Major in Philosophy
Explore ethics, the history of western thought, political theory, theories of knowledge, free will, legal reasoning, and more.
As a philosophy major at Santa Clara University, you will explore questions about the nature of reality, mind, knowledge, truth, and human freedom. You will also discuss matters of moral and social import, such as whether moral standards are subjective, what makes a person virtuous or an action right, and how to think about contemporary moral dilemmas created by modern technologies and current social situations. Because you will learn to think critically, to argue soundly, and to communicate precisely, a major in philosophy is excellent preparation for a variety of careers.
Visit the Department of Philosophy website 
Major Requirements
Lower-Division
- Two lower-division courses from Philosophy 2-10, 11A, 12A, 13A, 60-89
- Philosophy 25 or 27, 50, 51, 52, 53
- Two historical courses from two different periods numbered 130 - 139
- One course from Phil 120 - 129
- One course from Phil 125 or 140 - 149
- Four additional upper-division courses from Phil 109-199
