Philosophy addresses the most fundamental problems that arise when reflecting on the nature of the world and our place in it. Philosophers ask questions such as: What can we know? What are the general features of reality? What is the relation between mind and body? How should one live?
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Philosophical problem examination is primarily conceptual rather than empirical, in that philosophers develop conceptual accounts adequate to the phenomena they want to understand. The study of philosophy equips one to address difficult issues with critical thinking and sound reasoning, skills essential to effective thought and communication.
This major is excellent preparation for professional schools in law, business, medicine and journalism, and for careers in the private and public sector. More information is available from the undergraduate handbook.
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Coursework for the Major
The major requires 33 credits of coursework in philosophy with minimum grades of C.
Required Coursework
- PHH 3100 Ancient Greek Philosophy, 3 credits
- PHH 3400 Modern Philosophy, 3 credits
- PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic, 3 credits
- PHI 3300 Theory of Knowledge or PHI 3500 Metaphysics, 3 credits
- PHI 3650 Moral Philosophy, 3 credits
- Six credits must be at the 4000 level or above, excluding PHH 4911, PHI 4905, PHI 4911 and PHI 4912.
(To enroll in a 4000-level course a student must complete a 3000-level philosophy course or receive instructor permission.)
- The remaining required credits are fulfilled by electives.
- At least 27 of the 33 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.
No more than 15 credits of transfer credit can count toward the degree and no more than three credits of individual work (PHH 4911, PHI 3905, 4905 or 4911) can count toward the required minimum. Prior to advance registration each semester, the department makes available on its website customized descriptions for many of the courses offered that semester.
Course Details
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Research
It is possible to write an honors thesis, which involves independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. This is usually a two-semester process in the final year. Details are in the undergraduate handbook.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used by transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete 1 philosophy course
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Maintain coursework from semester 2
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete 1 additional philosophy course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete 1 additional philosophy course (1 of the 3 courses must be at the 3000 level) with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). Generally, it is a good idea to take the area requirement courses as early as possible; in particular, PHI 3130 Symbolic Logic is best taken earlier rather than later.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Electives |
4 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
Biological or Physical Science
State Core GE-B or P |
3 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
Philosophy elective
2000 level; GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
| Required philosophy course |
3 |
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
Elective or
Humanities (State Core GE-H, if PHI 2010 not taken in semester 2) |
3 |
Philosophy elective
3000 level; GE-H |
3 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
18 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
| Required philosophy courses, two |
6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
Science laboratory
GE-B or P |
1 |
| Total |
13 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
9 |
Philosophy elective
3000 level |
3 |
Philosophy elective
4000 level |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
9 |
Philosophy elective
4000 level |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
Required Philosophy Courses
PHH 3100 (GE-H), PHH 3400 (GE-H), PHI 3130 (GE-M), PHI 3300 (GE-H), PHI 3500 (GE-H), or PHI 3650 (GE-H).
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Related Philosophy Programs
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