The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Butler University

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both the verbal and analytic/quantitative sections.
Philosophy is the only liberal arts major
that specifically teaches both verbal and logic
skills. In addition, the most basic assumptions
in law, the sciences and other disciplines are
studied not in those disciplines but in
philosophy of law, philosophy of science, etc.
Why Study Philosophy at Butler?
Our philosophy classes are fairly small, which
further encourages students to participate
in class discussion and allows the faculty to
devote considerable attention to each of our
students. The enrollment limit in our introductory
classes is generally 25, and the number
of students enrolled in our upper level classes
is roughly between 10 and 20. All classes are
taught by professors; there are no teaching
assistants at Butler. Many students engage in
independent study and write honors theses
under the supervision of professors. Additional
learning opportunities include the Philosophy
Club, which meets regularly for discussion,
film viewing, speakers and social activities. The
reasoning skills of our majors are valued by
graduate and professional schools as well as by
employers. A growing number of our majors
have been accepted, e.g., into reputable medical
schools and very prestigious law schools.
PL Program Student Learning
Outcomes
Students majoring in Philosophy at Butler
University will learn about a wide range of
philosophical ideas and outlooks, and will
become acquainted with some of the most
influential thinkers in western philosophy.
Besides exploring fundamental questions pertaining
to knowledge and reality, students will
be able to discern and respond to philosophical
issues that arise in areas as diverse as religion,
science, politics, the arts and the law. While
critical thinking is encouraged and emphasized
throughout the liberal arts, it is especially at
home in Philosophy; our majors are able to
read and write clearly, to critically evaluate
evidence and arguments, and to determine the
quality of their sources of information.
Philosophical training helps deepen our students’
reflection on issues in the here and now.
Our professors encourage engagement in the
community, including internships or research
projects in which students’ work can inform
and be informed by their philosophical study.
Butler University
More generally, Philosophy majors’ ability to
examine and question their own and others’
values and convictions puts them in a position
to make wise choices that will affect the quality
and course of their lives and those of the people
with whom they interact.
Degrees
• Major in Philosophy
• Minor in Philosophy
• Combined Major in Philosophy and
Religion (see “Combined Majors”)
• Combined Major in Philosophy and
Psychology (see “Combined Majors”)
Requirements for the Major
One course in logic:
• PL310, Logic
• or any course so designated
Two courses in history sequence:
• PL311, History of Ancient Philosophy
• PL313, History of Modern Philosophy
One course in analytic philosophy:
• PL320, Theory of Knowledge
• PL323, Introduction to Analytic Philosophy
• PL343, Philosophy of Science
• PL346, Philosophy of Mind
• or any course designated analytic philosophy
One course in value theory (normative
philosophy):
• PL345, Contemporary Social and Political
Philosophy
• PL360, Ethics
• or any course designated value theory
Two offerings (6 hours) of PL410-Seminar
in Philosophy:
• Students may request a substitute for 3
hours of this seminar requirement if PL410
is offered when they are studying abroad.
Students may also substitute PL499,
Honors Thesis for 3 hours of PL410.
Plus 12 hours of additional Philosophy courses
for a total of 33 hours. No more than 12 hours
of 100- or 200-level courses may be applied to
the 33 hours required for the major.
Requirements for the Minor
A minor in Philosophy consists of 18 hours
in Philosophy, 9 of which should be on the
300- or 400-level. Minors will be strongly
advised to create a suitable package of courses
in consultation with a Philosophy professor
appointed by the chair.