Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy with Departmental Honors

University of the Pacific

The study of philosophy is at the core of a liberal arts education. The ideal of a liberal arts education is not simply to prepare students for a specific career but to prepare them for a meaningful personal life and for intelligent participation in their workplace and communities. There are issues that all human beings confront regardless of what career they choose or community they live in, such as the nature of knowledge, the principles of right and wrong, the truth and religious claims, and the meaning of life. Philosophers raise critical questions about these issues, and some attempt to construct comprehensive systems that explain how all human activities fit together in a unified way. Moreover, through the exposure to some of the great minds in human history and the discussion of their ideas with their professors and peers, students develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential to personal and professional well-being.Outcomes1. Philosophical ContentDemonstrate understanding of concepts, positions and reasoning in course materialContextualize and evaluate arguments relative to major movements and developments in philosophy2. Critical ThinkingIdentify reasoning in argumentsAssess the logical quality of reasoning in argumentsApply course concepts and reasoning to new situationsDevelop one's own reasoned position on issuesRecognize counterarguments to one's reasoned positions3. Written CommunicationState organizing idea(s)Develop reasoningOrganize reasoningWrite with clarity4. Oral CommunicationState organizing idea(s)Develop reasoningOrganize reasoningDeliver communication in a way to keep audience attentionStudents must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and a major/program grade point average of 3.8 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in philosophy with departmental honors.

College of the Pacific