Philosophy Major

Philosophy courses attract students who like to ask hard questions. Maybe you are that kind of student.

The philosophy offerings at Capital include historical studies in philosophy, logic, the relation of philosophy to other disciplines (e.g. science, arts, religion, health care and politics) and opportunities for the study of contemporary problems in philosophy. Independent study also is encour­aged for all students majoring in philosophy. The program has relatively few requirements by deliberate design, leav­ing students free to choose relevant electives.

Philosophical questions tend to be foundational. In other words, they are questions about things other disciplines and areas take for granted. Examples of philosophical questions:

• What can we know?
• What beliefs are reasonable?
• What does it mean to be a happy, fulfilled person?
• What is human nature?
• Does life have a meaning?
• What do we mean by freedom and how do we realize it?

But more than simply asking such questions, students of philosophy try to answer them in disciplined ways. That is the nature of philosophical inquiry.

Faculty

The faculty in philosophy at Capital represent a wide range of experience, backgrounds and points of view. All have earned doctorates. Specialties within the faculty in­clude applied ethics, classical Greek philosophy, philosophy of religion and the philosophy of science.

What can you do with a philosophy major?

Philosophy majors and minors pursue a large variety of career alternatives: law, public policy, government, comput­er applications, the ministry, as well as pursuing advanced study in philosophy toward teaching in that area. A study of past philosophy majors shows they are pursuing just about every career path imaginable. Many employers like to hire philosophy majors/minors because they usually are critical thinkers and careful communicators. They often combine a useful blend of imagination with critical think­ing skills. This is probably why so many philosophy majors end up being creative entrepreneurs as well as effective agents of change in society.