Philosophy Major

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Dive into the World of Philosophical Thought

The courses in philosophy are offered in order to help all students appreciate and interrogate philosophical inquiry in the Western world and writings of peoples of African descent and people of color around the globe, especially women. Students will also be exposed to the philosophical thought of women of African descent and the contributions of Black women to the discipline of philosophy.

The program in philosophy emphasizes the development of analytical skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches to philosophical inquiry. The major prepares students for graduate study in philosophy as well as for professional study and careers (e.g., law, journalism, medicine, diplomacy, and diverse social justice and creative projects).

Requirements

Core Courses

A major in philosophy consists of 44 hours (11 courses). Every philosophy major must complete the following eight (8) core courses: 

Philosophy Major and Minor Requirements (PDF)

  • PHI 200: Practical Reasoning or PHI 201: Formal Logic
  • PHI 220: Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHI 230: History of Western Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval
  • PHI 231: History of Western Philosophy: Modern
  • PHI 383 Epistemology or PHI 384: Metaphysics
    Two courses from:
  • PHI 304: Ethics, PHI 381: Aesthetics, PHI 382: Social and Political
  • Philosophy
  • REL 111: Introduction to the Study of Religion
Elective Courses

Every philosophy major must complete three elective courses. One of these electives must be PHI 421 Directed Reading, PHI 431 Special Topics, or PHI 490/491 Honors Thesis.

  • PHI 240: African American Philosophy
  • PHI 250: Caribbean Philosophy
  • PHI 295: Bio-Medical Ethics
  • PHI 325: Native American Philosophy
  • PHI 375: Taoism – Chinese Philosophy
  • PHI 391: Honors Seminar in Philosophy and Literature
  • PHI 392: On the Origins of Postmodernism
  • PHI 400: Latin American Philosophy
  • PHI 421: Directed Reading
  • PHI 431: Special Topics
  • PHI 431-A: Ecological Aesthetics, Ethics and Praxis
  • PHI 431-B: Introduction to Neurophilosophy
  • PHI 490/491: Honors Thesis

Frequently Asked Questions

Why major in Philosophy?

Why not? Seriously. Philosophy is a college-only experience that engages and develops your intellectual critical thinking abilities and enhances any professional path. All Ph.D.s are doctors of philosophy, meaning they have advanced their knowledge in their field. If you intend to expand the knowledge base of any discipline, or if you enjoy reading the ideas that have shaped our world, then a philosophy major will not disappoint you.

According to a recent Forbes article, "Philosophy majors earn significantly more than most majors, especially in the long term..." Philosophy also helps you to better understand and create a context for and analyze your ideas, intellectual views, positions and arguments, as well as those of others. In doing so, a philosophy major strengthens her reading, writing, oral and argumentation skills. Finally, philosophy majors are taught to be at home with diverse ideas and points of view and be confident in expressing/arguing their perspectives.

How do I become a Philosophy major or minor?

Declare the major (or the minor). This involves meeting with the department chair and completing the official paperwork to declare philosophy as your major. To schedule a meeting with the department chair, Dr. Nami Kim, please email nkim@spelman.edu.

What can I do with a Philosophy major after graduation?

Philosophy is an excellent preparation for law, medicine, post-secondary education (including a Master's or a Ph.D. in Philosophy, or any discipline, including STEM), public policy, marketing, business, statistics, social media, AI, tech or journalism. A degree in philosophy is considered both a specialization in critical thinking/logic and creative thinking. Many corporations, non-profit organizations, law schools and medical schools reserve spots for philosophy majors and minors.

What are some careers of recent Spelman Philosophy graduates?

Spelman has graduated more Black women in philosophy than any other undergraduate institution. Our majors have become professors and administrators and serve in various academic, nongovernmental and nonprofit institutions. Recent Spelman philosophy graduates have also worked in corporate finance, public health, international relations and community development. Many also go on to professional careers in law, medicine and business.

Objectives

A student who has successfully completed a philosophy major will be able to:

  • Apply critical skills to demonstrate knowledge of the intersection of the intellectual traditions of women of African descent in philosophy.
  • Express self clearly, cogently, and critically in written work.
  • Recognize informal logical fallacies as well as criteria for well-formed conceptual analyses.
  • Engage in philosophic practice within analytic and Continental philosophy.

Phi Sigma Tau

Phi Sigma Tau is the international philosophy honor society. Its essential purpose is to promote ties among students in philosophy and philosophy departments in accredited institutions nationally. Phi Sigma Tau is instrumental in developing and honoring academic excellence as well as philosophical interests among its members. It awards distinction to its members with high scholarship and promotes interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.

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