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The Major: Philosophy, derived from the ancient Greek ‘philia’ (love) and ‘sophia’ (wisdom), is the study of the most fundamental questions that arise in reflecting on the nature of the world and the place of human beings in it. The value and importance of the study of philosophy lie in the habits of thought it inculcates, the breadth of vision it encourages, and the perspective it gives us on ourselves, our activities, and our lives among others. It can be the beginning of a process that can enrich one’s life immensely.

Philosophy also is good training for professional studies in journalism, law, medicine, and business, as well as for graduate study in philosophy. As in the case of other liberal arts majors, it provides the kind of well-rounded education and general intellectual skills that are prized in management in both the private and the public sectors. The serious study of philosophy offers one of the best opportunities to enhance one’s analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities, as well as one’s ability to express oneself clearly and to formulate and respond to arguments in speech and writing.

The philosophy major requires a minimum of 33 hours of course work in philosophy. Of these, 27 hours must be at the 3000 level or above, with at least three hours at the 4000 level, excluding PHI 4905 and PHI 4912. No more than 15 hours in transfer credit can count toward the degree, and no more than three hours of individual work (PHI 4905 or PHI 3905) can count toward the required minimum. A 3000-level philosophy course or departmental permission is required to enroll in a 4000-level philosophy course. Area requirements and the courses that meet them are given in the following table:

The rest of the required hours are electives. Students should discuss their interests and plans with an adviser in the department when choosing electives. More information is available in the department’s handbook, at the department office and on the department’s Web page. Students must complete an exit questionnaire for the department the term they graduate.

Honors: To graduate cum laude, a student must have a 3.5 junior-/senior-level grade point average. To graduate magna cum laude or summa cum laude, a student must take an additional three hours at the 4000 level or above beyond the required minimum and then complete an honors project while taking PHI 4912.

The honors project involves independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. Application to undertake the project should be made to the undergraduate coordinator at least one and preferably two semesters before graduation. The director and undergraduate committee will conduct an oral examination and evaluate the project papers to determine the level of honors.

The Minor: The philosophy minor requires a minimum of 15 hours in philosophy. Of these, no more than six hours may be transfer credits. The 15 hours must include either (i) both parts of the history sequence (PHH 3100 and 3400) or (ii) one part of the history sequence and a logic course (PHI 2100 or 3130). At least nine hours must be at the 3000 level or higher; only three of these hours may be independent study (PHI 3905 or PHI 4905).

Minor in Applied and Professional Ethics: A 15-hour minor is available for students who wish to augment their training in philosophy with courses in disciplines that specifically address ethical issues or to prepare for professional or graduate school by taking courses that examine the ethical issues and problems within specific disciplines or professions. This minor is additional preparation for students who anticipate teaching applied ethics courses after completing their graduate degrees, for preprofessional students who want to develop a comparative understanding of how value issues are addressed, and for preprofessional students who are interested in developing courses in ethics within their own fields. For further information, contact Dr. Richard Haynes, Griffin-Floyd Hall, Room 316, 352-392-2084, ext. 316, rhaynes@phil.ufl.edu.

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical-tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

• Complete 1 philosophy course

• Maintain course work from semester 2

• Complete 1 additional philosophy course with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking course work

• Complete 1 additional philosophy course (1 of the 3 courses must be at the 3000 level) with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking course work

* PHH 3100 and 3400; PHI 3950, 3650 (or 4662) and 3300