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Skills & Abilities Gained

The Philosophy major and minor garners sophisticated knowledge in the history of philosophy and contemporary issues, as well as training in effective writing, critical analysis, and problem-solving that many employers demand. Students who develop these skills are able to think for themselves, achieve practical solutions, and overcome unpredictable life circumstances.

Knowledge:

  • The History of Philosophy: The philosophy program at UWGB emphasizes the history of philosophy. Students are taught to appreciate the historical context of history’s most influential philosophers, as well as to apply historical thinking to contemporary problems. Each of our faculty and staff specializes in a different area of the history of philosophy (Dr. Kim: Ancient Philosophy, Dr. Jeffreys: Medieval Philosophy, Dr. Bozzo: Early Modern Philosophy).

  • Contemporary Issues: Students will also gain an appreciation for the complexity and importance of a number of contemporary issues. These include issues like abortion, euthanasia, corporate social responsibility, social media ethics, the debate over capitalism and socialism, the problem of evil, the relation between science and religion, the death penalty, the ethics of solitary confinement, the nature of happiness and the good life, and others. 

Skills:

  • Critical Reasoning: Socrates famously claimed that "the unexamined life is not worth living." He called Athenians to a life of critical self-examination, reflection, and assessment. Working within this tradition, Philosophy majors and minors learn how to identify assumptions, assess arguments, evaluate evidence, and solve problems
  • Creative Thinking: Philosophy students are adept at formulating their own views and defending them with their own arguments. Instruction in philosophy is not simply a matter of memorizing the thought of past philosophers, but is aimed at helping students formulate their own views and original ideas. 

  • Writing Skills: Communication skills are in high demand in the workforce. Philosophy majors and minors receive rigorous instruction in oral and written communication skills, in the form of class discussions, debates, and written assignments. Students are taught to pay close attention to the subtleties of language and meaning, and to express complex ideas clearly and effectively. 

  • Facility with Arguments: Students learn how to design sound and cogent arguments, as well as how to avoid many common logical fallacies. This provides students with an ability to persuade others and to reason well. Students in this program hone their verbal and analytical skills, an ability to conceptualize and understand situations, and an ability to communicate understanding to others.