Philosophy, BA: Philosophy and Science
Philosophy seeks to illuminate fundamental aspects of the world, of our relation to and knowledge of the world, and of our own nature as rational, purposive, and social beings. The study of philosophy aims at an appreciation of the ways this enterprise has been, is, and might be approached. It also provides a vantage point for reflecting on the nature and achievement of other disciplines, such as science, the arts, and the humanities. Philosophical topics can be divided roughly into value theory (ethics, politics, aesthetics) and theoretical philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, mind, and logic). The four concentrations available within the major allow students to emphasize different sets of questions.
The Philosophy and Science Concentration emphasizes theoretical philosophy and philosophy of science; it pairs courses in philosophy with courses in one or more scientific disciplines.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.
Required: 8 course units in Philosophy and 8 course units in science, math, or logic courses (that demonstrates substantive engagement in a science). Non-Philosophy courses outside of the stipulated list need permission of the Undergraduate Chair.
For more information: http://philosophy.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/philosophy-majors-and-minor/philosophy-majors/philosophy-and-science-major
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements 2 | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| History of Philosophy | 1 | |
| Introduction to Logic 3 | 1 | |
| Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Philosophy | 1 | |
| Philosophy of Science | ||
or PHIL 2620 | Introduction to Epistemology and Metaphysics | |
or PHIL 2640 | Introduction to Philosophy of Mind | |
or PHIL 2680 | Introduction to Metaphysics | |
or PHIL 4800 | Philosophy of Science | |
| Introduction to Ethics course | 1 | |
| Ethics | ||
or PHIL 1433 | The Social Contract | |
or PHIL 1450 | Philosophy of Law | |
or PHIL 4330 | Metaethics | |
or PHIL 4331 | Normative Ethics | |
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Additional courses in Philosophy of Science or Philosophy of Math 4 | 2 | |
| Select 8 Science, Math, or Logic Courses 5 | 8 | |
ANTH 0020:5999 | ||
ASTR 1211:5999 | ||
BCHE 2000:5999 | ||
BDS 5000:5999 | ||
BE 1000:5999 | ||
BIOE 4010:5999 | ||
BIOL 1101:5999 | ||
BIOT 5000:5999 | ||
BMB 5000:5999 | ||
BMIN 5000:5999 | ||
BSTA 5000:5999 | ||
CAMB 4310:5999 | ||
CBE 1600:5999 | ||
CHEM 1011:5999 | ||
CIS 1000:5999 | ||
COGS 1001:5999 | ||
CRIM 1000:5999 | ||
ECON 0100:5999 | ||
EDUC 1000:5999 | ||
EESC 1000:5999 | ||
ENGR 1010:5999 | ||
ENVS 1000:5999 | ||
ESE 1110:5999 | ||
HSOC 0400:5999 | ||
LGIC 1710:5999 | ||
MATH 1400:5999 | ||
MEAM 1010:5999 | ||
MSE 2010:5999 | ||
NRSC 1110:5999 | ||
PHYS 0150:5999 | ||
PSYC 0001:5999 | ||
SOCI 1000:5999 | ||
STAT 1010:5999 | ||
| 2 Philosophy Electives | 2 | |
| Level Requirements | ||
Major courses must include at least 3 2000-level PHIL courses or higher, one of which must be at 3000 or 5000 level | ||
| Total Course Units | 36 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Double counting is allowed between level and core, level and concentration, but not core and concentration. Our major courses may count for another major, but check with other department. At least half of the CUs for the major must be taken at Penn.
- 3
Core logic requirement must be fulfilled with PHIL 1710 or an advanced introduction to logic.
- 4
The two additional philosophy of science of philosophy of mathematics courses must have the APLS attribute.
- 5
For Philosophy of Science, the 8 science, math, or logic courses must be among the following list of science, math, or logic programs throughout the university and at the stipulated course number ranges. The aim is to count all and only courses that count for the associated major.
Honors
Must be a Senior Major in Philosophy and have a minimum 3.33 GPA in the major. Applicants must have completed the distribution requirement for the major including two courses above 2000 one of which must be above 3010. Please consult with the Undergraduate Chair for other specific criteria.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 4998 | Directed Honors Research (or a 5000-level course) | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.