Major Requirements
Requirements for a major in philosophy are satisfied by successfully completing 36 credits of coursework in philosophy (ordinarily, 9 courses).
All majors in philosophy, Bachelors of Arts as well as Bachelors of Science, with the exception of those in the applied ethics track, are required to take the following core courses (6 courses, 24 credits):
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PHIL-113 Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to non-formal methods of analyzing and formulating arguments, including treatment of such concepts/topics as: the nature of argument, induction, deduction, validity, soundness, aspects of language which tend to interfere with logical thought, definition, role of emotion, types of disagreement, and fallacies. The course also emphasizes the practical application of sound reasoning in both evaluating arguments and making arguments of ones own about matters of issues facing society. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-119 Ethics
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
PHIL-210 History of Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-211 History of Modern Philosophy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems and developments in modern philosophy including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: the nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-515 Senior Symposium
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This is a required course for all students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
In addition, students are required to take three additional courses selected with the help of an advisor. At least two of these additional courses should be at a 200-level or higher and one should be at the 300-level or higher. A detailed program suited to the needs of the individual student will be developed for each philosophy major.
Minor Requirements
Twenty credits (five courses) in philosophy are required of students who elect a minor in Philosophy. These must include PHIL 119 (Ethics) or 123 (Social Ethics) or 127 (Contemporary Moral Issues); either 210 (History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy) or 211 (History of Modern Philosophy); and three additional courses, two of which should be at a 200-level or higher.
Applied Ethics Track
9 Courses, 36 Credits
The philosophy department at Suffolk University offers a major in applied ethics, either BS or BA. This track is intended to train students to think systematically and critically about the social, moral, and political intricacies of public policy. Areas of study include business ethics, environmental ethics, medical and bioethics, the philosophy of law, the philosophy of race and gender, moral questions in the conduct of war, democracy and the war on terrorism, and others.
In addition to a rigorous training in the history of ethics and social thought, students who choose this track will be required to take two applied ethics classes and complete an internship or residency. Possible internship sites include hospital ethics boards, the MA ethics commission, non-profits promoting equal access to housing and education, and many more placements. The internship requirement is meant to help students integrate their theoretical studies with real world experience, and will be closely supervised by the department’s faculty.
Graduates of the applied ethics program will be especially well prepared for careers in government, public policy, and non-profit organizations. They will also be in an excellent position to apply to law school, and to graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences.
Requirements for the applied ethics track supercede all other requirements for the major:
-
PHIL-113 Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to non-formal methods of analyzing and formulating arguments, including treatment of such concepts/topics as: the nature of argument, induction, deduction, validity, soundness, aspects of language which tend to interfere with logical thought, definition, role of emotion, types of disagreement, and fallacies. The course also emphasizes the practical application of sound reasoning in both evaluating arguments and making arguments of ones own about matters of issues facing society. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-212 Formal Logic
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to formal (or semi-formal) study of the basic types of deductive arguments (propositional and syllogistic logic). 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Quantitative Reasoning
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PHIL-119 Ethics
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A systematic introduction to the major thinkers and their positions on the main issues of ethics, such as: What is morality? What are moral values? How should we live our lives? Are there objective, universal, absolute moral standards? If so, what are they, and what is their basis? 1 term - credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
PHIL-210 History of Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-211 History of Modern Philosophy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems and developments in modern philosophy including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: the nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
Two courses in applied ethics, at least one of which must be 200-level or higher:
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PHIL-123 Social Ethics: The Good Life
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of contemporary Western society, particularly in the United States, in relation to philosophical attempts to define the good life. Current books that exhibit a philosophical approach towards important contemporary social issues will be discussed, as well as classics in philosophy. Topics may include: civic virtue, consumerism, current events, economic justice, popular culture (film, music, television), religion and secularism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
PHIL-127 Contemporary Moral Issues
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A critical examination of a number of contemporary moral issues such as: abortion, affirmative action, animal rights, capital punishment, cloning, drug legalization, environmental ethics, euthanasia, genetic engineering, gun control, pornography, same-sex marriage, suicide, war and terrorism, etc. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
PHIL-362 Environmental Ethics
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of the moral issues involved in the interaction of humans with their natural environment. Topics include: the environmental crisis, human-centered vs. nature-centered ethics, intrinsic value in nature, obligations to future generations, the importance of preserving endangered species and wilderness, radical ecology, eco-feminism, and the role of social justice in environmental issues. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Occasional
-
PHIL-363 Bio and Medical Ethics
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: Phil 119, or 123, or 127.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of the moral problems facing health-care practitioners, their patients, and others involved with the practice of medicine in todays society. Issues include euthanasia, the ethics of medical experimentation, the use of reproductive technologies, genetic counseling and genetic engineering, truth-telling and confidentiality in doctor-patient relationships, the cost and availability of medical care. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every third year.
Term:
Occasional
-
PHIL-364 Business Ethics
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: Phil 119, or 123, or 127
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of the ethical questions in the working life and policies of the business and professional sectors of society. The focus will vary, but common themes will include: the role of commerce in civil society; the relation of business to conceptions of economic and social justice; the meaning and application of codes of ethics; obligations of corporations and professional organizations to shareholders and stakeholders; responsibilities to clients and colleagues; workplace conduct; the nature of success and conflicts between legal and moral obligations; the impact of globalization. The course will employ a variety of readings, including ethical theory and specific case studies. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every other year.
Term:
Occasional
-
PHIL-251 Philosophy of Race & Gender
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Prejudice of many kinds, such as racism and sexism, is so embedded in our social institutions, and is so traditional and pervasive that we often fail to notice it. In this course, we will deal with the history and nature of racism and sexism, as well as with possible solutions to these problems, including affirmative action and busing. Also to be discussed will be homosexuality, pornography and sex roles. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C a
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A
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PHIL-319 Topics in Applied Ethics
Prerequisites:
PHIL 119, or 123 or 127
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will address in depth one or more specific issues in applied ethics. Topics will vary and may range from applied issues in political thought, such as just war theory or transitional justice, to specific questions in professional ethics or social policy, such as end-of-life care, economic justice, or the role of technology in the human future. Prerequisite: PHIL 119, or 123, or 127. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every other year.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B
One course in political or legal thought:
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PHIL-250 Social & Political Philosophy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of persistent debates in political and social philosophy, such as the meaning of property and welfare, the tensions between liberty and equality, censorship and freedom of expression, the relation of church and state, the possibility of political education and civic virtue, legitimacy of the state and revolution, war and problems of end and means, addressing historic injustice, such as racism, genocide, or sexism, among other topics. The class will focus on no more than two such themes. Students will read both classic and contemporary writings to address both the historical roots and the contemporary treatment of these questions. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-253 The Philosophy of America
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A systematic exploration of thinking of and about America, from the founding of the republic to American issues and traditions of thought that reflect upon the founding principles and the unfolding American experiment. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will be studied with an eye to their philosophical content and sources. Other works, primary and secondary, that help to illuminate these documents and their philosophical significance will also be read. The course may also examine works of philosophers and other thinkers who address conflicts over the meaning of founding principles in the course of the nations history, from the struggle over slavery to Americas contemporary role in the world. In addition to the founding documents, authors and texts may include: Locke, The Federalist Papers, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Washington, de Tocqueville, Emerson, Douglass, Lincoln, Stanton, Thoreau, James, and Dewey, as well as contemporary authors. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every third year.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
-
PHIL-318 Philosophy of Law
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or Instructors consent
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Readings may include a range of classical authors, such as Plato and Aquinas, as well as the works of such 20th-century legal philosophers as H.L.A. Hart, Dworkin and Rawls. Also included may be leading jurists such as Oliver Wendell Holmes and Learned Hand. Issues discussed may include the nature of law, its relation to justice, and how the legal system should operate to arrive at just decisions. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every third year.
Term:
Occasional
One Internship:
-
PHIL-513 Internship in Applied Ethics
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHIL 119 or 123 or 127 and consent of instructor
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students in this course will serve as interns in a department-approved position with a service provider, professional organization, government agency, or non-governmental organization whose work is relevant to issues in applied ethics. A faculty mentor will meet with students regularly to develop individually designed programs of readings and to discuss this material and its relation to the internship experience. In addition to the substantial time commitment to the internship, course requirements will usually include a journal and a research project. PHIL 119 or 123 or 127 and consent of instructor. 1 term -4 credits. Normally offered every year.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
PHIL-515 Senior Symposium
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This is a required course for all students in the major, to be taken in the Spring Semester of their senior year. Students will prepare a portfolio of their previous coursework, collaborate with the faculty symposium leader on a selection of texts to read in common with other seniors, and prepare one paper for delivery at the Senior Symposium, usually held in late April. Students seeking Honors in Philosophy must take this course to complete the senior thesis. PHIL 210 and 211 and consent of instructor. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered Spring Semester every year.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Honors
In order to be eligible for honors in philosophy a student must satisfy the following criteria:
- Students must major in philosophy and have an overall GPA of 3.5, and a 3.5 GPA in philosophy courses.
- Candidates must complete either two years of language study by graduation or PHIL 212 (Formal Logic) and PHIL 423 (Advanced Formal Logic) or the equivalent in exceptional cases.
- Candidates should consult with the chair of the philosophy department at the beginning of their junior year in order to apply for admission to the honors program in philosophy. They must find a thesis supervisor by the end of their junior year.
- Honors candidates must take a minimum of two 400-level courses.
- Honors candidates should register for PHIL 515 (Senior Symposium) during the second half of their senior year. They must coordinate their thesis work (guided by their chosen supervisor) with the instructor in PHIL 515. For honors students, this course will entail completion of a major research paper, based on a proposal developed in PHIL 514. Research papers will be read and evaluated by the faculty of the department. Honors students will then defend their papers in individual sessions with the faculty. Honors will be awarded by a majority vote of the faculty.
Societies
Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honor Society
Phi Sigma Tau, the National Honor Society for Philosophy, established its Massachusetts Beta Chapter at Suffolk in 1965. Active membership is open to students who have reached junior standing, and who have completed at least six courses in philosophy at Suffolk with an average of 3.3, plus a cumulative average of 3.0.
