Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Yale University Connecticut, USA / 246 Church Street, New Haven, CT. 06510 USA 432-1679, michael.weber@yale.edu http://www.yale.edu/yalecollege/publications/ycps/chapter_iv/philosophy.html Despite the fact that the median scores of admitted students on the verbal and mathematical portions of the SAT generally fall in the mid 700s, and ACT composites in the low 30s, a distinguished high school performance is more important than tests. The Admissions Committee also considers motivation, curiosity, energy, leadership ability, and distinctive talent. The personal essay, as well as evaluations by a counselor and two teachers, provide a great deal of insight into these qualities. We hope to find students who have been committed to their school or community. Diversity in the student body is also important to form a well-rounded freshmen class with those students with exceptional qualities. The aim of the major is to expose students to a ample range of Philosophy and philosophers. The Philosophy major requires twelve courses (including the prerequisites and the senior requirement). The curriculum is divided into three large groups: history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and ethics and value theory. In history of philosophy, majors are required to take (1) either the introductory sequence in philosophy or both terms of Directed Studies, and (2) an additional, third course in history of philosophy. Majors must take two courses in metaphysics and epistemology and two courses in ethics and value theory. Majors must also take two seminars, and the prerequisite to the major are two introductory or intermediate philosophy courses. Although it is not required, majors are strongly encouraged to take a course in logic and to do so before the end of the sophomore year. Logic is one of the essential tools in philosophy, and competence is assumed in intermediate and advanced classes, some of which require a background in logic as a prerequisite. The senior requirement is normally satisfied by completing a third philosophy seminar. Students taking a seminar to satisfy the senior requirement are expected to produce work superior in argument and articulation to that of a standard seminar paper. Bachelor's Degree