Philosophy Concentration Guidelines for Students Matriculated Before Sept. 1, 2013

Feb. 1, 1993 — AOS Guidelines: Cultural Studies

Concentration: Philosophy

Framework: Disciplinary

Concentrations in philosophy generally aim to develop the student's awareness and understanding of the nature and dimensions of philosophical inquiry. Such concentrations also emphasize the development of analytical and speculative thinking, including the ability to articulate and criticize various philosophical perspectives or problems, using the vocabulary, concepts and methods that reflect the principal historical traditions in the field.

Concentrations in philosophy can be organized in different ways, including by thematic and nonwestern approaches. For the purposes of these guidelines, the disciplinary framework is presented.

Disciplinary concentrations in philosophy generally reflect the current dominant trends, structure and content of the philosophy curriculum at most undergraduate institutions. That curriculum includes studies of:

• the major developments in the history of philosophy
• topics in contemporary philosophy
• the major philosophical issues involved in metaphysics, theory of knowledge, ethics and social/political philosophy
• critical thinking/critical analysis
• theories of interpretation
• logic.

Note: Graduate programs in philosophy often require or include studies in logic.