Philosophy

The undergraduate courses in philosophy at Saint Louis University address the cultural, critical, and religious objectives of a complete education. The study of philosophy is intended to lead to an understanding of the foundation of ethics and the application of ethical principles; to the development of critical and reflective thought; and to discussion and application of the grounds from which to examine the meaning of life.

The Philosophy Department offers three major tracks: a history track; a health sciences track; and a society and law track.

The Historical Track in Philosophy
Required Courses (30 hours)
One course in each of the following areas:
PL-E 105 Introduction to Philosophy3 credits
PL-A 440 Ancient3 credits
PL-A 450 Medieval 3 credits
PL-A 460 Modern 3 credits
PL-A 47X or 48X Contemporary 3 credits
PL-A 404 Modern Logic 3 credits
PL-A 320 or 325 Philosophy of Being
or Philosophy of God 3 credits
PL-E 205 Ethics 3 credits
PL-A 3XX or 4XX Electives 6 credits

Additional Requirement
Senior inquiry satisfied by one of the following:
PL-A488 Project 0-6 credits
PL-A489 Comprehensive Examination0 credits

The Health Sciences Undergraduate Major in Philosophy
Required Courses (30 hours)
PL-E 105 Introduction to Philosophy 3 credits
PL-E 205 Ethics 3 credits
PL-A 440 Ancient or
PL-A 450 Medieval 3 credits
PL-A 460 Modern 3 credits
PL-A 404 or 406 Logic 3 credits

One (1) course that focuses on a fundamental issue:
PL-A 320 Philosophy of Being, PL-A 325
Philosophy of God, PL-A 330 Philosophy
of Human Nature, or PL-A 486 Problems in
the Philosophy of Religion3 credits

Two (2) of the following:
PL-A 482 Biology and Mind, PL-A 336 Medical
Ethics, PL-A 415 Philosophy of the Physical
Sciences6 credits
PL-A 3XX or
4XX Electives 6 credits
Senior Inquiry 0-3 credits

To fulfill his or her science requirements, a student must either:
· Major or minor in Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology
· Complete the science requirements of Preprofessional Health Studies Students, or
· Complete a minimum of 16 hours in the sciences with 8 hours at the upper division (300-400) level

Philosophy majors who choose this option must also consult with faculty outside of the Philosophy Department in order to determine appropriate science courses.

Society and Law - Undergraduate Major in Philosophy
Required Courses (30 hours)
PL-E 105 Introduction to Philosophy 3 credits
PL-E 205 Ethics 3 credits
PL-A 440 Ancient or
PL-A 450 Medieval 3 credits
PL-A 460 Modern 3 credits
PL-A 404 or 406 Logic 3 credits

One (1) course that focuses on a fundamental issue:
PL-A 320 Philosophy of Being, PL-A 325 Philosophy of God, PL-A 330 Philosophy of Human Nature, or PL-A 486 Problems in the Philosophy of Religion 3 credits

PL-A 433 Philosophy of Law 3 credits

One (1) course that focuses on social/ethical issues:
PL-A 338 Business Ethics, PL-A 336 Medical
Ethics, PL-A 340 Ethics and Engineering,
PL-A 418 Philosophy of Social Sciences, or
PL-A 485 Topics in Advanced Ethics 3 credits
PL-A 3XX or 4XX Electives 6 credits
Senior Inquiry 0-3 credits

Philosophy Minor
Required Courses (18 hours)
PL-E105 3 credits
PL-E205 3 credits
300/400 level philosophy courses 12 credits