Major code BA5241

College of Arts and Sciences
Philosophy Department
Lindley Hall S124
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.593.4588
Fax: 740.593.4597
philosophy.department@ohio.edu
https://www.ohio.edu/cas/philosophy

Al Lent, contact person lent@ohio.edu

Program Overview

A major in philosophy introduces students to a wide range of substantive and theoretical topics that have been the subject in the Western intellectual tradition beginning in 585 B.C. and continuing right through to the 21st century. These topics include such broad and enduring questions as “What is the right way for human beings to live their lives?” “What is the ultimate structure of reality as we encounter it?” “What is human knowledge and how do we come to have it? Can other sorts of beings have anything like knowledge in the same sense that we have it?” “Is there a God, and, if so, what are the properties that God has? “What is the nature and structure of scientific inquiry?” “What are the fundamental components of rational thought and pratical reasoning?” These questions have intrigued generation after generation, and they continue to fascinate the thoughtful and well-educated person, even though many of these questions appear to be very difficult, if not outright impossible to answer. Indeed, part of the beauty of philosophy is the discovery that rational inquiry is not always intended to find specific answers to specific questions, but is rather a process of intellectural growth and development that is available to anyone with a sufficient degree of intellectual curiosity. A major in philosophy, therefore, not only teaches the student about his or her own intellectual tradition, but it also prepares him or her to become an active and productive member of that tradition, ready to make his or her own contribution to the process of searching for answers to timeless questions.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

A bachelor of arts in philosophy prepares students for a wide range of careers, from politics, to business, to service, and much more. Virtually any job that requires critical thinking skills, an ability to communicate well and work out problems will be suitable for a philosophy major. Examples of potential employers include, but are not limited to, the following: institutions of higher education; adult education programs; research institutes; environmental agencies; consulting firms; legal clinics; non-profit organizations; financial institutions; religious organizations and retreat centers; correctional institutions; etc.

A degree in philosophy also prepares Ohio University students for further graduate level work in philosophy, law, theology, and various other related disciplines.

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Requirements