Aims and Objectives

Philosophy pursues clarity and depth of thought, critical thinking skills, and effective communication skills. These emphases place philosophy at the very center of the Ursuline Studies Program, the interdisciplinary studies that constitute the liberal arts core. An appreciation of the philosophical dimension of reality not only marks an educated person but also enhances the skills demanded by a changing business and professional world.

Philosophy Fact Sheet

Course Requirements

Philosophy Major

Majors complete 30 credit hours of philosophy including PH 205, 221 and either 260 or 350.

Philosophy Minor

Minors complete 18 credit hours of philosophy including PH 205 and 221.

Course Descriptions

PH 205
Logic (3)
A study of the principles of critical and creative thinking with emphasis on practical applications. Ursuline Studies Stage II Western Culture satellite (WE).

PH 221
Ancient Philosophy (3)
An introduction to the history of philosophy and the origin of philosophical problems through the study of the pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle. Ursuline Studies Stage II World Culture satellite (WO).

PH 260
Bioethics (3)
An introduction to ethics and an inquiry into the major ethical problems regarding issues of life and death. Ursuline Studies Stage II Western Culture satellite (WE).

PH 275
American Political Philosophy (3)
A study of the philosophical foundations of American democracy including an examination of selected classical theories of social and political thought providing the context for the development of basic American political concepts. Ursuline Studies Stage II American Culture satellite (AM).

PH 325
Philosophy of the Human Person (3)
A study of the nature of the human person as a being with potential to know, choose, and relate to others. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 328
Philosophy and Psychology (3)
A study of major thinkers like Kierkegaard, Freud, Lacan, Piaget, etc., who bridge the gap between the two domains.

PH 331
Social and Political Philosophy (3)
An introduction to social and political philosophy through a study of selected writings of thinkers from Plato to Marx.

PH 340
Animals and Ethics (3)
A study of the various approaches to the question of how humans ought to act in relationship to nonhuman animals. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 350
Ethical Values (3)
A discussion of the principles of ethical action and application of these principles to some contemporary issues. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 355
Business Ethics (3)
A critical examination of competing ethical theories and their application to concrete practical issues in today's business environment. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 365
Existential Philosophy (3)
An examination of the existential trend in philosophy from Kierkegaard and Nietzsche to Beauvoir and Sartre. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 370
Philosophy of Woman (3)
A consideration of philosophical principles that have affected philosophers' assumptions about the nature of woman. Study of selections from various periods of philosophy as well as contemporary feminist thought. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 371
Women Philosophers (3)
A study of selected women philosophers from ancient to contemporary times and consideration of their contribution to the history of philosophy. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 425
Philosophy and Literature (3)
A discussion of the philosophical aspects of several literary works. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 430
Philosophy of Art (3)
A study of the meaning of art, the nature of artistic intuition, and the creative process. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 431
Philosophy of Science (3)
A study of major issues in philosophy of science including the problem of scientific change and the philosophical implications of science. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 435
Philosophy of Religion (3)
An analysis of the grounds for belief and disbelief in God's existence, rational arguments, religious experiences, and faith. Ursuline Studies Stage III Philosophy satellite.

PH 441, 442
Reading Seminar (3, 3)
Reading and discussion of philosophical works dealing with special problems of topical interest.

PH 461, 462
Independent Study (1-3, 1-3)
Directed study of a specific philosophical problem or topic.

PH 475
Academic Internship (credit varies)
An off-campus learning experience to provide the student with the opportunity to relate academic and educational goals to learning experiences and situations beyond the limits of the classroom.

PH 288, 488
Special Topics (3)

PH 199, 299, 399, 499
External Learning (credit varies)
Measurable and verifiable learning which has occurred outside of the traditional classroom setting. Numerical designation indicates level of proficiency in the topic. Courses for which there is an exact Ursuline College equivalent are listed by the appropriate numerical designation. "PL" is listed for all course titles for which credit is granted through external learning assessment.