Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy - Philosophy and Science

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in philosophy and science is an interdisciplinary curriculum requiring a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 30 of those credits in the major area, at least half of which must be upper-level. Students with a strong interest in the philosophy of science and the relation between philosophy and science (and those considering graduate work in an area of science) will probably want to choose the philosophy and science concentration. Student learning outcomes Philosophy core outcomes Upon completing this program, students will be able to: Demonstrate a good knowledge of and facility with the methods and concepts of modern, analytic philosophy Demonstrate a good knowledge of the current state of academic discussion of some of the central philosophical topics Demonstrate some knowledge of the history of philosophy, including both major themes and movements and some specific figures and systems Demonstrate the ability to think critically and systematically about philosophical problems, both abstract and practical, and to write clearly and cogently about them Demonstrate the ability to construct and analyze arguments clearly and cogently, independently of their subject matter Philosophy and science concentration-specific outcomes Demonstrate a good knowledge of philosophical questions about scientific inquiry including but not limited to questions about scientific explanation, the confirmation and disconfirmation of scientific theories, and what distinguishes science from non-science Demonstrate a good knowledge of a particular area of science including the research methods of that area of science

College of Humanities and Sciences