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Undergraduate
Majors must complete at least 30 semester hours within the Department. Of these, five courses (15 credits) are specifically required: Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Ethics, Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, Classical Modern Philosophy, and Symbolic Logic. Students must also take Metaphysics or Epistemology, and one course from a tailored list of upper-level courses. The remainder of the required 30 credits may be chosen from the Department's offerings, though at least 18 of the required 30 credits must be in 100-level courses. See the linked Bulletin description for full details.
Click here for information about the Honors Thesis in Philosophy.
A Minor in Philosophy consists of the successful completion of 18 semester hours in philosophy, under advisement in the department. At least nine hours must be at the 100 level. At least six hours must be in residence.
Minor in Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Science begins from the question What is science? What makes Astronomy and Astrology so different, considering that they draw on the same data? Are the differences between them the same as as the differences between Evolutionary Biology and Intelligent-Design Theory? Then, is Sociology scientific for the same reasons Physics is? Is Psychoanalysis a science? How has culture historically influenced science? Is good science value-free, and if so, are Medicine and Conservation Biology not scientific? These are a few of the central questions in the interdisciplinary field called Philosophy of Science. Since the ancient origins of philosophy, philosophers have been interested in the nature and justification of knowledge. Philosophy of Science is a field with a history extending back to the origins of science as “natural philosophy.” As science developed from the 16th century, scientists and philosophers began to analyze how scientific knowledge is justified and how scientific discoveries happen. Philosophers of Science still discuss these questions, examining how science depicts reality, trying to understand the nature of rationality and understanding, and considering the relationships between science and human society, culture, and values.
Hofstra’s Minor in Philosophy of Science is primarily designed for students majoring in a particular science, but is also appropriate for students in any major (other than Philosophy) wanting to study the nature of science, medicine, and technology. This minor enables students to develop broader views of their major fields, to appreciate the historical developments in science, and to improve at the critical evaluation of scientific knowledge and methods of inquiry. The Minor provides valuable context for a career in health and medicine, science-teaching, policy, law, and other fields. It includes 18 credits of courses, including a few required Philosophy courses, and a range of choices from Philosophy courses and discussions of the nature of science in other departments.
The minor in philosophy of law introduces students to philosophical reflection on the practices and institutions of the law. The minor develops in students analytical and critical thinking skills that are broadly valuable, and especially crucial for graduate study in law. It consists of the successful completion of 18 semester hours. At least six semester hours must be in residence. This includes four required courses (12 s.h.) and two courses (6 s.h.) chosen from a list of approved courses in various departments. Fifteen semester hours must be for liberal arts credit.
Concentration in Applied Ethics
Majors or minors may concentrate their philosophy pursuits in the area of Applied Ethics. Offerings typically include courses that bring normative theories to bear on special fields of concern, e.g. environmental or bioethics. Students interested in public affairs and/or professional studies may also take advantage of this track. Consult with the program advisor:
Ralph R. Acampora
Associate Professor
104G Heger Hall
(516) 463-6472
E-mail
Use the prefix PHI (Philosophy) to find the most up-to-date information about philosophy courses.