Philosophy - Elon University

Philosophy from Elon University is a Campus Bachelor Philosophy degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. The Pursuit of Wisdom At the heart of liberal arts education lies an understanding of philosophy ? that's why the most advanced degree in the liberal arts is known as the Doctor of Philosophy. But philosophy is a rewarding and valuable field of study in its own right. The word itself means ?love of wisdom,? and as a philosophy major at Elon, you will gain the understanding, insight, perspective and skills ? the wisdom ? to succeed in whatever postgraduate path you pursue. Elon's philosophy program is built on twin foundations: a wisdom orientation that encourages the exploration of enduring human concerns; and a practical intent, emphasizing skills and techniques for putting understanding into practice and enriching human life and the unfolding world around us. When you graduate, you will have gained a vital set of tools: critical-thinking skills and the capacity to clearly articulate a point of view; ability to grasp a variety of viewpoints and a deeper understanding of the nature and limits of understanding itself; a keen sense for moral and ethical perspectives and the ability to bridge social and cultural differences; and more imaginative and open-ended kinds of thinking and creative problem solving. These are skills you can bring to bear in any endeavor. And they are abilities key to finding and inhabiting the places where, as the poet Frederick Buechner put it, ?our own deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger.? Innovative curriculum The Department of Philosophy prides itself on a distinctly practical orientation. In a co-authored piece that was published in the journal Bridges, the department's faculty described a vision of philosophy ? described as ?transformative practice? ? that ?calls us to live with larger mind, to marshal our ethical intelligence, to uncover hidden dynamics and beliefs that inhibit our understanding and compassion, and to belong in our ever-widening concentric circles of relationships with kindly acumen and reconstructive flair. In short, the task of philosophy as transformative practice is to intentionally and unapologetically deepen experience and foster human flourishing.? To study philosophy , then, is not only to seek knowledge of texts and ideas, or to become proficient in a certain set of skills. It is to seek ways of living that are richer, more meaningful and more ethically sound. The philosophy curriculum at Elon is designed to train students in three broad sets of skills: Critical and constructive thinking: learning how to identify, analyze and find solutions to problems Ethical practice: exploring ways to act wisely and effectively Interpretive understanding: bridging the meaning and value systems of diverse individuals, cultures and epochs. Building upon the principles of critical thinking and ethical practice, philosophy students survey both ancient and modern philosophy. Each student then pursues a curriculum tailored to his or her interests, such as feminist philosophy , environmental ethics, or philosophy of education. The philosophy major is designed to allow students to double major. Many choose to pair it with a professional program, such as education or communications, or with a major in the arts and sciences. View more details on Elon University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Philosophy courses.