The undergraduate degree in philosophy emphasizes knowledge and awareness of:

• some of the principal philosophical texts in the history of western philosophy, from its beginnings in Greece to the late 19th century;
• some of the main currents in 20th century philosophy, including some acquaintance with contemporary philosophical issues and modes of inquiry;
• a single major author or a single philosophical movement; and
• elementary formal logic.

In addition, students completing the ­major will develop the knowledge and skills to:

• form reasoned opinions about the issues—moral, religious, political, etc.—that educated people debate;
• understand, analyze and evaluate complex arguments and theories;
• distinguish between the main thrust of an argument or position and what is ancillary to it;
• discover and critically examine the underlying presuppositions of major systems of ideas or programs for action;
• see important connections between different systems of ideas or programs for action;
• explain difficult ideas and concepts in an informed, effective and coherent manner;
• develop a thesis and present a coherent argument for it;
• write a clear and coherent essay; and
• engage in rational and productive discussion of issues and arguments.