Philosophy
Philosophy consists of a self-reflective, speculative search for the truth. Philosophy as a discipline surveys the history of human thought and studies the deepest concerns of human existence. It examines the intellectual heritage of the West in its historical roots and developments, but also addresses the central problems of the tradition in a reflective and systematic fashion, thereby giving the student a deeper insight into a significant aspect of his or her cultural heritage.
Outcomes
Community
Why Saint Martin's University?
At Saint Martin’s, the study of philosophy is rich in the tradition of rigorous inquiry concerning the nature of truth, reality, goodness, beauty and human nature. Participants in the Philosophy program are:
- Exposed to primary sources representative of ancient and medieval traditions, as well as modern and contemporary texts.
- Encouraged to challenge their own perspectives in an attempt to think otherwise as a method for increasing their understanding of the world.
The minor in philosophy begins with the introduction of essential problems in philosophy and then moves both to engage more deeply in broad thematic issues in philosophy as well to acquire acquaintance and competency in the major historical periods and transitions in philosophy. Courses in the minor emphasize the Western intellectual tradition, but students will have opportunity to explore non-Western perspectives as well.
A minor in philosophy complements a variety of major areas of study at Saint Martin's, including:
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religious studies
- Theology
Philosophy Requirements
Foundations/lower-division courses (9 credit hours)
Select three courses at the 200-level. These include:
- PHL 210: Introduction to Philosophy
- PHL 211: The Ethical Life
- PHL 212: The Human Person
- PHL 213: Truth and Reality
Advanced/upper-division courses (9 credit hours)
Select three courses at the 300-level or higher. These include:
- PHL 302: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
- PHL 303: Medieval and Modern Philosophy
- PHL 310: Person and Community
- PHL 322: East-West Encounters in Philosophy
- PHL 340: Work, Labor, & Leisure
- PHL 342: Philosophy, Ethics, & Technology
- PHL 351: Logic
- PHL 352: Aesthetics
- PHL 410: Text Seminar: Ancient Philosophy
- PHL 450: Text Seminar: Contemporary Philosophy
This minor concentration is designed for students who wish to focus their study of philosophy as they discern vocations and careers in a legal field broadly construed. These courses focus on ethics, political philosophy and logic, and this minor pathway will capitalize on courses offered by Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Political Science. Students pursuing this concentration will earn a minimum of 15 credits in PHL, and 6 credits in CJ, LS or PLS.
Foundations/lower-division courses (6 credit hours)
- PHL 210: Introduction to Philosophy
- PHL 211: The Ethical Life
Advanced/upper-division courses (9 credit hours)
- PHL 310: Person and Community
- PHL 351: Logic
Select one course from the following:
- PHL 311: Political Philosophy
- PHL 312: Natural Law Tradition
- PHL 342: Philosophy, Ethics, & Technology
Interdisciplinary electives (6 credit hours)
Select one course from the following:
- LS 101: The Legal Environment
- PLS 150: Survey of American Government
- PLS 152: Global Issues
Select one course from the following:
- CJ 410: Law and Society
- PLS/CJ 420: Philosophy of Law
- PLS 368: American Political Thought
Philosophy at a Glance
- Program Type
- Minor
- Campus
- Main (Lacey)
- Type of Instruction
- In Person
- School
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Resources
- What can I do with this major?
