Mission/Vision Statement

When Socrates exclaimed to his incredulous accusers, ‘‘I know you won’t believe me, but I truly believe the highest human excellence is to question oneself and others,’’ he captured the spirit of all philosophical effort. Although philosophy has undergone profound changes since his time, it still seeks to come to terms with the questions and issues provoked by every phase of life, and it produces arguments and accounts bearing on every subject worthy of disciplined reflection.

For more information, see our Web site at ius.edu/philosophy.

Student Learning Goals

• Students will be able to interpret philosophical texts.
• Students will be able to present the strongest case for any position on a given issue.
• Students will be able to evaluate ethical positions with recourse to at least one theoretical approach.
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments by means of one or more logical systems.

Degree/Certificate Requirements

By completing 15 credit hours in philosophy, including 3 credit hours in logic and 9 credit hours at the 200 level or above, students can receive a minor in philosophy. Minoring in philosophy offers students working toward another major the opportunity to expand their studies and inform their work in other disciplines. It gives students a chance to address some of the ethical questions that will undoubtedly arise within the context of their chosen field, as well as to gain a stronger grasp of the philosophical and historical elements that contribute to the foundations of their discipline. In addition, minoring in philosophy helps the student to sharpen his or her analytic skills and to achieve a greater cultural awareness.