Programs of Study

 

Philosophy

This program provides a strong background in the problems of philosophy and the development of analytic skills. It is particularly good preparation for careers demanding precision and clarity in writing and speaking. Philosophy also enhances one’s ability to evaluate arguments critically, creatively and fairly. Law, medicine, theology, management, editorial work, and college teaching are especially open to successful honors tutorial students in philosophy.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Students first establish a broad foundation for their upper-level tutorials by taking tutorials connected with the classes at the 100 and 200 level, such as: fundamentals (Philosophy 101), logic (Philosophy 120), ethics (Philosophy 130), social and political philosophy (Philosophy 240), philosophy of mind (Philosophy 250), and philosophy of religion (Philosophy 260).

Students then typically move on to tutorials in the required history of philosophy series: Ancient (pre-Socratics through early Roman philosophy), Modern (Descartes through Kant), and 19th Century (French, German and British Philosophy of the 19th century).

Following these courses, students arrange tutorials in the three major topic areas required by the department: (1) advanced history; (2) value theory; (3) theory of knowledge, metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, or analytic. Most often, it is while taking these tutorials that students begin to focus on an area of particular interest to them. It is from this area of interest that students will choose a thesis topic and an advisor to guide them in research, related tutorials and writing. During the student’s last year, the thesis is written and defended. Each quarter the program requires that students take Philosophy Practicum. This is a one-credit course meant to informally cover topics relevant to the study as well as to the profession of philosophy. For example, students will meet colloquium speakers and candidates for positions in the department; discuss the ongoing research of faculty members, practice writing and teaching. Students must also take symbolic logic (Philosophy 320) and satisfy a foreign language requirement.

All students are urged to select an area outside philosophy for concentration. Areas most often chosen are: English, psychology, history, art, and mathematics. Although the department does not require mathematics courses, it does encourage the development of a reasonable degree of mastery in this subject area. The Philosophy program of study in the Honors Tutorial College is highly flexible, and every effort will be made to shape it to fit the needs and interests of dedicated students.

EVALUATION

Factors to be considered will be: student’s preparedness for discussion; actual performance in discussion and writing. In cases where the tutorial is in addition to course work, the student’s performance in that course will also be a part of the evaluation. The weighting of factors shall be decided by the tutor.

A TYPICAL COURSE OF STUDY
History of Philosophy
Ancient Philosophy
Modern Philosophy
Nineteenth Century Philosophy
Logic
Principles of Reasoning (Philosophy 120)
Symbolic Logic (Philosophy 320)

Five Tutorials-400 Level or above:

2 from:
Theory of Knowledge, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Science, Analytic

2 from:
Value Theory:Ethics, Aesthetics, Social and Political Philosophy, Continental, Religion Studies

1 from:
Plato, Aristotle, Continental Rationalism, British Empiricism, Kant, Marxism, Pragmatism,

Extra Credit:
Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Clemens, Marcus Aurelius, Thomas Aquinas, and or Carl Sagan.

Philosophy Practicum

Honors Tutorial College Thesis

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadline for application for admission is December 1, and admission interviews are held in January.

ELIGIBILITY

Although the department considers grades and standardized test scores, it places a great deal of emphasis on personal interviews.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about this program, write or call:
D. Scott Carson, PhD
Director of Studies Philosophy Tutorial Program
Ellis Hall 220G
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-0923
carsond@ohio.edu
Additional Information can be found on the Department of Philosophy website:
http://www.philosophy.ohio.edu.