Philosophy

220 Cowell College

(831) 459-2070

https://philosophy.ucsc.edu/

Programs Offered

Philosophy B.A.

Philosophy Minor

Philosophy Contiguous Bachelor's/Master's Pathway

Philosophy M.A.

Philosophy Ph.D.

Philosophy Designated Emphasis

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about the most basic facets of human thought and life, e.g., concerning knowledge and belief (epistemology), the nature of reality (metaphysics), and morality and aesthetics (value theory). Such questions can be studied by looking at answers that contemporary philosophers propose, by investigating the principles that other disciplines use to legitimate claims, or by learning how, historically, philosophers approached these issues. In this respect, “philosophy” names not only a historically defined subject matter, but also inquiry into any of the fundamental determinants of rational thought. Thus, students of philosophy can pursue a broad range of topics of the greatest historical, intellectual, social, political, and personal interest.

The programs offered by the Philosophy Department are designed to familiarize students with the central concepts and key debates in the core areas of contemporary philosophical thought and with the works of the major figures in the history of philosophy. The department offers an undergraduate major and a minor. The philosophy major leads to a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in philosophy. The graduate program leads to the master of arts (M.A.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in philosophy.

The department also offers a combined B.A./M.A. pathway which makes it possible for certain well-qualified, highly motivated students to complete the requirements for both degrees in five years rather than the usual six.