The Philosophy Department offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate level which cover every major area of philosophy as well as its history. Students can major or minor in the subject. In addition, the department sponsors two undergraduate philosophy organizations: the Philosophy Club, which is open to all UM undergraduates, and Phi Sigma Tau, a chapter of the National Honor Society in Philosophy. Both groups afford students regular opportunities to meet, eat, and talk philosophy with each other and with graduate students and faculty in the department. All undergraduates who are interested in philosophy are welcome to participate in these philosophical events.

Students considering majoring or minoring in philosophy should discuss their plans with Dr. Edward Erwin, the departmental Director of Undergraduate Studies. His office is in the Ashe Building, Room 729. Telephone number: (305) 284-5279 Email: eerwin@miami.edu.

          Philosophy is the study of the most basic moral, scientific, legal, aesthetic, religious, and metaphysical ideas by which we understand ourselves and our universe. It is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for understanding, a study of principles of conduct. It analyzes the basic assumptions and concepts of other disciplines and the norms that govern interpersonal relations and acquisition of knowledge. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments.

         Philosophers are dedicated to developing the following abilities: to reason clearly, to distinguish between good and bad arguments, to think through complicated questions, and to use reason in situations that are often governed by emotions. Studies have shown that philosophy majors do extremely well in tests and careers that require analytical abilities, such as in the practice of law. Philosophy deepens one's sense of the meaning and varieties of human experience to enhance self-knowledge, foresight, and sense of direction in life.
 

A major in philosophy consists of a minimum of ten courses, each passed with a grade of C- or higher, with an overall GPA of 2.0. Elective courses may be chosen to fit individual needs. Required coures for the major are either Philosophy 210 or 215, either 271 or 272, twelve credits at the 300 level (including one course from 330-332 and two courses from 340-345), and six credits at the 500 level.

A minor in philosophy consists of a minimum of five courses, each passed with a grade of C- or higher with an overall GPA of 2.0. At least three of the courses must be at the 200 level or above, and at least one of these three courses must be at the 300 level or above. The major and the minor should be planned with the advice of the department.
 

To Apply Electronically to the University of Miami Undergraduate Program visit:
https://www.applyweb.com/aw?miami

or visit the Office of Admission at:
http://www.miami.edu/admission/