philosophy student in class

Philosophy Minor

Take a compelling look at life, truth, value and meaning.

Confront some of life's most profound questions with a minor in Philosophy.

Program type:
Minor
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
21

Why minor in Philosophy?

Studying philosophy asks you to confront life's most profound questions — such as the meaning of life, the significance of truth and what it means to live ethically. A minor in Philosophy from UND prepares you to grapple with thorny problems, think for yourself and create the career of your dreams.

The Philosophy department offers several options:

Each option features small classes and an active learning environment where your voice will be heard. Whichever track you choose, you'll learn to think for yourself, craft a compelling argument and analyze information.

Philosophy is also an excellent double major. Philosophy works with everything, teaching you how to learn, think critically and excel in any career.

What majors pair well with a Philosophy minor?

A Philosophy minor can deepen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of human thought and society. Here are some bachelor's degrees that complement a Philosophy minor:

  • English Degree: English majors often explore literary works that engage with philosophical themes, such as existentialism, morality, and epistemology, enhancing their understanding of philosophical concepts and critical analysis skills.
  • Political Science Degree: Political science majors study the theories and ideologies that underpin political systems and governance, overlapping with philosophical inquiries into ethics, justice, and political philosophy.
  • Psychology Degree: Psychology majors delve into human behavior, cognition, and consciousness, intersecting with philosophical inquiries into the mind-body problem, consciousness, and personal identity.
  • History Degree: History majors examine the evolution of ideas, cultures, and societies over time, providing context for philosophical developments and insights into philosophical traditions and debates.
  • Sociology Degree: Sociology majors explore social structures, institutions, and interactions, aligning with philosophical inquiries into social justice, power dynamics, and the nature of society.
  • Communication Degree: Communication majors study the principles of effective communication and rhetoric, connecting with philosophical inquiries into language, meaning, and persuasion.
  • Economics Degree: Economics majors examine economic systems, behaviors, and policies, intersecting with philosophical discussions on ethics, distributive justice, and the moral implications of economic decisions.
  • Mathematics Degree: Mathematics majors develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are foundational to philosophical inquiry and formal logic.

Philosophy Minor Courses

PHIL 120. Introduction to Ethics. 3 Credits.

This course investigates the nature of the Good Life, of moral principles, and the application of moral systems to contemporary debate. These may include questions about the morality of war, capital punishment, sexual behavior, welfare, and so forth. F,S.

PHIL 245. Death and Dying. 3 Credits.

An examination of various perspectives on death and dying in our own and other cultures with a view to coping with the problems of mortality and immortality. Medical, psychological, philosophical, and religious aspects contributing to an understanding of the meaning of death will be offered by resource people whose experience will lend assistance to the student's confronting the reality of death and dying. Lecture and discussion. S.

PHIL 285. Global Philosophy. 3 Credits.

This course will investigate a variety of different philosophical traditions that exist outside of the Western philosophical heritage, including Asian, African, and/or Native American. The course is repeatable when the course topic is different. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F.

PHIL 350. Philosophy of Technology. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will study foundational and contemporary arguments in philosophy of technology on a wide range of questions and issues such as: the relationship between nature and techné; how technologies alter what we can know (epistemology) and how we conceive of reality (ontology); new ethical quandaries created by technologies; the impact technologies have on our social-political philosophies and practices; how technological innovations alter aesthetic creations and appreciation; and posthumanism. S, even years.

PHIL 355. Social and Political Philosophy. 3 Credits.

This course examines core issues in society and governance: the nature of justice, the limits of freedom, the role of religion, family and pluralism in the modern community, are a few examples of possible topics. Students in the course may examine both classical and contemporary theories of political society. Offered Fall every 3 years (2008). F, even years.

PHIL 360. Feminist Philosophy. 3 Credits.

This course will investigate theories and major ideas of feminist philosophers. The course may be approached as an historical examination of the different "waves" of feminism, or topically, by considering themes like: women and the body, the feminine and the spirit, philosophy of sex/gender, feminist art, postmodern feminism, etc. Central figures in feminist philosophy who may be studied include: Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Simone de Beauvoir, Susan Bordo, Catharine MacKinnon, Luce Irigaray, Audre Lorde, Judith Butler, Donna Haraway, Sara Ahmed, and Chandra Talpade Mohanty. S, odd years.

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