Mar 29, 2024  
University Catalog 2022-2023 
    
University Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Philosophy


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Information about the Department of Philosophy

Office

Engineering and Technology A432
Phone: (323) 343-4180
Fax: (323) 343-4193
E-mail: dbalder@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Website: Department of Philosophy 

E-mail Addresses: Requests for information or advising can be e-mailed to philba@calstatela.edu or philma@calstatela.edu. In addition, every faculty member has an e-mail address composed of the initial of the first name plus last name (or the first six letters of a longer last name) @calstatela.edu, for example, mbalagu@calstatela.edu or dpitt@calstatela.edu.

Chair

David Pitt
dpitt@calstatela.edu
(323) 343-4180

Overview

Philosophy engages students in thinking about the fundamental questions of human life-life’s meaning and the ways in which we understand the world and our place in it. Philosophy students read and discuss writings of the world’s great thinkers, both in the history of philosophy and in the contemporary arena. Studies include ethics, political and social thought, logic, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, philosophy of art and film, philosophy of law, philosophy of religions, metaphysics, feminist philosophy, philosophy and race, biomedical ethics, existentialism, postmodern thought, philosophy of language and philosophy of mind.

Those who study philosophy are valued by employers, graduate schools and professional schools in a wide range of fields for their analytic skills, their clear thinking and writing, their creative imagination, and the broad base of their background and knowledge. Philosophy is an appropriate field of study for students hoping to attend law school.

An undergraduate major can be taken in Philosophy with either of two options: General and Prelaw. An undergraduate minor in Philosophy with General and Prelaw options is available for students majoring in other fields.

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers students a broad background in both the history of philosophy and contemporary thought. The program is designed to accommodate various student goals, for example, preparation for further graduate study or for community college teaching, as well as self-enrichment. In some specific areas of philosophy, career opportunities are available in institutions engaged in basic research.

Philosophy students have many opportunities to interact informally with faculty members and to work with each other. There is a student Philosophy Club and a student journal, Philosophy in Practice.

The Faculty

Professors: Mark Balaguer, Talia Bettcher,  David Pitt (Chair), Kayley Vernallis.
Associate Professors: Mohammed Abed, Richard Dean, Foad Dizadji-Bahmani, Michael Shim.
Emeriti: Thomas Annese, Sharon Bishop, Donald R. Burrill, Ann Garry, Ricardo J. Gomez, Henry R. Mendell, Joseph B. Prabhu, Sheila Price.

Programs

    Degree - UndergraduateDegree - MinorDegree - Graduate

    Courses

      Philosophy (Undergraduate)Philosophy (Graduate)

      All 4000-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser. Classified graduate standing is required for enrollment in 5000-level courses.

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