Philosophy

At a Glance

I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?

Philosophy asks the broadest, deepest, and most universal questions that are difficult to answer, such as: What does it mean to really know something? What is the right thing to do? What is the nature of consciousness? What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of existence? Do we have free will? Why do we believe what we believe? Is there a god and why do we care? What is a “good death”? 

At Scripps, we then approach these matters with clear, logical rules of inference, argument, and evidence.

What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?

Most of our courses are first-year friendly. Dip in your toes and try a class that interests you! Scripps offers an Introduction to Philosophy class reserved for first-year students and a Meaning of Life course with some spaces held for Scripps first-year students. No matter what philosophy class you choose to take, all of our courses are welcoming regardless of what year you’re in.

If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?

No. However, if you are especially interested in one area of philosophy, e.g., metaphysics, philosophy of religion, or ethics, we advise you to take classes in that area prior to the fall of your senior year, when you will be writing your thesis.

Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?

We have had many, many successful dual majors across a wide variety of disciplines. Philosophy pairs well with psychology, English, politics, history, math, physics, and biology (especially our bioethics track). Almost any major can be done as a dual major with philosophy. Plus, you can minor in philosophy regardless of your major.

What other useful information should I know about this field of study?

To succeed on the LSAT, become an attractive candidate for law schools, and succeed as a lawyer, philosophy is hands down the best pre-law major. It is also a highly sought after pre-med major. Beyond law and medicine, Scripps philosophy majors have gone on to success in many fields, including journalism, teaching, advertising, business, public health, public policy, and academia.

Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:

Philosophy Major: https://catalog.scrippscollege.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=33&poid=4903  
Bioethics track major: https://catalog.scrippscollege.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=31&poid=4809

Link to profiles of faculty who teach in this field:

Yuval Avnur
Martin Glazier
Rivka Weinberg

Philosophy is a rigorous and analytical investigation into timeless, important, and perplexing human questions, such as:

What is the nature of consciousness?
What is the right thing to do?
What does it mean to really know something?
What is the meaning of life?
What is really going on when people try to use language to communicate with each other?
Do we act freely and responsibly?
What is the nature of existence?
Why do we believe what we believe?
Is there a god? (Do we care?)

As these questions indicate, philosophical concerns are central in the liberal arts. Its emphasis on clear reasoning and its attention to language and logic makes philosophy a particularly good major for students who are thinking about careers in law, business, publishing, and teaching. The Philosophy Department also encourages interdisciplinary majors, for example, psychology and philosophy, philosophy and law, philosophy and the arts, history and philosophy, philosophy and politics.