The Philosophy Department Mission: Philosophy courses at Notre Dame College challenge students to think critically about our world and the human condition, providing a strong foundation for a liberal arts curriculum. Philosophy is an important part of our liberal arts tradition because it directly fosters a life-long pursuit for truth, beauty and goodness.
Notre Dame College students are required to take two philosophy courses. All students are required to take the ethics course (PH 480) to learn how to analyze critical questions of right and wrong in our time, and to identify and apply various philosophical positions in response to these questions. Although the History of Western Philosophy course (PH 180) is recommended at the beginning of one’s college career, a student is free to choose among the various philosophy electives to satisfy the philosophy requirement.
Philosophical thinking can be applied in any life situation because it teaches general problem solving, clear and persuasive communication, and writing that is ordered, coherent and complete. For this reason, one can argue that a philosophy minor is an invaluable compliment to any academic discipline. Careers that are especially dependent on philosophy and philosophical thinking include law, politics, the sciences, theology, journalism, communication, management and education.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing a minor in philosophy will be able to:
- Identify, comprehend, analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments in oral and written discourse.
- Understand, analyze, interpret and apply major works in the areas of the History of Philosophy, Ethics and contemporary topics.
- Be able to develop and express philosophical positions using the insights of philosophers and other thinkers.
