Department of Philosophy of the University of Florida
Program Description
Undergraduate Philosophy Major & Minor
Students who wish to major or minor in philosophy should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator, and print a copy of the current Philosophy Major’s Handbook or pick one up from the Philosophy Department office, 330 Griffin-Floyd Hall. If you have any questions about the information below, we invite you to contact the Undergraduate Coordinator.
Information on the Major
- Program Description (this document)
- Academic Learning Compact for the Major
- Philosophy Major’s Handbook
- Philosophy Major’s Career Handbook
- UF Catalog: the Major requirements, in brief
- Liberal Arts general Degree Requirements
The Department
The Philosophy Department is located on the third floor of recently renovated Griffin-Floyd Hall, one of the original buildings on the campus of the University of Florida, which is located on the Plaza of the Americas. The faculty of the Department represents a wide range of interests, ranging from the history of philosophy, to epistemology, the philosophy of language, the philosophy of mind, philosophical logic, logic, the philosophy of physics, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of the social sciences, metaphysics, contemporary and 19th century continental philosophy, ethics (including applied ethics) and political philosophy.
The Major
Beginning with students admitted for the Fall 1997 catalog year, the philosophy major requires 33 hours in philosophy. Of these, no more than six may be below the 3000-level and at least one must be at the 4000-level. In addition, majors must complete the history requirement, the logic requirement, the ethics requirement, the epistemology requirement, and a philosophical writing requirement. The history requirement consists of the sequence Ancient Philosophy PHH 3103 and Modern Philosophy PHH 3402. The logic requirement can be satisfied with either Logic PHI 2100 or Symbolic Logic PHI 3130. The department recommends that philosophy majors take PHI 3130 to fulfill the logic requirement. The ethics requirement is satisfied by Moral Philosophy PHI 3560 or Ethical Theory PHI 4662. The philosophical writing requirement is satisfied by PHI 3950. The epistemology requirement is satisfied by Theory of Knowledge, PHI 3360. The remaining 15 hours are electives.
Students admitted in the 1996/97 caledar year must complete 30 hours in philosophy. Of these, at least three hours must be at the 4000 level, no more than six may be below the 3000-level, and no more than 15 hours in transfer credit may be counted toward the total required for the major. In addition, the philosophy major requires the history sequence, Ancient Philosophy PHH 3103 and Modern Philosophy PHH 3402, and satisfaction of the logic requirement by taking either PHI 2100 or PHI 3130. The remaining 21 hours are electives. Students wishing to prepare for postgraduate or professional work, however, should meet with the undergraduate coordinator to discuss what program would be most appropriate.
Students with a catalog year earlier than 1996/7 need a minimum of 27 hours in philosophy. The 27 hours must include the history sequence (PHH 3103 Ancient Greek Philosophy, and PHH 3402 Modern Philosophy), logic (either PHI 2100 or PHI 3130), not more than two courses on the 2000 level, and at least two from the 4000 or 5000 level. The history sequence generally must be completed by majoring students before any 4000 level work is begun (always consult the instructor if in doubt). No more than three hours of independent study (PHI 4905) shall be counted in the minimum.
No more than 15 hours of transfer credit may be counted toward the major.
Honors
For graduation with honors a student must attain a 3.5 overall upper-division average. For high or highest honors a student must also complete an Honors project (PHI 4912) for an additional three credits. The project is advanced and, usually, independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. Application to undertake the project should be made to the Undergraduate Coordinator by the student and director together at least one and preferably two semesters before graduation. The Undergraduate Committee shall evaluate the project papers for high or highest honors.
The Minor
To qualify as having a minor a student needs a minimum of 15 hours in philosophy, i.e., five courses. Of these no more than six hours may be transfer credit. The 15 hours must include at least one part of the history sequence (i.e., PHH 3103 or PHH 3402) and, if only one part of the sequence is elected, a logic course (PHI 2100 or PHI 3130). At least three courses must be at the 3000 level or higher; only one of these may be independent study (PHI 4905).
Overseas Studies
Students majoring in philosophy are encouraged to consider taking advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. Information about opportunities for study abroad can be obtained from the UF International Center, 129 Tigert Hall.
General Education
Courses are available at all levels (2000, 3000, 4000) and in diverse categories (H, M, I). Normally freshmen and sophomores elect their first philosophy course at the 2000 level. Upperclass and repeat electives are subject only to stated course prerequisites and to individual discretion. A quick listing of courses being offered in the current/upcoming semester is available on the Department web site (and, of course, in the Schedule of Classes). To assist selection, the Department provides detailed descriptions of all its courses for the upcoming (and current) semester, which can be obtained from the department office, 330 Griffin-Floyd Hall. Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.