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Philosophy Major

Img 0115 The philosophy major at Messiah College introduces you to a careful, systematic investigation of fundamental issues of reality and human experience. By addressing such issues as whether or not we have free will, God's relation to the world and to evil, and the nature and origin of morality, the philosophy major will equip you with the sort of background and intellectual skills that will enrich your life and enable you to rationally develop a distinctively Christian view of the world. The major in philosophy offers intensive training in analytical and critical-thinking skills, a broad historical background in Western thought, and an exposure to non-Western philosophy.

The philosophy minor is designed for students who wish to supplement their primary education in another field with the study of philosophy. It allows great flexibility to explore those areas of philosophy that are of the most interest and benefit to the individual student.

Curriculum

Philosophy Major Requirements

Required Courses 30 Hours (10 Courses)

  • PHIL 101 Problems in Philosophy; or PHIL 102 History of Philosophy
  • PHIL 220 Introduction to Logic
  • PHIL 247 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
  • PHIL 253 Modern Philosophy
  • PHIL 310 Contemporary Continental Philosophy
  • PHIL 341 Epistemology and Metaphysics
  • PHIL 382 Ethics; or PHIL 325 Moral Problems
  • PHIL 345 Philosophy of Religion
  • PHIL 318 Asian Philosophy
  • PHIL 460 Philosophy Seminar

Additional Courses: Any combination of two philosophy courses that are numbered 300 or higher:

  • PHIL 3XX Phenomenology
  • PHIL 3XX Existentialism
  • PHIL 342 Aesthetics
  • PHIL 362 Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL 360 Topics in Philosophy
  • PHIL 382 Ethics; or PHIL 325 Moral Problems
  • PHIL 498 Philosophy Honors
  • PHIL 499 Independent Study

Course Schedule:

All courses other than PHI 101, 102 and 460 offered every other academic year. They will not necessarily be offered the same semester every year, however.)

For more details on the curriculum requirements and the types of courses you would be taking as a Philosophy Major, visit our Online Course Catalog or take a look at the printable Philosophy Department Brochure.

(Course catalog and major brochure include PDF files. Click here for the Adobe® PDF Reader®)

How to Apply

To apply for admission to Messiah College, simply call and request an application at 1-800-233-4220 or apply online!, Open House dates and major-specific events are scheduled throughout the year. Students may arrange for a variety of visit options to suit their interests and schedule.