Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philosophy?
The word "philosophy" literally means the love of wisdom or knowledge, and originally it meant all knowledge—philosophers were those who sought to know about the world and humans' place in it. The philosopher's field of study included science, medicine, politics, ethics, art, astronomy, psychology, history, and any number of other intellectual endeavors. While many, if not most, of these fields have gradually been parceled out to specialists (such as medical doctors, nuclear physicists, and art historians), philosophers maintain the unique role of being interested in knowledge as such they think about thinking. Consequently, the field of Philosophy is made up of an impressively diverse range of sub-specialties including Philosophy of law, science, religion, mind, and language; ethics (theoretical and applied); political Philosophy; aesthetics; epistemology (theory of knowledge); metaphysics; and a host of others. What unifies this seeming hodge-podge of interests is the spirit and methods that guide the investigations. That spirit is basically the desire to know, and the methods concern the ways in which we can make good on that desire.

What can I do with a Philosophy Degree?
While there are not many employment ads listing Philosopher Needed, there are a number fields, employers, and graduate programs which value highly the skills developed in the course of obtaining a Bachelors in Philosophy. These skills include the ability to read, understand and apply dense, complex, and abstract material of almost any sort; develop logically persuasive arguments on controversial topics; write clearly, succinctly, and objectively; comprehend the history of human thought and particularly, the connections within that history; and generally think well. Thus, any employer seeking a clear thinker who is able to express him or herself verbally and on paper and who has the sort of intellectual curiosity which leads to further growth will value the graduate with a degree in Philosophy. For those seeking to continue their studies, graduate programs (especially law schools) are similarly interested in the skills obtained through the study of Philosophy. Finally, as a result of a growing national concern regarding our ethical behavior in the public realm, there is a burgeoning demand for those who can apply the theoretical study of values and obligations to particular fields such as medicine, business, engineering, and education. (See the information below on the Minor in Professional Ethics offered through New College.)

What are the Requirements for a Bachelors in Philosophy?
There are eight required courses for the major in Philosophy including: Logic, Ethical Analysis, Business Ethics, History of Philosophy I and II, Theory of Knowing or Philosophy of Religion, Feminist Philosophy, and a Senior Seminar (topics to vary). In addition, the student is required to complete nine hours of electives in Philosophy (a variety of which are offered) and History of Christian Theology I and II, and Science and the Modern World. It is also possible to earn a minor in Philosophy. Finally, New College offers a Minor in Professional Ethics in response to the growing need for people in business, non-profits, and other service-oriented professions who are able to identify, evaluate, and act on the various moral dimensions of public service and human resources generally. The requirements include six hours of required courses and eighteen hours of electives on topics such as Legal Ethics, Ethics and Technology, Environmental Ethics, and Medical Ethics.

When are these courses offered?
New College offers several philosophy courses evenings and weekend each semester including summers. As a New College Philosophy major or minor, you also have access to all the traditional undergraduate philosophy offerings and can transfer in philosophy credit from other accredited colleges

Is there someone I can call to get detailed information about the major or minor?
You can reach Professor Jennifer Greene at 512/428-1341 or Professor Danney Ursery at 512/448-8706. Course descriptions of the courses are available in the New College catalog and course rotations can be found on the New College Philosophy Program web site or on the web registration site. Either Professors Greene or Ursery will be happy to talk with you about how this major will fit into the general education curriculum in New College.

How many semesters does it take to complete this major?
The major requires a total of 42 hours and can be completed in four continuous semesters. Some students may need additional general education or elective hours, depending on what classes they transfer into the program. A total of 120 semester hours is required for graduation from St. Edward's University.

Are there other ways to receive Philosophy credit in addition to taking a class?
In addition to seminars and directed studies, students can potentially earn philosophy credit through the Assessment of Prior Learning (the portfolio) or through a challenge examination. The student's prior learning will determine which courses, if any, can be challenged for credit. If credit is received, the student will not have to take the class.

Will the required ethics class count toward the major or minor?
Any Philosophy class taken through New College will count toward your major or minor in Philosophy or if applicable, your minor in Professional Ethics. Because everyone must take Ethical Analysis at St. Edward's New College, this effectively reduces your major requirement to 39 hours.

Will my Philosophy major or minor satisfy requirements in any other curriculum areas?
Depending on the particular class, the courses you take in your Philosophy major or minor could satisfy your St. Edward's University's ethics mission course requirement, requirements in World Cultures and Civilization, Literature and Humanities, U.S. Society, Philosophical and Religious Perspectives, and Science and Society. Your New College advisor or a member of the New College Philosophy faculty can assist you in working out your degree plan.

Why should I major or minor in Philosophy?
The skills acquired in the course of studying Philosophy are both eminently useful and personally enriching. Ideally, the Philosophy student is one who is able to read the most abstract material and make it concretely understood, tackle controversial, seemingly amorphous social issues and present what is at stake with clarity and fairness, and generally lead a more deeply considered (and thus, more meaningful and enjoyable) life both professionally and personally. Plato said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." While many might disagree with strength of this proclamation, few would deny its basic claim—studying Philosophy is one way to begin such an examination.