Bachelors of Philosophy

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Philosophy program at Franklin College, within the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, is designed to equip students with the essential skills to ask life's most fundamental questions, analyze complex issues, and develop well-reasoned arguments. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the program cultivates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. It specializes in helping students explore their own values and the values of other cultures, fostering a deep understanding of what constitutes a meaningful life. This adaptable major prepares students for a wide array of professional fields where intellectual rigor and thoughtful communication are highly valued.

Curriculum: The philosophy curriculum at Franklin College delves into core areas of philosophical inquiry, including logic, ethics, political theory, and the nature of existence, reality, and knowledge. Students engage with the works of influential thinkers throughout history, while simultaneously honing highly marketable core skills such as civil and intellectual argumentation, self-examination, and the application of ethical theories to real-world situations. The program emphasizes analyzing environments and people from multiple perspectives and appreciating diversity of thought and values. Its flexible requirements often allow students to double-major, cultivating a well-rounded and highly marketable skill set by integrating philosophy with other disciplines like psychology, sociology, English, or business.

Research Focus: A significant aspect of the Philosophy program is its emphasis on undergraduate research. The major culminates with a senior research project where students explore an area of personal and professional interest in depth. Past projects have covered a wide range of topics, from the ethics of prostitution and intersectionality to metaphysical questions about the existence of demons alongside God. Students are also offered independent studies to delve into specific philosophical topics of interest, such as the ethics of serial killers or moral responsibilities to refugee states. This rigorous engagement in original research hones their abilities to develop thought-provoking arguments, recognize faults in others' positions, and conduct thorough scholarly inquiry.

Industry Engagement: The Philosophy program at Franklin College prioritizes practical experience through strong industry engagement, primarily via required internships. Every philosophy major completes at least one internship during their college experience, applying their philosophical skills in diverse professional environments. Students have interned in a wide range of settings, including law firms, non-profit organizations, various businesses (e.g., insurance, financial advising), and higher education institutions. This hands-on exposure allows students to see how their critical thinking, ethical analysis, and argumentation skills are valuable in real-world scenarios, enhancing their marketability post-graduation.

Global Perspective: Franklin College broadly emphasizes the development of global citizens who can critically examine life's deepest questions from multiple perspectives, including their own values and those of their surrounding society. The Philosophy program actively contributes to this by encouraging collaborative and creative work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students are pushed to closely study their own beliefs and values, as well as appreciate the diverse perspectives of other cultures, philosophies, and religious traditions. This is further enriched through opportunities such as service learning projects and study abroad. While specific philosophy-only study abroad trips are not always exclusive, students are encouraged to utilize the college's global education initiatives to gain international exposure and deepen their understanding of philosophical thought in a global context.