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  • 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 general features of reality? What is the relation between mind and body? How should one live?

    About this Major

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.


    Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan

    Overview

    Philosophical problem examination is primarily conceptual rather than empirical, in that philosophers seek to 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.

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    Coursework for the Major

    The major requires 33 credits of coursework in philosophy with minimum grades of C.

    Required Coursework

    • PHH 3100 Ancient Greek Philosophy, 3 credits
      • PHH 3400 Modern Philosophy, 3 credits
      • PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic, 3 credits
    • PHI 3300 Theory of Knowledge or PHI 3500 Metaphysics, 3 credits
      • PHI 3650 Moral Philosophy, 3 credits
    • The remaining required credits are fulfilled by philosophy electives.
    • At least six credits must be at the 4000 level or above, excluding PHH 4911, PHI 4905, PHI 4911 and PHI 4912. (To enroll in a 4000-level course, a student must complete a 3000-level philosophy course or receive instructor permission.)
    • At least 27 of the 33 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.

    No more than 15 credits of transfer credit can count toward the degree and no more than three credits of individual work (PHH 4911, PHI 4905 or 4911) can count toward the required minimum. Prior to advance registration each semester, the department makes available on its website customized descriptions of its undergraduate courses offered in the upcoming semester.

    Course Details

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    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.

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    Critical Tracking

    Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

    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

    Semester 2

    • Complete 1 philosophy course
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 3

    • Maintain coursework from semester 2
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 4

    • Complete 1 additional philosophy course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
    • 2.0 UF GPA required

    Semester 5

    • Complete 1 additional philosophy course (1 of the 3 courses must be at the 3000 level) with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
    • 2.0 UF GPA required
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    Model Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. 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). Generally, it is a good idea to take the area requirement courses as early as possible; in particular, PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic is best taken earlier rather than later.

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

    This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

    Semester 1 Credits
    IUF 1000 What is the Good Life​​
    GE-H
    3​
    Composition
    State Core GE-C; WR
    3
    Electives 4
    Foreign language 4-5
    Total 14-15
    Semester 2 Credits
    Biological or Physical Science
    State Core GE-B or P
    3​​
    Composition
    GE-C; WR
    3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences
    GE-S
    3
    Foreign language 3-5
    Philosophy elective
    2000 level; GE-H
    3
    Total 15-17
    Semester 3 Credits
    Biological or Physical Science
    Area not taken in semester 2, GE-B or GE-P
    3
    Elective
    Or foreign language, if 4-3-3 option
    3
    Mathematics
    State Core GE-M, pure math
    3
    Required philosophy course 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences
    State Core GE-S
    3
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    Required philosophy course 3​​
    Biological Science
    GE-B
    3
    Elective or
    Humanities (State Core GE-H, if PHI 2010 not taken in semester 2)
    3
    Philosophy elective
    3000 level; GE-H
    3
    Physical Science
    GE-P
    3
    Total 15
    Semester 5 Credits
    Electives 6
    Required philosophy courses, two 6
    Social and Behavioral Sciences
    GE-S
    3
    Science laboratory
    GE-B or P
    1
    Total 16
    Semester 6 Credits
    Electives 9
    Philosophy elective
    3000 level
    3
    Required philosophy course 3
    Total 15
    Semester 7 Credits
    Electives
    3000 level or above, not in major
    9
    Philosophy elective
    3000 level
    3
    Philosophy elective
    4000 level
    3
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    ​Elective 3​​
    Electives
    3000 level or above, not in major
    9
    Philosophy elective
    4000 level
    3
    Total 15

    Required Philosophy Courses

    Courses Credits
    PHH 3100 Ancient Greek Philosophy
    GE-H
    3
    PHH 3400 Modern Philosophy
    GE-H
    3
    PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic
    GE-M
    3
    PHI 3300 Theory of Knowledge
    GE-H
    3
    PHI 3500 Metaphysics
    GE-H
    3
    PHI 3650 Moral Philosophy
    GE-H
    3
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    Related Philosophy Programs

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majors: philosophy