The department offers training in critical and reflective thinking that will help them explore the meaning of their existence and of contemporary local and global realities. They are taught to think in a way that is grounded on theory which allows them to be sensitive to the depth and complexity of what they see. Philosophy students are not only taught to think but to understand things holistically, thus training them to lead with vision and insight.
The program is an ideal preparation not only for those who intend to pursue further studies in Philosophy, Theology, and the Social Sciences, but also for those aiming for careers in law, development work, and writing, and in vocations that require insightful leadership.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The programs we offer are an ideal preparation for those who intend to pursue further studies in philosophy, theology, and the social sciences, and for careers in law, development work, writing, and in any work that requires insightful leadership.
Major in Philosophy
In this program, we offer training in critical and reflective thinking that will help students explore the meaning of their existence and of contemporary local and global realities. Philosophy majors are not only taught to think, but to understand things holistically as well, thus preparing them to be leaders with vision and insight. At the same time, philosophy majors are also exposed to the most important texts of the philosophical tradition. Through the encounter with these texts, they learn to read, reflect, write, and discourse with rigor and insight.
Philosophy majors can focus their studies in these areas: classical philosophical studies; politics, law, and applied ethics; society, or culture, aesthetics, and literature.
AB Philosophy- Old Curriculum.pdf
AB Philosophy- Official Curriculum (starting SY 2018-19).pdf
Minor in Philosophy
The Minor Degree in Philosophy is for students who feel that they want to gain the skills of philosophy or engage in philosophical thought while concentrating on other fields of study. These minors are required to take 4 additional philosophy courses that suite their interests but may also be clustered along cognate subjects like those in the fields of politics and law; applied ethics, society and culture; or culture, art, and literature.
Degree Requirements
The student fulfills the requirements for the Minor Degree in Philosophy upon passing, with a minimum grade of C, the courses listed below:
| Philo 11: The Human Condition | 3 units |
| Philo 12: Philosophy of Religion | 3 units |
| Philo 13: Ethics | 3 units |
| Five (5) Philosophy electives | 15 units |
| TOTAL | 24 units |
All interested students must first meet with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator of the Department of Philosophy. The Coordinator will clarify the requirements of the Minor Program, as well as discuss with the student the track or cluster of electives that s/he may want to take. The student is afterwards required to send a letter of intent addressed to the Department Chair in order to be considered for the Program. Once accepted, the student must submit a clear copy of his/her grade report at the end of every semester in which s/he was enrolled in a Philosophy course. Before the student graduates, s/he must submit a copy of his/her transcript of records to the Department. The student will receive a certificate to indicate the completion of the program.
The minor is open to all students of any major in the Loyola Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Philosophy courses that have pre-requisites?
Yes, there are some. Such a subject usually requires that the student had already finished with his/her Philo 11.
Can I take more than the required four electives?
Yes, you can. However, if you receive a grade lower than C for any Philosophy subject you have taken, then you will not be awarded the Minor Degree.
When will I receive the certificate?
Once a Minor Degree student has completed all the requirements, s/he will be given the certificate in a simple ceremony held right before graduation in honor of graduating Philosophy majors and minors.
Electives
Philosophy majors have 9 units of philosophy electives which they determine according to their preference. The electives that the department offers are varied in subject and temperament. They can focus on particular philosophers or philosophical problematic or engage subjects such as film, literature, and society.
Who is the Philosophy major?
Contrary to popular belief, philosophy majors are not ivory tower intellectuals. They are young people who desire to deepen their wonder about the world and human existence.
Because of their training, the work opportunities for philosophy majors are not confined to the fields of education, religious life, or legal work. Neither do most philosophy majors end up unemployed. Our alums are making their mark in fields as diverse as banking and development work.
You can find our graduates leading the country? largest wireless service provider, some of its more progressive local governments, designing for the CCP, writing for academic journals and popular magazines, and working with some of the more progressive political parties. This is because philosophy as a major provides students with a way of thinking that will allow them to think broadly and creatively.