Philosophy

Program Description
“Philosophy,” translated from the Greek, literally means “love of wisdom.” At CI the field encompasses the systematic pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, or enlightenment in global contexts. The Minor in Philosophy at CI enhances students’ educations by facilitating philosophical inquiry through studies within and across disciplines and from multicultural and international perspectives, with an eye to preparing students to be more civically informed and engaged world citizens. The course offerings in the Minor encourage students to reflect critically upon their beliefs in global, historical, and sociocultural contexts and to explore the philosophical foundations of any subject that interests them.

Careers
With an emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, the Minor in Philosophy promotes skills that are useful in today’s job market, providing a foundation for careers in fields such as law, medicine, business, administration, science, technology, journalism, education, teaching, and ministry.

Student Learning Outcomes
1. Reflect critically upon a broad range of issues using philosophical methods.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for philosophical ideas and schools of thought across various cultures and times.
3. Reason inductively and deductively and from a variety of perspectives. (SP 06-06 Outcome 2.1)
4. Engage in critical philosophical inquiry into some personal, societal, or cultural beliefs or conclusions.
5. Analyze a text, event, or context for philosophical assumptions.
6. Deliberate with others and present philosophical arguments clearly, logically, and creatively, in oral and written form. (SP 06-06 Outcome 2.2)
7. Develop and articulate their own philosophical beliefs and values in relation to those of others.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the major philosophical issues in a discipline other than philosophy.

Faculty
Julia Balén, PhD, English
Professor, English
Bell Tower West 1112
(805) 437-8435
julia.balen@csuci.edu

Amy Denton, PhD, Biology
Professor, Biology
Aliso Hall 201
(805) 437-8458
amy.denton@csuci.edu

Jesse Elliott, PhD, Mathematics
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Bell Tower East 2758
(805) 437-2768
jesse.elliott@csuci.edu

Ivona Grzegorczyk, PhD, Mathematics
Professor and Chair, Mathematics
Bell Tower East 2756
(805) 437-8868
ivona.grze@csuci.edu

Gregory Wood, PhD, Physics
Associate Professor, Applied Physics
Bell Tower East 2814
(805) 437-3293

gregory.wood@csuci.edu

Contact Information

Programs

Minor(s)

Philosophy Minor