2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Philosophy
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Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
341 O’DOWD HALL (248) 370-3390
Fax: (248) 370-3144
Chairperson: John F. Halpin
Professors emeriti: David C. Bricker, Richard W. Brooks, Richard J. Burke
Associate professors: Paul R. Graves, John F. Halpin, Mark A. Rigstad, Phyllis A. Rooney, Elysa R. White
Assistant professors: Eric La Rock, Fritz McDonald, Mark Navin
Adjunct instructor: Patricia Trentacoste
Associated faculty: Professor Ronald M. Swartz (Education and Philosophy)
Special lecturers: John Burn, Nancy McClellan, Grant Yocom
Chief adviser: Fritz McDonald
Philosophy is one of the oldest yet often least understood of the liberal arts. The philosopher is interested in all aspects of human life, searching for the greatest possible clarity concerning the most fundamental questions. There is no one kind of philosophy; rather, there are many kinds, each with its own value.
Philosophy has always served two functions. The first is speculative, the attempt to formulate illuminating generalizations about science, art, religion, nature, society and any other important topics. The second is critical, the unsparing examination of its own generalizations and those of other fields to uncover unfounded assumptions, faulty thinking, hidden implications and inconsistencies. The study of philosophy is designed to encourage a spirit of curiosity, a sensitivity toward the uses of words, and a sense of objective assessment toward oneself as well as others. Competence in philosophy is solid training for advanced study in such fields as law, government and public administration, as well as the ministry and teaching.
The Department of Philosophy offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in philosophy, a modified major in philosophy with an international studies minor (South Asian studies program) or a concentration in linguistics or religious studies, and a minor in philosophy.
Departmental honors
Departmental honors in philosophy are based upon three criteria: (a) general performance in philosophy courses, (b) written work in philosophy and (c) the ability to articulate philosophical ideas orally. First, students must achieve at least a 3.50 grade point average in philosophy courses. Second, those who do so and want to be considered for departmental honors should submit an example of their philosophical writing to the department chairperson early in the semester in which they expect to graduate. Normally this would be a substantial paper written in PHL 395 , but two or three papers written in other philosophy courses will be acceptable. Third, if this work is judged to be of sufficiently high quality, it will be read by the rest of the department, and a conference with the student will be arranged to give him or her an opportunity to discuss the paper (or papers) further with the faculty. The decision to award honors will then be made by the faculty based on all three criteria. Deadlines for submission: October 15 for the fall semester, February 15 for the winter semester.
Course prerequisites
Except where noted, 100-and 200-level courses have no prerequisites. Advanced courses (numbered 300 to 499) have a general prerequisite of writing proficiency, plus any special requirements listed with the course description.
Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
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