Philosophy

The Philosophy program at Dartmouth College offers students an opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reason through rigorous analytical study and engaging discussions. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, clear expression, and an understanding of various philosophical traditions and ideas that have shaped human thought across cultures and time periods. Students in the Philosophy major engage with both historical texts and contemporary debates, fostering the skills necessary to analyze complex arguments and articulate their own reasoned perspectives. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, and logic, providing a comprehensive foundation in philosophical inquiry.

Dartmouth’s philosophy faculty are distinguished scholars committed to mentoring students closely and encouraging intellectual curiosity. The program emphasizes close reading of classic philosophical works and active participation in seminars, which cultivate analytical skills and deepen comprehension. Students are encouraged to pursue their specific interests through individualized research projects, culminating in a senior thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent philosophical investigation. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, allowing students to integrate philosophical perspectives with other fields such as cognitive science, political science, or religious studies.

The Dartmouth Philosophy program prepares students for diverse careers, including law, public policy, education, technology, and beyond. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in philosophy or related disciplines. With its combination of historical breadth, conceptual depth, and methodological rigor, the program aims to produce thoughtful, well-informed individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to societal debates and intellectual life. Throughout their time at Dartmouth, students benefit from a collaborative academic environment, various extracurricular activities, and access to a vibrant community dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

The Major

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 (Introduction to Philosophical Topics) or PHIL 2 (Introduction to Philosophical Classics)
   2. PHIL 3 (Reason and Argument)
2. Requirements: Eight philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. Two from PHIL 11 Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, PHIL 12 Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, PHIL 13 Modern Philosophy: Continental Rationalism, PHIL 14 Modern Philosophy: British Empiricism, PHIL 15 Modern Philosophy: Hume and Kant, PHIL 16 Modern Philosophy: Nineteenth Century Continental, and PHIL 17 Phenomenology and Existentialism
   2. One from PHIL 30 Epistemology and Methodology, PHIL 31 Metaphysics, PHIL 32 Intermediate Logic, PHIL 33 Philosophy of Logic, PHIL 34 Language and Thought, and PHIL 35 Mind and Psychology
   3. One from PHIL 8 Introduction to Moral Philosophy, PHIL 37 Ethical Theory, and PHIL 38 Social and Political Philosophy
   4. One advanced seminar, PHIL 80, which serves as the culminating experience in the major

MATH 39 Logic may be counted toward the major.

The following is a suggested major for those students contemplating graduate studies in philosophy: PHIL 6 Logic and Language, PHIL 8, PHIL 11, PHIL 13, PHIL 14, PHIL 15, PHIL 16, PHIL 30, PHIL 31, PHIL 34 or PHIL 35, and PHIL 37; selected seminars. It is strongly recommended that students contemplating graduate studies in philosophy enroll in the Honors Program.

The Modified Major

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3 (or PHIL 6 if not used to satisfy requirements of the modified major)
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. One from PHIL 11, PHIL 12, PHIL 13, PHIL 14, PHIL 15, PHIL 16, and PHIL 17
   2. One from PHIL 30, PHIL 31, PHIL 32, PHIL 33, PHIL 34, and PHIL 35
   3. One from PHIL 8, PHIL 37, and PHIL 38
   4. One advanced seminar, PHIL 80, which serves as the culminating experience in the modified major
3. Four courses not in Philosophy that must be at a non-introductory level, have a substantial philosophical content, and contribute to a reasonably connected program of study. These courses must be approved in writing by the Chair of the Department of Philosophy.

Minor in Philosophy

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3 (or PHIL 6 if not used to satisfy requirements of the minor)
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. One from PHIL 11, PHIL 12, PHIL 13, PHIL 14, PHIL 15, PHIL 16, and PHIL 17
   2. One from PHIL 30, PHIL 31, PHIL 32, PHIL 33, PHIL 34, and PHIL 35
   3. One from PHIL 8, PHIL 37, and PHIL 38
   4. One advanced seminar in Philosophy

Minor in History of Philosophy

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3 (or PHIL 6 if not used to satisfy requirements of the minor)
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including: 

   Four courses from PHIL 8, PHIL 11, PHIL 12, PHIL 13, PHIL 14, PHIL 15, PHIL 16, PHIL 17, and PHIL 80 (if the seminar topic is within the history of philosophy)

Minor in Moral Philosophy

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3 (or PHIL 6 if not used to satisfy requirements of the minor)
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. PHIL 8 and PHIL 37
   2. Two courses from PHIL 9 Applied Ethics, PHIL 21 Philosophy of Human Nature, PHIL 22, PHIL 24 Law and Philosophy, PHIL 25 Philosophy and Computers, PHIL 38, and PHIL 80 (if the seminar topic is within moral philosophy)

Minor in Epistemology and Metaphysics

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3 (or PHIL 6 if not used to satisfy requirements of the minor)
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. PHIL 30 and PHIL 31
   2. Two from PHIL 13, PHIL 14, PHIL 15, PHIL 16, PHIL 26 Philosophy and Computers, PHIL 27 Philosophy of Science, PHIL 28 Philosophy of Religion, PHIL 29 Philosophy of Mathematics, PHIL 34, PHIL 35, and PHIL 80 (if the seminar topic is within epistemology and metaphysics)

Minor in Logic and Philosophy of Science

1. Prerequisites:
   1. PHIL 1 or PHIL 2
   2. PHIL 3
2. Requirements: Six philosophy courses beyond the prerequisites including:
   1. PHIL 6 and PHIL 27
   2. Two from PHIL 26, PHIL 32, PHIL 33, PHIL 34, MATH 39, and PHIL 80 (if the seminar topic is within logic and philosophy of science)

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores).

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The Philosophy program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning through a diverse range of courses that cover the history of philosophy, logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy. Students have the opportunity to engage deeply with classic philosophical texts from Ancient Greece through contemporary philosophy, fostering a nuanced understanding of how philosophical ideas have shaped human thought across centuries. The program emphasizes both historical knowledge and contemporary issues, encouraging students to apply philosophical inquiry to areas such as science, technology, law, and public policy. Dartmouth’s small class sizes facilitate close mentorship and active discussion, allowing students to explore their intellectual interests in a rigorous yet supportive environment. Faculty members are distinguished scholars actively engaged in research, providing students with opportunities for mentorship, independent study, and involvement in research projects. The department also supports interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore connections between philosophy and other fields such as cognitive science, literature, and economics. Philosophical skills acquired through the program prepare students for a wide range of careers including law, education, public policy, business, and advanced graduate study. The program culminates in a senior thesis, where students independently investigate a philosophical topic of their choice under faculty supervision. Overall, the Philosophy program at Dartmouth College aims to cultivate critical and ethical thinkers equipped to address complex questions and contribute thoughtfully to society.