Director of Undergraduate Studies: Philip Kitcher, 717 Philosophy; 854-4884; psk16@columbia.edu

Economics-Philosophy Adviser: John Collins, 714 Philosophy Hall; 854-3970; jdc9@columbia.edu

Departmental Office: 708 Philosophy; 854-3196

• http://www.columbia.edu/cu/philosophy/

Students interested in philosophy may pursue a major either in philosophy or in economics-philosophy. Because philosophy treats issues fundamental to both the sciences and the humanities, students are also welcome to combine their philosophy major with work in other fields. Before declaring a major, either in philosophy or in economics-philosophy, and before deciding to combine philosophy with another discipline, students should meet with the director of undergraduate studies to formulate the program that will be best for them. Philosophy majors are given a foundation in logic and philosophical methodology, and are asked to confront fundamental questions in the main areas of philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy, the philosophy of mind and language, and the history of philosophy. The department requires that all majors take at least one majors' seminar (PHIL C3912), which is designed to allow students to focus on particular philosophical issues or texts in greater depth. Outstanding seniors may also pursue their own philosophical project in a senior thesis. Over and above the courses required of all majors, there is room for considerable flexibility. Through an appropriate choice of electives from among the department’s course offerings (and from related courses in other departments), there are special opportunities for focusing more intensively on one or two subfields of philosophy: for example, logic and the philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of science, ethics and political philosophy, or the history of philosophy. Students should consult with the director of undergraduate studies on how best to pursue such programs.

Study Abroad: Reid Hall, Paris

For additional information about the Columbia University in Paris Program at Reid Hall, including summer session courses consult the Columbia University in Paris Bulletin (available in 203 Lewisohn Hall), call (212) 854-9666, or send an e-mail to: reidhall@columbia.edu. It is also available on-line at the Overseas Program Web site. For information about the applicability of Reid Hall courses to the major or concentration, consult the director of undergraduate studies.

Grading

Courses in which a grade of D has been received do not count toward the major or concentration requirements.

Courses

For courses in history and philosophy of science, please see separate heading in this bulletin.

Departmental Honors

In order to qualify for honors in philosophy, a student must have a grade point average of at least 3.6 in the major and complete an honors thesis (typically of no more than 40 pages in length). Seniors are required to discuss their plans for a thesis with the director of undergraduate studies early in the fall semester and to submit a written petition by December 1. The completed thesis must be submitted by April 1. Students are expected to write the thesis under the close supervision of a member of the department (see PHIL C3996-C3997). Normally, no more than 10 percent of the graduating majors in the department each year will receive departmental honors.