Philosophy, BA: Political and Moral Philosophy

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 Moral and Political Philosophy Concentration emphasizes the philosophical treatment of normative questions. Its coursework focuses on questions about ethics, morality, politics, and law.

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 related fields (that demonstrates substantive engagement in a related field). Non-Philosophy courses outside of the stipulated list need permission of the Undergraduate Chair.

For more information: http://philosophy.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements 2
Core Requirements
History of Philosophy Course1
Attribute APLH
1 Introduction to Logic Course1
PHIL 1710Introduction to Logic
Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Philosophy1
PHIL 1800
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
1 Introduction to Ethics Course1
PHIL 1330
Ethics
or PHIL 1433
 The Social Contract
or PHIL 1450
 Philosophy of Law
or PHIL 4330
 Metaethics
or PHIL 4331
 Normative Ethics
Concentration Requirements
2 additional Value Theory courses (Attribute: APLV) 32
2 Philosophy Electives2
8 courses in related fields (listed below)8
Courses in Related Fields 4
BIOE 4010:5999
CRIM 1000:5999
EDUC 1000:5999
ECON 0000:5999
HIST 0100:5999
INTR 3500:5999
LGST 1000:5999
PPE 1000:4999
PSCI 1000:5999
URBS 1000:4999
SOCI 1000:5999
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 Units36
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

The two additional value theory courses must have the APLV attribute.

4

For Moral and Political Philosophy, the 8 courses in related fields must be among the following list of 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.

PHIL 4998Directed 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.