Philosophy Concentration

This Concentration in Philosophy will develop cadets’ skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, argumentation, and textual analysis. Application of these skills is essential for the citizen-soldier, for each sharpens the cadet’s ability to evaluate and reason, learn from others, and communicate. Cadets will explore the works of great philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to Nietzsche and Wittgenstein, and review questions in ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. Cadets will practice formulating arguments in written works and test their ability to analyze and synthesize knowledge in oral discussions.

Section I: Required Courses (6 hours). Take 2 of the following courses:

(A course taken to fulfill this requirement cannot be counted in Section II—Elective Courses.)

ERH 207W - Ethics Credit Hours: 3
ERH 212W - Ancient Greek and Medieval Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
ERH 213W - Modern and Contemporary Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

Section II: Elective Courses (12 hours). Take 4 courses — at least one of which is at the 300- or 400- level:

ERH 207W - Ethics Credit Hours: 3
ERH 212W - Ancient Greek and Medieval Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
ERH 213W - Modern and Contemporary Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
ERH 201WX - Rhetorical Traditions I Credit Hours: 3
or
ERH 202WX - Rhetorical Traditions II Credit Hours: 3
ERH 211WX - Comparative Religion Credit Hours: 3
ERH 323W - Philosophy and Literature Credit Hours: 3
ERH 331W - Aesthetics Credit Hours: 3
ERH 332W - Logic and Critical Thinking Credit Hours: 3

Note:

When appropriate, other courses may be substituted, e.g., ERH 421W - One Text and ERH 422W - Major Figures . A notation will be included on the course schedule so that cadets are aware of this possibility.