"All people by nature desire understanding."
–Aristotle
Ever since its appearance
in ancient Greece, philosophy ("love of wisdom") has sought answers
to difficult and perplexing questions such as: What is mind and
how does it relate to the physical world? What is knowledge and
how does it differ from mere belief? What is the nature of value,
and what makes for good human actions, lives, and societies? These
and other philosophical questions arise naturally in the course
of work in the various sciences and humanities. Hence, philosophy
has a natural border with all other academic disciplines and lends
itself to joint studies and collaborations.
Students of philosophy
find that it develops their capacities for clear thinking and careful
reasoning. Studies suggest that philosophy majors score higher than
all other majors on the verbal section of the Graduate Record Examination.
They also score second only to mathematics majors on the Graduate
Management Admissions Test, and third to mathematics and economics
majors on the Law School Admissions Test. These skills, and the
philosophy student's exposure to basic issues of human concern,
make philosophy an excellent preparation for graduate study in law,
business, medicine, and other fields.
Among the benefits of
studying philosophy at Arizona is the opportunity to learn from
some of the most well-respected and widely-recognized philosophers
in the nation and the world. Many of Arizona's faculty are among
the top researchers in their fields. Another benefit is the Philosophy
Club, an informal discussion group for philosophy students who wish
to engage each other and their guests in lively and informative
philosophical exchange.
More Information:
- Undergraduate advising:
Jason Matteson
Social Sciences 218
By Appointment:
matteson@email.arizona.edu
As always, students are welcome to attend the colloquia hosted
by the Department of Philosophy. These are usually (but not always)
held on Friday afternoons at 3:30 in Social Sciences Rm
311. Be sure to check out the Department's Colloquium Schedule!
-
The University of
Arizona Online Catalog (includes up-to-date information
about the Department of Philosophy and its faculty, philosophy
course descriptions, general education requirements, and detailed
major and minor requirements keyed to catalog year)