Major Requirements



	For a Major in Philosophy
	For a Concentration in philosophy
	For a Premedical Concentration in Philosophy
	For a Major in Economics-Philosophy
	Departmental Honors
	Courses of Instruction

For a Major in Philosophy

Program of Study: Students considering a major in philosophy are strongly encouraged to meet with the director of undergraduate studies early in their sophomore year. All majors must consult the director of undergraduate studies each term before registering for classes, in order to plan and update their individual programs of study.

Courses: At least 30 points in philosophy, chosen from courses prefixed with C, V, or W, including:

PHIL V2101 or another course in the history of ancient or medieval philosophy (e.g. PHIL W3121 or W3131)
PHIL V2201 or another course in the history of philosophy from Aquinas through Kant (e.g. PHIL V3237)
PHIL V3411 or, in exceptional cases, a more advanced course in logic
At least one course in either metaphysics or epistemology (e.g. PHIL W4501, V3601, or a related course to be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies)
At least one course in either systematic ethics or social and political philosophy (e.g. PHIL V3701, V3751, or a related course to be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies)
At least one W or G 4000 level seminar course.

NOTE: Students may choose courses prefixed with G only with the instructor's permission.

Students planning to major in philosophy are advised to begin with PHIL C1010. First- and second-year students are especially encouraged to take 2000-level courses, both in the history of philosophy and in systematic philosophy (e.g., the philosophy of science). These courses are typically less specialized and less narrowly focused than higher-numbered ones. Third-year students should think of taking primarily 3000-level courses; fourth-year students, 3000- and 4000-level courses. The department recommends that all majors, but especially those considering graduate study in philosophy, take at least one 4000-level seminar during their senior year, in addition to the required senior seminar. Plans for the thesis must begin in the fall semester, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. To write a thesis, students must have a 3.6 average in philosophy, register for Supervised senior research (V3997), and work closely with an adviser.

For a Concentration in Philosophy

Program of study: Philosophy, as an academic discipline, has significant points of contact with a wide range of other subjects-in the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. A concentration in philosophy thus can be an attractive option for many students. Those considering becoming concentrators are strongly encouraged to meet with the director of undergraduate studies early in their sophomore year, in order to discuss their specific interests and to plan their programs of study. All concentrators should consult with the director of undergraduate studies each term before registering for courses.

Courses: At least 24 points in philosophy, chosen from courses prefixed with C, G, V, or W. There are no specific courses required for the concentration.

NOTE: Students may choose courses prefixed with G only with the instructor's permission.

For a Premedical Concentration in Philosophy

Program of study: The director of undergraduate studies strongly encourages prospective concentrators to discuss the concentration early in their sophomore year. Each concentrator is expected to talk to the director of undergraduate studies in the middle of their junior year and at the beginning of their senior year.

Courses: At least 15 points in philosophy, chosen from courses prefixed with C, G, V, or W. PHIL C1010 is strongly recommended. For required premedical science courses, see Special Programs in this bulletin.

NOTE: Students may choose courses prefixed with G only with the instructor's permission.

For a Major in Economics-Philosophy

Advisor for Philosophy: John Collins, 714 Philosophy Hall

Economics-philosophy is an interdisciplinary major that, while introducing students to the basic methodologies of economics and philosophy, stresses areas of particular concern to both. These include subjects such as rationality and decision making, justice and efficiency, freedom and collective choice, the logic of empirical theories and their testing. Many of the issues are dealt with historically, and classic texts of Plato, Kant, Mill, Marx, and Smith are reviewed.

Program of study: The departmental advisers strongly encourage prospective majors to discuss the major early in their sophomore year. Each major is expected to talk to the departmental advisers in the middle of his or her junior year and at the beginning of his or her senior year.

Required courses (for students who declared prior to fall 2003): This program requires a total of 44 points: 16 points in economics, 15 points in philosophy, 6 points in mathematics, 3 points in statistics, and 4 points in the interdisciplinary seminar, ECPH W4950 (or an approved alternative seminar in either economics or philosophy).

Mathematics and Statistics:

Any two calculus courses: MATH V1101, V1102, V1105, V1106, V1107, V1108, V1201, V1205, V1207, V1208

STAT W1111 or W1211 or W4150

Economics:

ECON W1105, W3211, W3213, and two electives (at the 3000 level or above)

Philosophy:

PHIL C1010, V3411, and W3551
One of the following two courses:
--PHIL G4561
--PHIL G4565
One of the following two courses:
--PHIL V3701
--PHIL G4720
Seminar: ECPH W4950 or an approved alternative seminar in either economics or philosophy.

Required courses (for students who declared in or after fall 2003): This program requires a total of 44 points: 16 points in economics, 15 points in philosophy, 6 points in mathematics, 3 points in statistics, and 4 points in the interdisciplinary seminar, ECPH W4950.

Mathematics and Statistics:

One of the following sequences:
--MATH V1101 and V1201
--MATH V1107, V1108, and V1207
STAT W1211 or SIEO W4150

Economics:

ECON W1105, W3211, and W3213
Two of the following elective courses:
--ECON W4020
--ECON W4080
--ECON G4235
--ECON W4251
--ECON W4321
--ECON W4329
--ECON W4345
--ECON W4370
--ECON W4400
--ECON W4415
--ECON W4438
--ECON W4465
--ECON W4500
--ECON W4625
--ECON BC3011
--ECON BC3019
--ECON BC3029
--ECON BC3041

Philosophy:

PHIL C1010, V3411, V3701 (or another approved course in moral or political philosophy), and W3551 (or another approved course in epistemology or philosophy of science)
One of the following:
--PHIL G4561
--PHIL G4565

Seminar:

ECPH W4950 or an approved alternative seminar in either economics or philosophy.

Students are advised that the regulations outlined in the economics major section regarding core courses (excluding W3412), electives, Barnard courses, Continuing Education courses, math courses, statistics courses, grades, and transfer credits also apply toward the economics-philosophy major.

For courses in history and philosophy of science, please see separate heading in this bulletin.

NOTE: Courses in which a grade of D has been received do not count toward the major or concentration requirements.

Departmental Honors

In order to qualify for honors in philosophy, a student must have a grade point average of at least 3.6 in the major and complete a senior thesis. Seniors are expected to discuss their plans for a thesis with the director of undergraduate studies early in the fall semester and to submit a written petition by December 1. The completed thesis must be submitted by April 1. Students are expected to write the thesis under the close supervision of a member of the department (see PHIL C3997). Normally, no more than 10 percent of the graduating majors in the department each year will receive departmental honors.

Courses of Instruction

In the listing, the designator PHIL (Philosophy) is understood to precede all course numbers for which no designator is indicated. The following designators also appear in abbreviated form: CSPH (Computer Science-Philosophy) and ECPH (Economics-Philosophy).