Philosophy

Minor in Philosophy

Why are we here? What are the limits of knowledge? What is the meaning of life? How should we relate to our social and natural environments?

Philosophy invites us to study the most fundamental aspects of life. With an emphasis on moral and ethical thought, studying Philosophy at the Mount creates a place to ponder, discuss, and expand your knowledge of the nature of reality, knowledge and truth, and the good life. Come ask (and hopefully answer!) some of life’s biggest questions with us.

Why Study Philosophy?

Here's what makes the Mount's Philosophy minor unique:

• Philosophy conference: The Mount is passionate about philosophy...so much so, that we host a leading conference on Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy each year at the college. People come from around the world to attend the conference each summer.
• Dominican heritage: As a Dominican school, we were founded upon principles that value the search for truth and deep thinking that are so important to philosophical study. Additionally, at the Mount you won't just focus on the history of the discipline, you'll also reflect on the relationship between philosophy and the need to resolve the most significant moral and social problems we continue to face.
• Disputatio: The Mount is founded upon the Dominican value of “disputatio,” or respectful dialogue. In our Philosophy classes, students are encouraged to find “veritas,” or truth, in a free, open, and respectful environment. In other words: questions encouraged.

What to expect as a Philosophy minor

18 credits

Learn about Philosophy minor academic requirements and courses here.

As a Philosophy minor, you’ll first take courses that will introduce you to the skills of philosophical thought, as well as the theories of major Western and Eastern philosophers, while addressing the areas of metaphysics (reality) and epistemology (knowledge), ethics, and logic. Your upper level courses will allow you to take those skills and apply them to specific concepts and questions related to morality, medicine, technology, and more. You may also participate in an independent study with a professor on a topic of your choice.

Be prepared for your future

A minor in Philosophy gives you the foundation for further studies at the graduate school level, no matter what field you're interested in. The critical thinking and deductive skills of this discipline are vital for any career, and the courses should also give students a broader worldview and way of looking at the world. 

Particularly, the Philosophy minor has been demonstrated to serve as an excellent option for students interested in continuing to law school. The Mount has a robust pre-law advisement track which offers you an additional advisor who will help you select courses to prepare you for law school, as well as assist you in the application process.