Philosophy
Philosophy addresses the most fundamental problems that arise when reflecting on the nature of the world and our place in it. Philosophers ask questions such as: What can we know? What are the most general features of reality? What is the relation between mind and body? How ought one to live?
About This Major
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- Hours for Degree: 120
- Minor: Yes
- Website: web.phil.ufl.edu
Overview
Philosophical examination of problems is primarily conceptual rather than empirical, in that philosophers work at developing conceptual accounts adequate to the phenomena they want to understand. The study of philosophy equips one to address difficult issues in a wide range of areas. It fosters critical thinking and sound reasoning, skills essential to effective thought and communication.
The philosophy major provides excellent preparation for professional schools in law, business, medicine and journalism, and for careers in the private and public sector. For more information, refer to the resources on the department website, including the undergraduate handbooks.
Coursework for the Major
The philosophy major requires a minimum of 33 hours of coursework in philosophy. These must include the following courses, which constitute the major's area distribution requirement.
Required Coursework
- PHH 3100 Ancient Greek Philosophy
- PHH 3400 Modern Philosophy
- PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic (spring term only)
- PHI 3300 Theory of Knowledge
- PHI 3650 Moral Philosophy
- The remaining required hours are fulfilled by electives. At least 27 of the 33 hours must be at the 3000-level or above.
- At least six credit hours must be at the 4000 level or above, excluding PHI 4905 and PHI 4912. (To enroll in a 4000-level course a student must complete a 3000-level philosophy course or get instructor permission.)
No more than 15 hours of transfer credit can count toward the degree and no more than three hours of individual work (PHI 3905 or 4905) can count toward the required minimum. Prior to advance registration each semester, the department makes available on its website customized descriptions for many of the courses offered that semester.
Course Details
Research
It is possible to write an honors thesis, which involves independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. This is usually a two-semester process in the final year of the degree. Details are in the undergraduate handbook.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan
Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students
Semester 1
- 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
Semester 2
- Complete 1 philosophy course
Semester 3
- Maintain coursework from semester 2
Semester 4
- Complete 1 additional philosophy course with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Semester 5
- Complete 1 additional philosophy course (1 of the 3 courses must be at the 3000 level) with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Recommended semester plan
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
The plan below enables you to stay on track, but it is not the only way to stay on track. Generally, it is a good idea to take the area requirement courses as early as possible; in particular, PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic is best taken earlier rather than later.
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Electives | 7-6 |
| Foreign language | 4-5 |
| Total | 14 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 3-1 |
| Foreign language | 3-5 |
| Philosophy elective, 2000 level (GE-H) | 3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Elective (or foreign language, if 4-3-3 option) | 3 |
| Mathematics (GE-M) | 3 |
| Required philosophy course * | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Philosophy elective, 3000 level (GE-H) | 3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) | 3 |
| Required philosophy course * | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| Electives | 6 |
| Required philosophy course * | 3 |
| Required philosophy course * | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Science laboratory (GE-P or GE-B) | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| Electives | 9 |
| Philosophy elective, 3000 level | 3 |
| Required philosophy course * | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) | 9 |
| Philosophy elective, 3000 level | 3 |
| Philosophy elective, 4000 level | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) | 9 |
| Philosophy elective, 3000 level | 3 |
| Philosophy elective, 4000 level | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
* PHH 3100 (GE-H, N), PHH 3400 (GE-H, N), PHI 3130 (GE-M), PHI 3300 (GE-H),
PHI 3650 (GE-H).