Philosophy at Wingate University

Academic Study of Philosophy
Philosophy is primarily an intellectual tradition beginning in Greek culture 2,500 years ago. Philosophers are concerned with every aspect of life and experience, and they examine every subject studied in the university. Its central place in academia is reflected in the degree earned by most professors - Doctor of Philosophy.

Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume and Kant have had indisputably important roles in history. Students encounter them repeatedly from a variety of perspectives, and some argue that their works form a
"canon" for philosophical study. The history of philosophy, however, is not
merely an expanding collection of dogmas or texts. It is also a dynamic
process, in which contemporary problems and insights become the basis for
new, challenging arguments.

Philosophy as a profession usually corresponds to employment in a philosophy department within a college or university. Majoring in philosophy as an undergraduate is a good way to move toward that goal, providing a foundation for the specialized study pursued in a graduate school. Most philosophy students, however, regard their preparation in philosophy as the paradigmatic approach to traditional and liberal education. Philosophy has been the creative source of many academic disciplines and continues to provide analysis, interpretation and criticism for many related areas of study.

The Philosophy Major
A major in philosophy consists of ten courses. The advanced seminar, which focuses on intensive research and writing based on the work of a major philosopher, is required and is normally taken during the senior year. Two of the courses counted toward the major may be chosen from among certain philosophical courses taught in other departments.

Double majors are encouraged. Students majoring in virtually any academic discipline will find that a second major in philosophy will enrich their understanding and mastery of the concepts and practices required for advanced study in other disciplines.

Requirements for the Philosophy major:

• General education courses (56 credit hours)
  Must include Communications - Human Communications 101 (Public Speaking)
• Philosophy courses (27 credit hours). Choose from:
  Philosophy 101 (Introduction to Philosophy)
  Philosophy 203 (Introduction to Moral Philosophy)
  Philosophy 204 (Nietzsche & the Existentialists)
  Philosophy 301 (Ancient & Medieval Philosophy)
  Philosophy 302 (Modern & Contemporary Philosophy)
  Philosophy 351 + 360 (Logic, Philosophy of Religion)
  Philosophy 370 (Ethical Theory)
  Philosophy 380 (Philosophy of Law)
  Up to 6 credit hours may be chosen from other areas of study:
  English 430 (Literary Theory)
  Psychology 409 (History & Systems of Psychology)
  Religion 326 (World Religions)
  Sociology 405 (History of Social Thought)
• Philosophy 450 (Advanced Seminar)
• Electives (39 credit hours; may include a minor or a second major)
   

CONTACT:
Dr. G. Byrns Coleman
Professor & Department Chair
gbcole@wingate.edu
704-233-8072