Program: Philosophy, (B.A.) - Global - University of Memphis

Apr 02, 2025

2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog

Program objectives for a B.A. in Philosophy are to: (a) recognize patterns of valid and fallacious reasoning, and basics of logical theory; (b) read a major philosophical text analytically and be able to write out critical evaluations of philosophical arguments; (c) be familiar with major ethical theories and their practical applications; (d) possess a basic knowledge of the history of philosophy, in particular Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy; (e) be able to engage critically both the primary and secondary literature on philosophical subject matter, to present one’s critical assessment orally to a group, and to produce a written document reflecting one’s independent research on a philosophical subject.

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See University General Education Program for the General Education requirements.

College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (6-9 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements that are listed above.

The Major (30 hours)

Completion of 30 semester hours in philosophy courses including:

PHIL 1102 - Intro to Ethics **
PHIL 1611 - Elementary Logic **
PHIL 3001 - History of Ancient Philosophy **
PHIL 3002 - History of Modern Philosophy **
PHIL 3411 - Contemporary Moral Problems **
and

15 additional upper division semester hours

To prepare philosophy students for success in a number of fields, the department offers courses in the following sub-divisions of philosophy

Philosophy of Law/Political Philosophy

Ethics/Social Philosophy

Philosophy of Religion/Religious Studies

PHIL 3411 - Contemporary Moral Problems **

Philosophy/Contemporary Culture

Philosophy of Science/Epistemology

PHIL 3515 - Environmental Ethics **

Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Honors Program

This program is open to philosophy majors with a 3.0 overall average and a 3.5 average in philosophy. The student will complete, with a minimum grade of “B”, a thesis submitted for credit in PHIL 4891 . The thesis topic must be approved by the thesis director before the student registers for PHIL 4891.

Those students who complete the program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Philosophy.” Moreover, the student’s diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this distinction.

Academic Catalog