Philosophy
Jessica VanZuilen, Holland Hall 426
507-786-3351
vanzui2@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/philosophy
The aim of the Philosophy Department is to engage students in disciplined and imaginative thinking about philosophical issues. Philosophical questions fall primarily into four groups: questions about the nature of reality (metaphysics), about reasoning and inference (logic), about knowledge (epistemology), and about values and society, including moral values (ethics) and aesthetic values. These questions, which arise naturally in the course of a liberal education, are not only fascinating in their own right, they also touch on issues central to understanding and improving human life in our own society and in the world. Because they involve complex and controversial issues, there are no easy answers. Yet it matters greatly which answers are accepted, and it is therefore important to engage in discussion with others who face these questions and to seek to learn from the philosophers of the past and present.
Engaging in philosophy develops skills in careful and fair-minded interpretation, creative but rigorous argumentation, and perceptive, wise evaluation of complex issues. These valuable abilities are applicable to any subject matter and in any human context and are useful for negotiating the ambiguities of today’s career paths.
Overview of the Major
A major in philosophy is highly recommended not only for those who wish to pursue graduate study in philosophy but also as preparation for other careers that require the ability to think in a creative and disciplined manner about questions that are new or whose method of solution is debated, including careers in law, theology, business, management, medicine, journalism, politics, and education.
Philosophy majors are encouraged to participate in the student-run Philosophy Forum, to attend special lectures and events sponsored by the department, to explore study abroad programs, and to participate in departmental social events.
Distinction
See Academic Honors
Departmental distinction is awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated the very highest level of academic excellence in our discipline. In keeping with College policy, Departmental distinction is highly selective, and is only awarded to a very small number of students each year.
The Department awards distinction according to the criteria below.
Criteria for Departmental Distinction in Philosophy
The two primary criteria for awarding distinction are (i) the candidate’s GPA in philosophy and (ii) truly outstanding philosophical writing as shown by a portfolio of submitted papers. Regarding the GPA, only students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher in the philosophy major as shown on Degree Path at the time of their application will be eligible for distinction. Among students who pass that threshold, the quality of the portfolio papers is the primary consideration. Therefore, consistently high grades in philosophy courses is a necessary but not sufficient condition for distinction.
The portfolio papers will be evaluated based on how well they demonstrate the following qualities:
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clarity in the statement of a position,
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care in the analysis of an issue,
-
cogency of argument,
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overall coherence in statement and argument,
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the range of considerations brought to bear on the issue,
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the imagination, creativity, and style with which all of this is done, and
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the display of intellectual virtues, such as humility regarding what one knows and respect for those with whom one disagrees
Procedure for Applying
The application for distinction in philosophy shall consist of:
(i) A pdf of the top of the student’s degree path page showing their philosophy major GPA.
(ii) A portfolio of two or three philosophy papers that demonstrate the student’s best work from their philosophy courses. At least one of these papers must be a term paper from a 300-level seminar (a term paper from an Independent Research can also be used for this purpose) which is at least 12 pages in length. **Students are expected to revise their papers in accordance with the instructor’s comments and with the student’s further reflection.**
Portfolio papers will be evaluated by a committee made up of Philosophy Department faculty. The committee will present their evaluation to the entire Department as a basis for its vote.
The deadline for Distinction applications is in the late spring each year, and will be communicated via email to all philosophy majors in early April.
Special Resources
The Howard and Edna Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf is an internationally acclaimed center for the study of Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher who is widely recognized as the father of existentialism. Every year, researchers from around the world come to the library to participate in its visiting fellows program. It is an invaluable resource for students, too. A number of philosophy students have worked in the library, and seniors and recent undergraduates have participated in the library's fellowship program for young scholars. The library also sponsors The Reed, an undergraduate journal of existential thought.
The Eunice Belgum Memorial Lectures are delivered annually by leading philosophers from around the world. Recent lecturers include Jay Garfield, Costică Brădăţan, Meghan Sullivan, Eleonore Stump, Edward Langerak, John Cooper, Charles Mills, and Louise Anthony. Simon Critchley was the lecturer for 2023-2024.
The aim of the Philosophy Department is to engage students in disciplined and imaginative thinking about philosophical issues. Philosophical questions fall primarily into four groups: questions about the nature of reality (metaphysics), about reasoning and inference (logic), about knowledge (epistemology), and about values and society, including moral values (ethics) and aesthetic values. These questions, which arise naturally in the course of a liberal education, are not only fascinating in their own right, they also touch on issues central to understanding and improving human life in our own society and in the world. Because they involve complex and controversial issues, there are no easy answers. Yet it matters greatly which answers are accepted, and it is therefore important to engage in discussion with others who face these questions and to seek to learn from the philosophers of the past and present.
Engaging in philosophy develops skills in careful and fair-minded interpretation, creative but rigorous argumentation, and perceptive, wise evaluation of complex issues. These valuable abilities are applicable to any subject matter and in any human context and are useful for negotiating the ambiguities of today’s career paths.
Requirements for the Regular Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 240 | Formal Logic | 1.00 |
| Three level III seminar courses 1,2 | 3.00 | |
| Four Level II distribution requirements (one in each category) | ||
| I. Metaphysics & Epistemology | 1.00 | |
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Philosophical Theology | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Space and Time | ||
| II. Value Theory | 1.00 | |
| Aesthetics | ||
| Biomedical Ethics | ||
| Science, Ethics, and Religion | ||
| Ethics and the Good Life | ||
| Law, Politics, and Morality | ||
| Friendship, Love, and the Good Life | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Ethics, Economics, and the Marketplace | ||
| Moral Theory | ||
| III. History of Western Philosophy | 1.00 | |
| Ancient Greek Philosophy | ||
| History of Modern Philosophy | ||
| IV. Expanding Perspectives (satisfied by level II or level III) 3 | 1.00 | |
| Latin American Philosophy | ||
| Philosophy and Feminism | ||
| Asian Philosophy | ||
| Race and Social Justice | ||
| Elective course 4 | 1.00 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Level III seminar courses may not be taken S/U
- 2
Policy Concerning PHIL 398 Independent Research (IR) (Adopted 2/12/08)
In special circumstances, an IR course may be substituted for a level III seminar. The circumstances are as follows:
1) the IR must have a special relevance to the student's program of study in the major or integrative major, serving as a capstone experience;
2) by November 1 of the senior year, the student must present a petition to the chair of the philosophy department before registering for spring courses. The petition should include a rationale explaining the special relevance of the project to his or her major. The chair has full authority to grant or decline the petition;
3) no more than one IR course, which must be taken graded, can be used to fulfill the requirement; the other level III course(s) must be seminar courses.
- 3
PHIL 371, 372, 373, 374, or 375 will count toward the major if devoted to a topic that satisfies category IV Expanding Perspectives.
- 4
Students who complete the Enduring Questions, Public Affairs Conversation, or Science Conversation receive credit for one elective philosophy course toward the major.
Requirements for the Integrative Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Seven courses in philosophy, including: 1 | 7.00 | |
| Either of the following: | ||
| Ancient Greek Philosophy | ||
| History of Modern Philosophy | ||
| Two level III seminar courses in philosophy 2,3 | ||
| Three level II or III courses in another department and/or program chosen to complement the work in philosophy 4 | 3.00 | |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
- 1
Students who complete the Enduring Questions, Public Affairs Conversation, or Science Conversation receive credit for one elective philosophy course toward the major.
- 2
The two level III seminar courses in philosophy may not be taken S/U
- 3
Policy Concerning PHIL 398 Independent Research (IR) (Adopted 2/12/08)
In special circumstances, an IR course may be substituted for a level III seminar. The circumstances are as follows:
1) the IR must have a special relevance to the student's program of study in the major or contract major, serving as a capstone experience;
2) by November 1 of the senior year, the student must present a petition to the chair of the philosophy department before registering for spring courses. The petition should include a rationale explaining the special relevance of the project to his or her major. The chair has full authority to grant or decline the petition;
3) no more than one IR course, which must be taken graded, can be used to fulfill the requirement; the other level III course(s) must be seminar courses.
- 4
Students must write a rationale that states why the three chosen courses outside of the philosophy department should count toward the philosophy major. Students must submit the rationale to the department chair for consideration of approval.
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
Integrative Major Form
The integrative major form can be found here.
PHIL 117: Confucius, Buddha, and Socrates
Confucius, Buddha, and Socrates are foundational philosophers of the ancient world. Yet, Socrates holds a privileged position in the history of philosophy due to his emphasis on reason, argumentation, and his influence on Plato. In this course students take a comparative approach to the philosophies of these three thinkers with the aim of examining their method of practicing philosophy, analyzing their philosophical theories, and investigating what it is to be a philosopher in each of their cultures. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: first-year student or sophomore standing.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies.
PHIL 118: Knowledge, Reality, and the Self
This course is a historical introduction to philosophy, a discipline which pursues fundamental questions about the nature of reality and our place within it. Students critically engage with philosophical works across multiple periods and perspectives, while developing their own point of view on major philosophical questions. Specific topics vary, but typical examples include: What can we know, and how can we know it? What is a meaningful life? Is reality objective? What is the self? Offered annually.
Prerequisite: first-year student or sophomore standing.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies.
PHIL 119: Moral Psychology
This seminar provides an introduction to philosophy that compares psychological and philosophical approaches to moral behavior and character. The course examines the nature of those states of mind that are thought to constitute moral (or evil) character and produce moral (or evil) actions, relationships, and societies. States considered may include humility, self-respect, beneficence, compassion, caring, anger, forgiveness, courage, and truthfulness. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: first-year student or sophomore standing.
OLE Core Requirement: Social Science.
PHIL 120: Philosophy in Literature
Literature provides rich resources for thinking through central philosophical questions, including the metaphysics and ethics of freedom; the problem of evil; the role of character in choice and action; the nature of morality; rebellion and human solidarity; God's existence and relation to the world; and the nature of truth. This course explores philosophical ideas in literary works of several different genres by studying plot, character, point-of-view, imagery, and symbolism. Offered periodically.
OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
PHIL 121: Conservative Philosophy in History
The course examines significant conservative social and political philosophies of the modern period. What do conservative philosophies want to "conserve" and how do answers to that question distinguish varieties of conservatism (e.g., traditional, libertarian)? What are strengths and weaknesses of conservatism? Students explore key conservative ideas of thinkers like Hume, Adam Smith, Burke, Hamilton, Madison, Tocqueville, Maistre, Newman, Spencer, Oakeshott, C. S. Lewis, Orwell, Kirk, Viereck, Niebuhr, Rand, Nozick, MacIntyre, Wojtyla, Ratzinger, Sowell, Sommers, Scruton. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies.
PHIL 127: Zen and the Art of Judo
Judo is an Olympic sport and martial art widely known for its dynamic throws, slick submissions, and grueling conditioning. However, the founder of judo also intended it to be a system of moral education rooted in the philosophical traditions of Japan. In this course students learn the physical aspects of judo through intensive practice and the philosophical aspects of judo through studying Zen Buddhism and the writings of judo's founder, Jigoro Kano. Offered during January term.
OLE Core Requirement: Active Body.
PHIL 140: Myth, Reason, and the Death of the Gods
This course explores tensions between mythical worldviews-in which traditional stories explain things-and rational worldviews-which find explanations in universal laws. Students witness the decline of myth in Greek epics, tragedies, and philosophy. They discover related patterns in Old Testament writings and Lakota myths. The conflict between myth and reason, however, is also part of our world. Students investigate the contemporary meaning of myth with help from philosophers including Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Arendt.
OLE Core Requirement: Religion, Faith and Values.
PHIL 225: Introduction to PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
This course is an introduction to PPE, an interdisciplinary field that pursues the powerful connections among its three defining disciplines (philosophy, politics, and economics). Students engage with core topics in the field - such as markets, collective action, justice, and public choice - from a variety of ideological perspectives, such as libertarianism, Marxism, liberalism, and feminism. They learn how to integrate different disciplinary approaches in application to both theoretical and policy debates. Not open to first-year students except by special permission. Offered annually during fall semester.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 231: Philosophy of Mind
Is there anything about the human mind that cannot in principle be understood scientifically? Are we just complex physical machines? This course looks at recent attempts to answer such questions. Students examine the philosophical foundations of various approaches to the study of the mind and consider the possible moral and social implications of these approaches with respect to questions of free will, personal identity, and our responsibility for our actions. Offered annually.
PHIL 233: Existentialism
This course traces the development of the idea of authentic existence in the Existentialist tradition beginning with Søren Kierkegaard, then through thinkers such as Martin Heidegger, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Hannah Arendt, and Albert Camus. Among other things, we will observe how ethical thinking has moved from the language of duty to that of personal answerability, and how the search for meaningful existence has increasingly become the responsibility of the individual. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies.
PHIL 235: Ancient Greek Philosophy
This course surveys the origins and development of ancient Greek philosophy from the Presocratics in the 6th century BCE through Plato and Aristotle in the 4th century BCE. Students read and analyze primary texts in translation in order to examine the historical foundations of philosophical issues in cosmogony, natural philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, psychology, and ethics. As time permits, the course may include writings from one or more of the Hellenistic schools of Epicureans, Stoics, and Skeptics. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or permission of instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 236: History of Modern Philosophy
This course examines philosophical developments from the 17th through 19th centuries, with a focus on the emergence of a distinctively modern sense of self. We ask what it means to be modern, and how modern science and philosophy have served as both liberating and alienating forces in shaping the world today. We engage canonical European thinkers and philosophical texts, while also highlighting marginalized voices--with significant contributions from women and Black philosophers. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or permission of instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 240: Formal Logic
Formal systems of logic attempt to make principles of good reasoning explicit. This course introduces two such systems of logic: propositional and predicate calculus. Students learn to use formal techniques to analyze arguments and explore philosophical issues related to meta-theory, including consistency and completeness, the paradoxes of material implication, ontological commitment, and the interpretation of quantifiers. Offered annually.
PHIL 241: Philosophical Theology
This course is a philosophical inquiry into the core commitments of Christian theism in the context of other world religions and naturalism. Central themes include beliefs about the existence and nature of God, the doctrines of the trinity and incarnation, redemption and ritual, human free will and responsibility, revelation and reason, religious experience, the problem of evil, different views of life after death, miracles and historical inquiry, and religious pluralism. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Christian Theology in Dialogue.
PHIL 242: Latin American Philosophy
This course surveys the philosophy of the Latin American world, considering both the writings of philosophers from Latin America as well as philosophical explorations of issues relevant to Latin America. Students explore how issues such as race, imperialism, political emancipation, and postcolonialism have been approached and understood in Latin American contexts. Prior coursework in philosophy or Latin American studies is recommended but not required. Offered periodically in January term.
OLE Core Requirement: Writing Across the Curriculum; Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 243: Aesthetics
A philosophical inquiry into beauty and art. Students investigate the relationship between beauty, goodness, and truth, and examine different accounts of art, its value, meaning, and the standards by which it should be judged. Themes include the nature of creativity, censorship, and the significance -- cultural, moral, and religious -- of art. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Creativity.
PHIL 244: Philosophy of Science
Using examples from the natural sciences, this course examines fundamental concepts of science, including scientific method, the nature of scientific theories and hypotheses, objectivity in data collection and analysis, the use of technology in making observations, confirmation versus falsification, and explanation versus prediction. To illustrate why non-scientists need to understand scientific practice the course also considers controversies such as global warming and intelligent design. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 245: Philosophy and Feminism
Students examine feminist critiques of aspects of contemporary culture that shape women's lives, such as conventional morality, science, education, art, medicine, law, religion, and marriage. Students critically examine philosophical views that underlie these institutions, including views of human nature, gender, rationality, knowledge, morality, justice, and the value of autonomy. Alternative feminist views that promote feminist aims are explored and evaluated. Offered periodically.
OLE Core Requirement: Power and Race.
PHIL 246: Space and Time
An exploration of problems about the nature of space and time that are of common interest to philosophers and scientists: Do space and time have boundaries? Are space and time independent of minds and bodies? How are space and time conceived in classical vs. relativistic physics? What is the geometry of space? Is time travel possible? What is God's relation to space and time? Offered during January Term.
PHIL 247: Selected Topics in Philosophy
Discussion of philosophical topics of general interest and concern. Topics vary from year to year, and include an introduction to theory of knowledge, philosophy of language, medieval philosophy, American philosophy, and twentieth-century Continental philosophy. Offered periodically.
OLE Core Requirement: Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 249: Asian Philosophy
Asian philosophy is a long and broad period, "beginning" in 6th century BCE China and continuing throughout Asia to the present day. This course spans the Spring and Autumn Period (722-481 BCE) and the Warring States Period (403-221 BCE) of ancient China and the Golden Age of Buddhist philosophy in ancient India (1st century BCE to 7th century CE). In the former we will focus on the Confucians, the Mohists, and the Daoists. In the latter we will focus on Madhyamaka and Yogacara. The guiding thread behind this course is the concept of the path. What is the path? How do we know it? Why should we follow it? How does following it inform our lives and communities?
OLE Core Requirement: Global Histories and Societies; Religion, Faith and Values.
PHIL 250: Biomedical Ethics
This course clarifies central concepts and distinctions developed in the literature of moral philosophy and applications of those concepts and distinctions to concrete moral problems that arise in the practice of medicine. Issues may include euthanasia, abortion, medical paternalism, allocation of scarce medical resources, culturally sensitive medical care, pandemics, and conflicts of loyalty in managed care. Readings are drawn from both philosophical and medical discussions. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 251: Science, Ethics, and Religion
Modern science raises important challenges for ethics and religion. Some are theoretical: can evolutionary and cognitive science be fully accommodated by religious persons and moral realists? Are the arguments for God's existence helped or hurt by modern science? Scientific developments also give rise to practical challenges for ethics. Should we radically enhance human nature? Does neuroscience show that we can't be morally responsible? Should we worry about global catastrophes? Students explore these or related questions. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 252: Ethics and the Good Life
This course examines the main Western ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral concerns. Theoretical issues may include rights, duties, virtue, hedonism, egoism, the relation between ethics and theology, the fact-value distinction, relativism, and pluralism. Students discuss current topics such as global economic justice, euthanasia, the death penalty, animal rights, censorship, racism, privacy rights versus public safety, reproductive ethics, and environmental ethics. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 253: Democracy: Rule of the Ignorant?
Democracy is widely regarded as a triumph of liberal civilization. Yet democratic citizens are so often ignorant, irrational, and narrow-minded. Meanwhile, a new wave of populists, elitists, and autocrats are challenging democratic institutions and assumptions. This course explores the moral justifications for democracy in light of major objections and investigates whether there is something genuinely virtuous about the kind of society it sustains. Students discuss sources in philosophy and political science. Offered periodically.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 254: Law, Politics, and Morality
This course considers the relationships between moral principles, law, and the practice of governments. Topics may include the "Just War" debate, censorship, property rights and distributive justice, natural law, political liberalism and its critics, whether governments should act in accordance with specific moral principles or remain neutral, the tensions between individual rights and the good of the community, and the role of religion in public life. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 255: Race and Social Justice
This course analyzes issues concerning race and social justice from the perspective of normative ethical frameworks and various theories of value. Students investigate, interpret, and critique both intellectual foundations and reasons for endorsement of the various approaches to study in grace and social justice. Students pay critical attention to how the Black intellectual tradition understands the meanings and moral implications of such ideas. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Power and Race.
PHIL 256: Friendship, Love, and the Good Life
Moral issues concerning friendship and love are analyzed from the perspective of normative moral theories and various theories of value. Issues may include the role of friendship in the moral life, exploitative versus fulfilling relationships, and the conflict between altruism and self-love. Since loving is itself a form of valuing, value theory is approached by investigating philosophical and theological works concerning the basic types of love: philia, eros, and agape. Offered most years.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 257: Environmental Ethics
Valuing nature raises significant philosophical and ethical issues. This course considers the nature of animal life, the character and control of pollution, the conflict between preservationism and conservationism, corporate and governmental responsibility for the eco-crisis, the use of economic categories to assess wilderness areas and endangered species, the conflict between eco-holism and individualism, and the philosophy of wilderness management. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 258: Ethics, Economics, and the Marketplace
Markets are guided not only by economic goals but also by moral values of freedom, fairness, justice, and ideals of the good life itself. Through readings in economics and philosophy, this course explores the relationship between moral and economic values in the marketplace from the ancient world up to the present. Characteristic topics include the status of wealth in a virtuous life, fair trade, economic freedom, pricelessness, and the tension between public and private values. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 265: Psychoanalysis and Critical Theory
This course examines the relationship of psychoanalysis to critical social theory. Students are introduced to classic psychoanalytic texts and works in critical theory that creatively take up or challenge them. Students are encouraged to develop their own perspectives on ethical issues surrounding human subjectivity, gender and sexuality, race and coloniality, and the possibility of progress -- as well as debates about psychoanalysis as an agent of oppressive normalization versus a force for liberatory social change. Offered periodically in January term.
Prerequisite: WRIT 120 or equivalent.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 266: Kierkegaard in Copenhagen (study abroad)
This course on Søren Kierkegaard--which takes place in his hometown, Copenhagen, Denmark--moves through some unusual thematic territory. We examine the dialectic of meaninglessness and faith, boredom and passion, solitude and silence; we ask about the joy and pain of embodiment; and we explore forms of love and commitment. Discussions take place in the Danish classroom, but also on-site in the parks, squares, churches, castles, and surrounding forests mentioned in his works.
OLE Core Requirement: Religion, Faith and Values; OLE Experience in Practice.
PHIL 267: Kierkegaard, Literature, and Film
An introduction to Kierkegaard's works, this course examines themes such as subjectivity, anxiety, despair, faith, and love through a dialogue between philosophy, literature, and film. By reading selections from Kierkegaard alongside novels, short stories, plays, and cinematic works, students explore philosophical ideas through narrative, character, and visual form. Emphasis is placed on close reading, interpretive analysis, and reflection as students examine existential questions expressed across philosophical, literary, and visual forms to inform contemporary self-understanding. Offered periodically.
OLE Core Requirement: Religion, Faith and Values.
PHIL 278: Moral Theory
An advanced introduction to moral philosophy emphasizing normative theories, the foundations of morality (metaethics), and moral reasoning. Normative theories (e.g. virtue ethics, deontological ethics, theological ethics, and utilitarianism) explore the nature of the good and the difference between right and wrong. Metaethics concerns the origins and objectivity of moral judgments, studying moral relativism, moral subjectivism, divine command theory, and ideal observer theories. Students explore moral reasoning in theory and practice using contemporary moral issues as examples. Offered periodically.
Prerequisites: one course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context; Writing Across the Curriculum.
PHIL 294: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
PHIL 298: Independent Study
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 2 relevant courses for 298 (IS); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
PHIL 371: Seminar in Epistemology
Students explore contemporary approaches to classical issues in theory of knowledge which include the nature and limits of knowledge; theories of justification; conceptions of truth; relativism and skepticism; and the standards of knowledge in the sciences, mathematics, history, ethics and religion. Specific issues discussed vary year to year. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites: two courses in philosophy, one of which must be either PHIL 235 or PHIL 236 or permission of the department chair.
PHIL 372: Seminar in Metaphysics
Students investigate contemporary approaches to classical issues in metaphysics, which include the mind-body problem; personal identity and immortality; space and time; causality; and realism, anti-realism, and truth. Specific issues discussed vary from year to year. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites: two courses in philosophy, one of which must be either PHIL 235 or PHIL 236 or permission of the department chair.
PHIL 373: Seminar in Ethics and Theory of Value
Students examine contemporary approaches to classical issues in ethics and theory of value: the nature of moral judgments; theories of moral obligation and value; the concept of moral responsibility; and the relation of morality to science, religion, and law. May be repeated if topic is different.
Prerequisites: two courses in philosophy, one of which must be either PHIL 235 or PHIL 236 or permission of the department chair.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
PHIL 374: Seminar in the History of Philosophy
Students consider a selected figure or movement from the history of philosophy. May be repeated if topic is different. May count toward ancient studies and medieval studies majors.
Prerequisites: two courses in philosophy, one of which must be either PHIL 235 or PHIL 236 or permission of the department chair.
PHIL 375: Seminar in Advanced Topical Studies
Students participate in intensive discussion of a philosophical topic selected from areas such as philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, philosophy of logic, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and feminism, with emphasis on contemporary approaches. May be repeated if topic is different.
Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy, one of which must be either PHIL 235 or PHIL 236 or permission of the department chair.
PHIL 394: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
PHIL 398: Independent Research
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: one level III course in philosophy, at least second-year standing; and at least 5 relevant courses for 398 (IR); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
PHIL 399: Senior Seminar
Intended as a capstone course for the major, the seminar studies a selected topic, figure, or movement in philosophy, with emphasis on independent research and student presentations. Consult department's prospectus for details. May be repeated if topic is different. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: upper-level philosophy major or consent of instructor.
Philosophy Major - Plan of Study
This is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements for the Philosophy major at St. Olaf. This tool is meant as a guide and does not replace working closely with the student's academic advisor.
The philosophy major is extremely flexible and students should therefore work closely with their advisor to choose a path which suits their interests. The outline below offers an approach to the “regular” philosophy major at Saint Olaf, which involves 9 total courses in philosophy. As an alternative, students may also complete the more individualized integrative major, which involves 7 courses in philosophy, supplemented by 3 courses from outside disciplines. Students should see the Philosophy Department web page for a detailed explanation of the differences between the regular and integrative philosophy majors.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| FYS 120 or WRIT 120 |
First-Year Seminar (or Conversation Program) or Writing and Rhetoric |
1.00 |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| WRIT 120 or FYS 120 |
Writing and Rhetoric (or Conversation Program) or First-Year Seminar |
1.00 |
| PHIL 100-level Elective Course | 1.00 | |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHIL 240 | Formal Logic | 1.00 |
| History of Western Philosophy Elective Course 1 | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Metaphysics and Epistemology Elective Course 1 | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Value Theory Elective Course 1 | 1.00 | |
| PHIL Elective Course 2 | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHIL 300-level Seminar Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Expanding Perspectives Elective Course 1 | 1.00 | |
| PHIL 300-level Seminar Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHIL 300-level Seminar Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
- 1
See the Philosophy Requirements tab for courses.
- 2
Students who complete the Enduring Questions or Public Affairs Conversation programs may receive credit for one elective Philosophy course toward the major.
Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 35 or more St. Olaf credits, through a combination of full-credit and fractional-credit courses, one major, and all other degree requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Visit the Philosophy department webpage for more information.
Department Chair, 2026-2027
Michael A. Fuerstein
Professor of Philosophy
social and political philosophy; social epistemology; American pragmatism
Arthur J. Cunningham
Associate Professor of Philosophy
philosophy of physics; philosophy of science; science and religion
Daniel Farnham
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Jason T. Marsh
Professor of Philosophy
bioethics; ethical theory and applied ethics; religion and cognitive science
Danny Muñoz-Hutchinson
Professor of Philosophy
ancient Greek; Roman philosophy; cross-cultural ancient philosophy
Edmund N. Santurri
Professor of Religion and Philosophy
ethics; philosophical theology
Brian Söderquist
Endowed Kierkegaard Chair in Christian Philosophy
Kierkegaard; philosophy of religion
Anna Strelis Söderquist
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Curator of the Hong Kierkegaard Library
Kierkegaard; philosophy of literature
Brendon Westler
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Latin American philosophy
Nicole Yokum
Assistant Professor of Philosophy