We expect that BYU philosophy graduates (both majors and minors in appropriately varying degrees, according to their respective numbers of courses) will have an adequate grasp of the fundamentals of the discipline. More specifically our goals are the following.
A. Philosophy Minor
— An understanding of the historical development of fundamental teachings of the major philosophers, both ancient and modern
— An ability to employ the techniques of formal propositional logic
— An acquaintance with at least three other areas of philosophical inquiry
— An ability to read a philosophical text with understanding and judgment
— A respect for intelligence, a faith in the ultimate lucidity of things, a preference for persuasion, and a tolerance for viewpoints contrary to one’s own
B. Logic Minor
— An understanding of and an ability to employ the techniques of formal logic, both propositional and predicate, and also an understanding of the
theorems of metalogic and set theory
— An acquaintance with at least two other areas of philosophical inquiry
— An ability to read a philosophical text with understanding and judgment
C. Philosophy Major
— An understanding of the historical development of the fundamental teachings of the major philosophers, both ancient and modern
— An understanding of the basic issues discussed in the primary areas of philosophical inquiry, such as ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology
— An ability to read a philosophical text with understanding and judgment
— An ability to write a philosophical essay that is clear, coherent, and cogent
— An ability to employ the techniques of formal logic, both propositional and predicate
— An ability to converse orally concerning a philosophical problem
— An appreciation of the contributions of the arts and letters, mathematics, science, and technology to world civilization
— A respect for intelligence, a faith in the ultimate lucidity of things, a preference for persuasion, and a tolerance for viewpoints contrary
to one’s own
— An understanding of the philosophical strength of the teachings of the Restoration
— A commitment to live in accordance with high moral standards and to cultivate a spiritual and loving outlook on life and toward all living beings