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Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions. These questions concern the nature of reality (e.g., Is there an external world? What is the relationship between physical stuff and mental stuff? Does God exist? Does language play a role in constructing reality?), the nature of ourselves as rational, purposive, and social beings (e.g., Do we act freely? Where does moral obligation come from? What is justice?), and the nature and extent of our knowledge about these things (e.g., What is it to know something, rather than merely believe it? What are the limits of knowledge? Does all of our knowledge come from sensory experience or are there truths we know independently of experience?). Many of these questions come from everyday life, but some come from other disciplines (e.g., What is a scientific explanation? What is a biological function? What is a mental representation?). Philosophers examine these questions in a disciplined and systematic way, aiming not simply to answer them but also to understand just what is being asked in the first place.

OPTIONS

• Philosophy

• Mind, Brain, and Behavior Track

• Joint Concentrations with Philosophy

Students interested in studying philosophical questions that arise
in connection with the sciences of mind, brain, and behavior may pursue
a program of study affiliated with the University-wide
Mind/Brain/Behavior (MBB) Initiative, that allows them to participate
in a variety of related activities. MBB track programs must be approved
on an individual basis by the Philosophy MBB adviser. Further
information can be obtained from the Undergraduate Coordinator.