COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s in Philosophy at the University at Albany provides a structured yet flexible program that explores major ideas, texts, and methods of inquiry from influential thinkers across the history of philosophy. Students engage with foundational philosophical traditions ranging from ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato to early modern thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and Immanuel Kant, as well as modern and contemporary figures including Thomas Kuhn and Martin Luther King, Jr. The program is designed to develop strong skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and clear communication through the careful analysis of complex philosophical problems.In the early stages of the major, students take foundation courses that address key philosophical issues such as personal identity, consciousness, moral reasoning, religious belief, language and meaning, and formal logic. Core requirements include courses like Introduction to Philosophical Problems or The Mind and the World, Symbolic Logic, Introduction to Ethical Theories or Moral Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, 17th and 18th Century Philosophy, and Information Literacy in the Humanities. These courses provide a strong grounding in both historical and analytical approaches to philosophy.In the later years of study, students choose from a wide range of advanced electives in areas such as political and social philosophy, philosophy of mind, biomedical ethics, ethical theory, and metaphysics. This allows students to tailor their education based on personal interests and career goals while deepening their understanding of specialized philosophical topics.To complete the major, students must earn at least 36 credits in philosophy, including seven additional elective courses with at least one upper-level (400- or 500-level) course. Overall, the program prepares students for careers and further study in fields such as law, public policy, education, ethics, and research, while strengthening their ability to think critically and reason effectively.