The UW-Parkside Philosophy Department
Why Major in Philosophy?
Philosophy is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths concerning the nature of the world and humanity, as well as the basis and nature of value and ethical obligation. It seeks to discern the nature and scope of knowledge, both scientific and otherwise, to establish standards of evidence, to seek out rational ways of resolving conflict and create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments.
Philosophy graduates at UW-Parkside have developed skill in the presentation, analysis and criticism of arguments. They have gained insight into human values and the rational bases that have been proposed for those values. Students learn to listen critically and understand opposing views, to identify and appreciate the values behind a person’s thinking, and to hold their own in debate. As a
result, they have been able to pursue a variety of vocational interests other than philosophy itself, including further education in law, psychology, library science, business management, and religion. Graduates who did not choose to go on with their education have found employment in social work, hotel management and a variety of other areas in business.
"Human beings by nature desire to understand."
-Aristotle
Why Pursue the Minor in the Philosophy of Natural Science at UW-Parkside?
The Minor in the Philosophy of Natural Science enables students majoring in mathematics and the natural sciences to pursue a more thorough understanding of the scientific method and the world view behind it, the relationship between science and public policy, the relationship between science and religion, and the history of science and its connections with other scholarly disciplines. Philosophy of Science is interested not only in what scientists know, but how they have come to know it, and what its meaning is for those outside of science. If you want not only to know about science, but also to understand the connections between science and other human interests and endeavors – and the foundations of scientific thought and method – this program is designed for you.
Requirements for the Minor in the Philosophy of Natural Science
This minor is open to majors in biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, computer science or physics, and to others by consent of the Chair of the Philosophy Department.
