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Philosophy

Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that seeks to provide its students with a broad orientation to the major branches of philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic) and to the various ways philosophy has progressed throughout human history in both Western and Non-Western traditions. The primary goal of our program, however, is not merely to promote the mastery of philosophical content, but to help cultivate the philosophical spirit by nourishing our students' responsiveness to the wonder of being, their commitment to justice, and their overall capacity to explore philosophical issues with creativity and critical insight.

Faculty

  • Dr. Robert J. Connelly, Professor ( Ph.D., St. Louis University)
  • Dr. Bernadette E. O’Connor, Associate Professor (Ph.D., Duquesne University)
  • Dr. Douglas A. Gilmour, Associate Professor (Ph.D., Duke University)
  • Dr. Paul Lewis, Associate Professor and Chair (Ph.D., University of Kentucky)
  • Dr. Chris Edelman, Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ph.D., Emory University)

Career Opportunities

Because philosophy is at the heart of the liberal arts experience, a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy allows students to synthesize insights from a wide variety of fields and sharpen their critical and creative skills in the process. The study of philosophy provides excellent preparation for a number of careers including law, education, religious studies, government, art, library science, and business. Apart from its application to particular careers, philosophy provides students with the opportunity to explore their own sense of personal identity and value, to broaden their views of and commitment to justice, and to deepen the moral and spiritual dimensions of their lives.

Curriculum

The Philosophy Program at UIW emphasizes a core study of the major branches of philosophy, including Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, and Logic;

  • This history of philosophy, including courses in Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary thought
  • World Philosophy (exploring different global traditions of thought); and
  • A selection of special topics, including: Feminist Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Applied Ethics (such as business or biomedical ethics), Aesthetics, Philosophy of Film, Philosophy of Literature, Philosophy of Science and Technology, and Phenomenology and Existentialism.

Major Requirements for the BA in Philosophy

Thirty-three hours specified as follows:
PHIL 1381 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 3312 Logic
PHIL 3318 Theories of Reality and Knowledge
PHIL 3332 Ethics
PHIL 3351 Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 3352 Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 3353 Modern Philosophy
PHIL 3354 Contemporary Philosophy
PHIL 3355 World Philosophy

Plus Six Hours of Upper-Division Elective Courses in Philosophy
 * The minor in philosophy requires 18 hours in philosophy, including PHIL 1381, PHIL 3312, PHIL 3318, PHIL 3332, one course chosen from PHIL 3351, PHIL 3352, PHIL 3353, PHIL 3354, or PHIL 3355 and one additional upper-division course (3000 or 4000 level)*

Contact

Dr. Paul Lewis
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
Email: lewis@uiwtx.edu
Phone: 210-829-6062
Fax: 210-829-3880


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