Philosophy - Millikin University

Philosophy from Millikin University is a Campus Bachelor Philosophy degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. What is Philosophy? There is a widespread view of philosophy in which philosophical study is viewed as purely theoretical, as purely speculative, and as having no practical relevance. ?The Thinker,? a figure deep in thought and apparently doing nothing, best represents this image. We contend that this view is a serious mischaracterization of philosophical study. Philosophical study is not a form of purely detached speculation and contemplation. Rather, philosophical study is a kind of activity, a kind of doing. And it is practical in what we believe to be the most important senses, the senses that lie at the heart of Millikin's mission. Serious philosophical study is a rigorous activity that facilitates the development and growth of skill sets that are essential to any occupation or vocation, to any effort to engage in democratic citizenship, and to any attempt to develop a life of meaning and value. These skills sets include: The ability to think critically, analytically, and synthetically. The ability to comprehend dense and difficult readings. The ability to convey ideas clearly and creatively in both written and oral form. These skill sets are always already practical. For example, in any field of inquiry or vocation, individuals will have to problem solve, think critically, assess arguments or strategies, communicate clearly, spot unspoken assumptions that may be driving a certain position, etc. Since we encourage the development and growth of the skill sets that are essential to doing any of these things well, philosophical study is inherently practical. In philosophy, our emphasis on the development and growth of skill sets is an emphasis on how to think well, not an emphasis on what to think. Again, this focus is perfectly consistent with Millikin's goal of preparing our students for professional success. In terms of post-graduate employment, the vast bulk of knowing what to do is learned on site, in the actual doing of the job. You learn ?on the job.? The skill sets we aim to develop, however, are skill sets that will allow students to do what they do in their jobs well. And this applies to any and all jobs. Philosophy Department Goals: Students will be able to express in oral and written form their understanding of major concepts and intellectual traditions within the field of philosophy . Students demonstrate their ability to utilize the principles of critical thinking and formal logic in order to produce a sound and valid argument, and to evaluate the soundness and validity of the arguments of others. Students demonstrate their ability to complete research on a philosophy-related topic, analyze objectively the results of their research, and present arguments to support their point of view in a variety of venues. View more details on Millikin University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Philosophy courses.