Why Study Philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and value. These are questions that everyone asks:
What am I? Do I have free will? How can we distinguish good from bad or right from wrong? Can we be sure that any of our beliefs are true?
Philosophers examine answers to these questions systematically and critically. Philosophy is also very effective in developing the student's
ability to reason clearly, to distinguish good from bad arguments, to navigate through a complicated maze of questions, and to use intelligence
and logic in situations often ruled by emotions. Students who have taken a large number of philosophy courses excel in entrance exams to
graduate and professional schools. The thinking skills you will develop in your philosophy classes will give you the kind of analytic ability sought
by employers in many professions.
Philosophy at CMU
The Philosophy area offers a variety of courses that both make students aware of fundamental philosophical issues such as those about
moral and other values, but at the same time strengthen their critical powers and enable them to evaluate better their own beliefs as well as
those of other people. Some coursework in this area can benefit students no matter what their field of study.
A major in philosophy is recommended, not only for graduate work in this area, but also as an excellent preparation for law school. A minor
in philosophy is recommended to complement many other majors. A number of philosophy courses are related to specific disciplines including:
Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Art, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy
of Literature, Business Ethics, and Ethics in Health Professions. Courses in the history of philosophy provide a valuable supplement to courses
in the History Department.
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