Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy involves a critical examination of our most fundamental beliefs about truth and reality, right and wrong. In this major, students study the traditional answers to the basic questions in Western philosophy and also the important critiques of that dominant tradition. They will explore ethical and justice issues which are crucial to contemporary legal, political, and public policy debates. Philosophy majors learn sophisticated forms of reasoning and textual analysis, and deepen their understanding of basic human problems and possibilities. Students select one of two concentrations by which to complete the major: one organized around traditional philosophical subject areas and another focused on philosophy and law.
Learning outcomes. Students will:
- Explain a section from a philosophical text, a philosophical theory, a philosophical issue, or a philosophical argument.
- Identify arguments and distinguish premises and conclusions.
- Formulate an argument in support of or in opposition to a claim.
- Demonstrate familiarity with a basic problem or a major theory in a main area of philosophical inquiry.
- Demonstrate familiarity with a primary claim or critical response to a primary claim in the history of western philosophy.
Credits Required.
| Philosophy Major |
36 |
| General Education |
42 |
| Electives |
42
|
| Total Credits Required for B.A. Degree |
120 |
Coordinator. Professor Amie Macdonald, Department of Philosophy (212.237.8345, amacdonald@jjay.cuny.edu)
Advising resources. Philosophy Major Advising Resources.
Additional information. Students who enrolled for the first time at the College or changed to this major in September 2025 or thereafter must complete the major in the form presented here. Students who enrolled prior to that date may choose either the form shown here or the earlier version of the major. A copy of the earlier version may be obtained in the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Program Codes:
IRP Program Code: 34998
HEGIS Code: 1509.00
CIP Code: 38.0101
Part One: Core Courses
Required
| PHI 105 | Critical Thinking and Informal Logic | 3 |
| PHI 202 | Philosophical Visions of American Pluralism | 3 |
| PHI 231 | Big Questions: Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
Advisor's note: PHI 202 satisfies the Flexible Core: U.S. Experience in its Diversity and PHI 231 satisfies the Flexible Core: Individual and Society areas of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Total Credit Hours: 9
Part Two: Philosophical Concentrations
Select a concentration and complete 6 courses
Concentration A. Philosophical Tradition and Critique
History of Philosophy (3 cr)
Select one.
Ethics and Value Theory (3 cr.)
Select one.
Advisor's note: PHI 201 and PHI 238 satisfy the Flexible Core: Creative Expression area and PHI 302 satisfies the College Option: Justice Core II: Justice in Global Perspective area of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Metaphysics and Epistemology (3 cr.)
Select one.
Advisor's note: PHI 204 and PHI 235 satisfy the Flexible Core: Scientific World area of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Required (6 cr.)
Advisor's note: PHI 210 satisfies the Flexible Core: Individual & Society area of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Critiques of Philosophical Modernity (3 cr.)
Select one.
Concentration B. Philosophy and Law
Justice and Jurisprudence (6 cr.)
Select two.
| PHI 203 | Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 302 | The Philosophy of Rights | 3 |
| PHI 315 | Philosophy of the Rule of Law: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| PHI 340 | Utopian Thought | 3 |
Required (6 cr.)
Advisor's note: PHI 317 satisfies the College Option: Justice Core II: Justice in Global Perspective area of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Law and Morality (6 cr.)
Select two.
Advisor's note: PHI 102 is a first year seminar that satisfies the College Option: Justice Core I: Justice and the Individual and PHI 210 satisfies the Flexible Core: Individual and Society areas of the College's Gen Ed Program.
Total Credit Hours: 18
Part Three. Electives
All students select two additional philosophy courses at the 300-level or above in consultation with an advisor.
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Four. Capstone Courses
Select one.
| PHI 400 | Senior Seminar in Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 401 | Senior Seminar in the History of Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 402 | Senior Seminar in Metaphysics and Epistemology | 3 |
| PHI 423 | Senior Seminar in Justice and Law | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 3
Please Note: No course may fulfill multiple requirements in the major.
Total Credit Hours: 36