Philosophy
Areas of Study
The philosophy department represents all major traditions within Western philosophy as well as some Eastern traditions. Faculty also have genuine interdisciplinary interests, including scholarship in the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts. Courses address questions about the nature of reality and how the mind relates to the body. They discuss the scope of human knowledge and the nature of the sciences and how biology, for instance, might differ from the other sciences. A substantial number of courses also focus on ethics in attempting to delineate the underlying principles of our ordinary practices of holding each other accountable, and investigate the differences among various cultural traditions in this respect. Of course, courses also explore in greater depth the work of various philosophical sages and classical authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Kant and Hegel, to name a few.
Requirements
In the pursuit of a philosophy major, students receive a well-rounded philosophical education and a broad familiarity with the various philosophical traditions and systematic areas in philosophy. At the same time, students have freedom to choose among a variety of courses to fulfill the requirements for their major.
The minimum requirement is ten semester courses in philosophy that satisfy the five requirements below:
- Two Courses in the History of Philosophy: 1) either Ancient (225) or Medieval Philosophy (230); and 2) either Early Modern Philosophy (235) or Modern Philosophy (241)
- One Course in Theoretical Philosophy: either Metaphysics (201); Theory of Knowledge (209), Phenomenology (245); Process Philosophy (252); Philosophy of Mind (261); Philosophy of Science (271); or Philosophy of Biology (272)
- One Course in Practical Philosophy: either Ethics (204); Foundations of Ethics (207); Environmental Political Philosophy (247); Environmental Philosophy (249); Medical Ethics (250); Theory of Value (256); Philosophy of Art (260); Political Philosophy (265); or Contemporary Political Philosophy (267)
- One Course in Logic: either Symbolic Logic (215) or Logic and Language (242)
- At least two advanced (300-level) seminars
Only one introductory course, PHIL 110 or a Montserrat seminar carrying a “P” (for Philosophy), and that is taught by a member of the Philosophy Department, can count toward the major.
The philosophy minor provides students with some acquaintance in the history of philosophy and its systematic areas. It encourages students to supplement their major in choosing courses that reflect on the foundations of that discipline.
The minimum requirement for the minor is six semester courses in philosophy that satisfy the three requirements below:
- One Course in the History of Philosophy: either Ancient (225), Medieval (230), Early Modern (235) or Modern Philosophy (241)
- One Course from either theoretical or practical philosophy as defined above
- At least one advanced (300-level) seminar
Only one introductory course, PHIL 110 or a Montserrat seminar carrying a “P” (for Philosophy), and that is taught by a member of the Philosophy Department, can count toward the minor.
Note for majors studying abroad: only 5 of the required courses for the major may be taken at a college other than Holy Cross.
Note for minors studying abroad: only 4 of the required courses for the major may be taken at a college other than Holy Cross.
As a first-year student, you may enroll in Philosophical Inquiries (PHIL 110) as an introduction to philosophy. Montserrat seminars carrying a "P" (for Philosophy), and that are taught by a member of the Philosophy Department, fulfill the same function. Only one of the two (110 or a Montserrat) can, however, count toward the major or minor.
Past the first year you can start your philosophical journey by taking any 200 level philosophy course that suits your interests and then take courses to fulfill various major or minor requirements. In your last two years, complete your required 200 level courses and take at least two 300 level seminars in areas of interest. Also, in Spring of your Junior year, if you qualify, you may want to apply for our honors program.
Meet Your Department Chair
Opportunities
Department Honors Program
Qualified students are encouraged to apply to the departmental honors program designed to provide outstanding majors the opportunity to devote their senior year to independent research, culminating in a thesis and oral presentation.
Summer Research
As part of Holy Cross’ Summer Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Fine Arts, students can apply to do summer research on a philosophical topic with a philosophy professor.
Department Colloquia Series
Departmental colloquia series, with campus lectures by, and conversations with, renowned philosophers from around the country and around the world, further enhance the education of our students.
Philosophy Club
Students have ample opportunity to nourish their insatiable philosophical appetite with pizza at meetings of the student-run Philosophy Club, honing their debating skills with lively exchanges and informal activities, including book discussions and movies.
Phi Sigma Tau
The department is a member of Phi Sigma Tau, the National Honor Society in Philosophy.
Outcomes
Philosophy students develop highly valued and transferable skills. It is an excellent stand-alone major and an ideal second major or minor for students interested in examining the foundations of another discipline. Holy Cross philosophy students have done well in many fields including academia, media, communications, business and teaching. Philosophy is also known to be a rigorous preparation for law school.