UB Programs At-A-Glance

Philosophy

Department of Philosophy
College of Arts and Sciences
135 Park Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4150

Phone: 716.645.2444, ext. 135
Fax: 716.645.6139
Web: philosophy.buffalo.edu

Carolyn Korsmeyer
Chair

About the Program

Philosophy studies the foundation of values, examines the nature of justice, knowledge, and reality; and sets the mind working with accuracy and imagination.

The student of philosophy learns the fundamental theories and concepts that have framed our intellectual heritage, and also learns the essential tools to investigate and develop the ideas that shape our lives today. Philosophy is especially well equipped to teach skills that are important for success in almost any endeavor: how to think critically, how to construct arguments and examine reasons, and how to formulate and express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing.

A major in philosophy provides a solid foundation for advanced study in almost any field, for entering a profession, or for entering the job market with confidence. Because it trains the student to think clearly and critically, it is excellent preparation for the many professions that require these skills.

About Our Degrees

Degrees in philosophy reflect wide-ranging study of the questions "What can we know?", "What ought we do?", "What can we hope?", and the proposed answers to these. The degrees provide competencies in considering issues from a variety of perspectives, seeking the essential questions involved, and developing both the criteria for successful answers to those questions, and the answers themselves--abilities valuable in every post-baccalaureate setting.

About Our Courses

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
One philosophy course with a minimum grade of "C."

Class Instructors

Many introductory courses and almost all advanced courses are taught by faculty.

Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

Philosophy faculty have a wide variety of interests and specializations, offering multiple perspectives on philosophical problems and issues. Professor Korsmeyer specializes in aesthetics, Professor Cho in contemporary European philosophies, Professor Corcoran in logic, Professor Dipert in American philosophies, Professor Gracia in medieval and contemporary metaphysics and Latin American philosophy, Professor Kearns in analytic philosophy, Professor Smith in contemporary ontology, Professor Barber in the history of modern philosophy, Professor Lawler in 19th century philosophy, Professor Yu in ancient philosophy and Chinese philosophy, Professor Hershenov and Professor Shockley in ethics, and Professor Baumer in professional and business ethics.

Several faculty have international backgrounds: Kah Kyung Cho from Korea, Jorge J.E. Gracia from Cuba via Canada, Barry Smith from Great Britain via Liechtenstein, and Jiyuan Yu from China (the People's Republic).

Many faculty have earned international reputations for their research and publications, notably: SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair Jorge J.E. Gracia, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Kah Kyung Cho, C.S. Peirce Professor of American Philosophy Randall Dipert, and Julian Park Professor and SUNY Distinguished Professor Barry Smith.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate majors in philosophy may pursue independent study of a particular topic or issue with a philosophy faculty member. Majors with very good GPAs in philosophy may pursue honors, independent study, or a graduate seminar for undergraduate credit.

Majors may specialize in selected areas, including professional and medical ethics, philosophy of law, logic, and the history of philosophy.

The Steinberg Award is presented annually to the student who submits the best original work on a philosophical theme. Additionally, the Mary C. Whitman Scholarship is awarded yearly to an outstanding senior philosophy major.

Extracurricular Activities

The Philosophy Club is open to all philosophy majors and minors, providing opportunities for undergraduates to discuss issues and topics of current interest.

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Majors that Complement Philosophy


Minors that Complement Philosophy


Courses Outside Philosophy that May Improve Employment Opportunities

Career Information and Further Study

Many philosophy majors go on to post-baccalaureate study in law, medicine, or philosophy. Philosophy majors pursue careers in teaching, medicine, law, business, social and natural sciences, arts, journalism and government. Position titles for philosophy B.A.'s include, among others: research analyst, grant coordinator, underwriter, fund raiser, story analyst, employment interviewer, financial aid counselor, credit counselor, claims adjudicator, lobbyist, and recruiter.

Salaries range widely. Philosophy majors can increase employment prospects with part-time or summer job experiences while a student, as well as with an occupationally related minor, e.g., computer science, finance, management, marketing, or technical writing.

Links to Further Information About This Program

Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:14 EST