Philosophy
 |
 |
 |
 |
Outcome Statements for Philosophy Majors
By the time a student graduates from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in Philosophy, s/he should:
- Recognize patterns of valid and fallacious logical reasoning, and basics of logical theory (PHL 101 and PHL 451)
- Read a major philosophical text analytically and be able to write out critical evaluations of philosophical arguments (PHL 205);
- Be familiar with major ethical theories and their practical applications (PHL 212 and PHL 314);
- Possess a basic knowledge of the history of philosophy, in particular Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy (PHL 321 and PHL 323);
- Be familiar with the “Analytic” approach to philosophical questions, and at least one of the fields of philosophical inquiry in which this approach is most commonly practiced (PHL 341, PHL 342, and PHL 452);
- Be familiar with the “Continental” approach to philosophical questions, and at least one of the fields of philosophical inquiry in which this approach is most commonly practiced (PHL 204, PHL 318, PHL 324, and PHL 346);
- Be able to engage critically both the primary and secondary literature on philosophical subject matter, to present one’s critical assessment orally to a group, and to produce a written document reflecting one’s independent research on a philosophical subject (PHL 490); and
Optional
8. Be able to write a substantial essay on a given philosophical topic reflecting directed research and independent analysis and conclusions (PHL 499).
