Philosophy
ONE MAJOR, 3 TRACKS - History of Philosophy; Ethics and Values; Social, Political and Legal Philosophy “Among all human pursuits, the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more useful and more full of joy.” — St. Thomas AquinasPhilosophy — “love of wisdom” — deepens our understanding of life and enhances our sense of wonder at things we may take for granted. It also helps us ask foundational questions about reality and the nature and purpose of human life. Corporations and government agencies are increasingly turning to philosophers to address the social and ethical implications of issues, including cloning, genetic testing, infertility and criminal justice.
THE MARQUETTE ADVANTAGE
CHOOSE A MAJOR. Concentrate on the works of the greatest philosophers to understand the roots of our intellectual traditions with history of philosophy. Focus on the nature of law, government and culture with social, political and legal philosophy. Confront the moral questions that face us by taking courses in ethics and values.
The Student Perspective
DEVELOP A STRONG BASE. Through your elective courses, you can investigate humor, medical ethics, art and beauty, law, business ethics, human free will and language.
GET A HEAD START. If you're looking to go on to law school, a solid foundation in philosophy is a great way to start. Students at Marquette can pursue a B.A. and M.A. at the same time, finishing both in only five years.
"TO BEAT THE MARKET, HIRE A PHILOSOPHER." According to The New York Times, "Philosophy is one fundamental area of study that has found a new role in the high-tech world… In an information-based economy, people who can think conceptually are more and more valuable."
PHILOSOPHY IS PRACTICAL. Read and respond to challenging texts written throughout history. Develop the tools to analyze, develop, support and refute arguments. Express yourself clearly and concisely in speech and writing. Think through complex issues carefully and thoroughly.
AQUINAS LECTURE. Encounter current philosophical research through the Philosophy Department’s annual colloquium series — the highlight of which is the annual Aquinas Lecture featuring distinguished philosophers from around the world. Students participate in a wide variety of department activities aimed at furthering the undergraduate experience.
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Please expand to view Suggested Curriculum and Where Our Graduates Go
Suggested curriculum
Your major courses blue.
Freshman
- Logic
- Philosophy of Human Nature
- Rhetoric and Composition I & II
- Growth of Western Civilization I or II
- Science and Nature Elective
- Foreign Language I & II
- History Elective
- Natural Science Elective
Sophomore
- Philosophy Elective
- Theory of Ethics
- Individual and Social Behavior
- Introduction to Theology
- Literature Elective
- Mathematical Reasoning Elective
- Foreign Language III & IV
- Literature Elective
- Social-behavioral Science Elective
Junior
- Three Philosophy Electives
- Diverse Cultures Elective
- Theology Elective
- Social-behavioral Science Elective
- Theology Elective
- Electives
Senior
- Three Philosophy Electives
- Senior Experience
- Electives
WHERE OUR GRADUATES GO
Many of our graduates go on to earn master's and doctoral degrees and teach philosophy at the college level. Some notable graduates teach at Providence College, Ohio University, Villanova University, St. Louis University, Fordham University - and Marquette. Other graduates work in the fields of law, medicine, political science, theology, history, literature and social work.
Jesuit 2.0
Making the world a better place
Warm lemon and honey
Inspired by mom
Elevator man
Slip and Slide
Gross anatomy
A tough lesson to learn
Hold that door
