Philosophy Degree
Philosophy Degree
Every employer wants people who can think critically. Thinking critically is the heart of philosophy.
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Welcome to the Philosophy Department at McKendree University!
By browsing through the items on our pages, you will get a comprehensive overview
of what we can offer to you. You will find that we are unique in many ways and can
benefit your future plans, whether they be studying philosophy, applying to law or
graduate school, and more. For more information about the Philosophy program, feel
free to contact Kevin Zanelotti, Ph.D. directly.
Philosophy investigates some of the most enduring and challenging problems that face
human beings. Some philosophical questions:
What do we know and how do we know it? Does God exist? Are science and religion incompatible?
Are our moral and social values mere social constructions or can we determine if the
views we inherit from past generations are good or bad views? Do we invent mathematical
truths or discover them? Are we responsible for what we do, or are we helpless victims
of genetics and the environment in which we matured? How can we defend our evaluations
regarding the value of novels, paintings, poems, films, and symphonies? Are we complex
animals or made in the image of some deity? Are we minds or molecules? What are goodness,
truth, and beauty?
Many students study philosophy together with another subject, such as religion, mathematics,
literature, political science, or biology. Philosophy, as a recent article in Business
Week notes, is the ultimate transferable skill that can be applied to any situation
or job. Every employer wants workers who can think critically. Thinking critically
is the heart of philosophy.
With a major or minor in Philosophy, you’ll be able to:
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Explore the relation of the individual to society and community
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Investigate the ultimate questions regarding who we are and the nature of reality
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Make your thoughts more clear, precise, and rigorous
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Develop a life-long commitment to self-improvement
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Become more sensitive to moral, social, and aesthetic issues
Why a B.A. Degree in Philosophy?
With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, you’ll gain insight into the complex world
of human nature and get a better understanding of yourself, your opinions, and the
world around you. The philosophy degree teaches you to develop innovative analytical
skills that all employers are seeking and is easily coupled with other fields of study
for further specialization.
About the Philosophy Major
Housed within the Division of Humanities, the B.A. in philosophy enables students to investigate some of the most enduring
and challenging problems that we face as human beings. You’ll learn to explore and
articulate the ultimate questions regarding who we are and the nature of reality,
as well as increase your argumentation and reasoning abilities.
At 32 required credit hours in philosophy, this major can be easily paired with another
major or minor in a related field, such as religion, math, literature, political science,
or biology.
2023-2024 Program Catalog
A minor in philosophy is also available.
Why McKendree?
McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through
our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that
move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs
we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart,
and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis,
Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords
students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.
Program Highlights
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McKendree Philosophy Club - The philosophy program sponsors regular meetings of the McKendree Philosophy club. Meeting events include: viewing and discussing philosophical issues pertaining to movies; holding bi-weekly talks in which we investigate philosophy’s relevance to current events and pop culture; and, enjoying a wide range of events ranging from lock-in philosophy parties to Philosophy Jeopardy (and other games).
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Beyond the Classroom - During the school year, the philosophy program takes students to discussions and colloquia given by St. Louis area philosophy graduate programs.
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Conference Opportunities - The philosophy program sponsors students attending the biennial Henle Conference at Saint Louis University, as well as the annual conferences offered by the Saint Louis University Philosophy Department.
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Mentoring for Career Success - Students are exposed to a wide range of activities that can benefit their future career; for instance, philosophy majors have interned at local law firms, have given papers at undergraduate philosophy conferences, and receive one-on-one mentoring regarding how to transform their philosophical education into career success.
Employment Opportunities
Philosophy, in tandem with a major in another field, will serve you well as career
advancement comes to require finely-honed critical thinking and analytical skills.
A major in philosophy serves as perhaps the best path to law school; philosophy also
is excellent preparation for numerous graduate programs in management and administration,
as well as the graduate study of philosophy itself.
What Can I Do With A Philosophy Degree?
Interesting Courses
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Philosophy of Religion
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Metaphysics and Human Nature
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Biomedical Ethics
Club Information / Honor Societies
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Philosophy Club - Join other students in viewing and discussing philosophical issues pertaining to movies, investigating philosophy’s relevance to current events and pop culture, and enjoying a variety of fun social events.
Related Programs
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