
public service, education, and policymaking, indeed, any field that requires
a creative but analytical approach to problem solving, or an ability to get
at the presuppositions that underlie our personal or social commitments.
Advice
Most first year students should take their first course at the 100 level. They may also take courses at the 200-level (except for PHILO 290) if they satisfy the prerequisites or have the permission of the instructor.
This fall, first year students may choose from Introduction to Philosophy (PHILO 111), Ethics (PHILO 112), and Introductory Symbolic Logic (PHILO 121). Students with some background in philosophy may consider Ancient Philosophy (PHILO 241) with permission of the instructor.
All introductory philosophy courses satisfy the Division 1A (Humanities) distribution requirement. PHILO 121 also satisfies the QR (quantitative reasoning) requirement.
Introductory Courses (Fall 2005)
PHILO 111-01: Introduction
to Philosophy,
PHILO 111-02: Introduction
to Philosophy, 11:30 MWF, Prof. Wahman
PHILO 112: Ethics,
PHILO 121: Introductory
Symbolic Logic,
This course satisfies the QR (quantitative requirement) and presumes no prior study of logic or philosophy.
For qualified first year students:
PHILO 241: Ancient Philosophy, 1:30 MTH, Prof. Grier (grier@dickinson.edu)
Any questions? e-mail the instructor or the department chair, Prof. Feldman. (feldmans@dickinson.edu)
Course Descriptions and Major Requirements
To review
the philosophy program, including major requirements and course descriptions,
see the Bulletin: www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/philos.html
Some
200-level courses are open to students without prerequisites. If
in doubt about the appropriateness of a course, please consult the instructor
or department chairperson.
Off-Campus Study Many philosophy majors study abroad, with the encouragement and support of the department. The most popular destination is England, at the Dickinson program at the University of East Anglia, but philosophy students study all over the world, in Dickinson and non-Dickinson programs: Italy, France, China, Cameroon, India, and Australia. Ask us about it.
Internships: Many of our students take on internships with a philosophical connection, supervised by philosophy faculty. Students interested in the law have interned in law firms, the district attorney's office, the public defender's office, or with judges. Other students with interests in biomedical ethics have interned with hospital ethics committees or their staff.
Careers: Many philosophy
department graduates pursue careers in law. Others move into careers in private
business and management, medicine, social work, education, computer science
and government. Our graduates include a professional photographer, a poet,
several corporate managers, a designer of petroleum delivery systems, and
a career counselor who maintains that philosophy prepares one "for anything."
Some of our philosophy department
graduates have become professional philosophers, with positions as professors
of philosophy at University of Wisconsin, Bates College, Illinois State University,
St. Norbert College and Moravian College. Our graduates have studied philosophy
at graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State
University, Vanderbilt University, University of Georgia, Georgetown University,
Purdue University, SUNY at Stony Brook and Villanova University.
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Updated July 15, 2005