Philosophy

Our mission is to expose students to the fundamental, important issues over which reasonable people disagree.  We also seek to help students develop and increase their critical thinking and writing skills. The study of methodology in philosophy creates self-reflective, independent thinkers who can contribute to society in both intellectual and practical ways.

Philosophy asks the big questions: Who am I? What is there? What can be known? How should I live? These lead to other questions about the relationship between the mind and the body, appearance and reality, truth and opinion, right and wrong, freedom and determinism, the individual and society, human beings and nature, and God and the afterlife. To ask these questions is to examine our most basic beliefs about human existence and the world we live in. At the same time, philosophy does not provide pat answers, but claims with Socrates that the goal is to live "the examined life." For this reason, the study of philosophy cultivates the skills of clear thinking and effective argumentation.

Religious Studies provides an historical and comparative understanding of the world's religious traditions. It examines spiritual beliefs, practices, and rituals in order to understand the importance of religious faith in providing a source of human value and meaning.

Philosophy Minors will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate philosophical arguments
• Give, orally or in writing, a philosophical argument
• Identify and explain philosophical problems along with possible solutions
• Identify, explain, compare and contrast the views of important philosophers
• Explain philosophical methods.
• Give examples of how philosophy bears on their other studies and on human life in general.

Philosophy and Religious Studies courses are at the heart of UNE’s core curriculum and satisfy the "Explorations" or  "Advanced Humanities" requirements. Courses at the 100/200 level fulfill the Explorations core requirement and 300/400 level courses satisfy the Advanced Studies requirement . A minor in Philosophy is an excellent choice that complements and enhances all fields of study at the University.

All admitted, matriculated students may seek a minor in Philosophy.  Students from all majors are invited to enroll in our courses and to seek a minor in Philosophy.  Students seeking a program of study in Philosophy should choose a major in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Philosophy and/or Religious Studies.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

The minor in Philosophy requires the completion of six courses (minimum 18 credits) with the PHI prefix. At least three of the six courses must be numbered 300 or greater.

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate philosophical arguments     
2. Give, orally or in writing, a philosophical argument
3. Identify and explain philosophical problems along with possible solutions
4. Identify, explain, compare and contrast the views of important philosophers
5. Explain philosophical methods
6. Give examples of how philosophy bears on their other studies and on human life in general

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.