Philosophy

Philosophy addresses the most fundamental problems that arise when reflecting on the nature of the world and our place in it. Philosophers ask questions such as: What can we know? What are the most general features of reality? What is the relation between mind and body? How ought one to live?

Overview

Philosophical problem examination is primarily conceptual rather than empirical, in that philosophers develop conceptual accounts adequate to the phenomena they want to understand. The study of philosophy equips one to address difficult issues with critical thinking and sound reasoning, skills essential to effective thought and communication.

This major is excellent preparation for professional schools in law, business, medicine and journalism, and for careers in the private and public sector. More information is available from the undergraduate handbook.

Coursework for the Major

The philosophy major requires 33 hours of coursework in philosophy with minimum grades of C. These must include the following courses, known as the major's distribution area requirement:

Required Coursework

• PHH 3100 Ancient Greek Philosophy
• PHH 3400 Modern Philosophy
• PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic (offered spring term only)
• PHI 3300 Theory of Knowledge or PHI 3500 Metaphysics
• PHI 3650 Moral Philosophy
• Six credits must be at the 4000 level or above, excluding PHI 4905 and PHI 4912. (To enroll in a 4000-level course a student must complete a 3000-level philosophy course or get instructor permission.)
• The remaining required hours are fulfilled by electives. At least 27 of the 33 hours must be at the 3000-level or above.

No more than 15 hours of transfer credit can count toward the degree and no more than three hours of individual work (PHI 3905 or 4905) can count toward the required minimum. Prior to advance registration each semester, the department makes available on its website customized descriptions for many of the courses offered that semester.

Course Details

• Fall term course information
• Spring term course information

Research

It is possible to write an honors thesis, which involves independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. This is usually a two-semester process in the final year. Details are in the undergraduate handbook.

Critical Tracking

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used by transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

Semester 2

• Complete 1 philosophy course

Semester 3

• Maintain coursework from semester 2

Semester 4

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

Semester 5

• 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 coursework

Recommended Semester Plan

Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).

* PHH 3100 (GE-H, N), PHH 3400 (GE-H, N), PHI 3130 (GE-M), PHI 3300 (GE-H),
PHI 3500 (GE-H) or PHI 3650 (GE-H).