The University of the West Indies, Mona

Major In Philosophy

No other discipline but Philosophy allows for such sustained reflection on the ideas and issues which move individuals and groups of individuals in all human societies. Courses in the Philosophy programme address issues pertaining to ethics, human existence and experience, the value of cultural knowledge, the meaning of notions that we take for granted such as “truth,” “reason,” “beauty,” “right”, “duty”, “love”, “sex”, “identity”, “meaning/end of life”, “existence”, “God”, etc. Critical reflection is at the core of the programme, allowing students to graduate with the tools to excel in a wide range of professions which call for an investigative mind either as employer, employee or self-employed entrepreneur.

Core subjects include African Philosophy, Caribbean Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind and Metaphysics. Additionally, students will choose from a wide range of courses on topics such as Ancient and Modern Philosophy, Meaning of Life and Existence, Political Philosophy, Paradox Analysis, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Leadership, Philosophy of Sex and Love.

To qualify for a Major in Philosophy, students must complete a minimum of 39 credits in the discipline, 12 credits each at levels 1 and 2, 15 credits at level 3 of the programme. A student who completes an additional 15 credits at levels 2 and 3, for a total of 54 credits, qualifies for the Special in Philosophy.

Graduates of the B.A Philosophy may be considered for acceptance into the M.A or M.Phil/PhD Philosophy programmes.