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Program Overview
Examines philosophy as the systematic, imaginative, and critical discussion of fundamental issues as students tackle age-old and modern questions about morality, religion, reality, truth, justice, and science. Academically rigorous, it provides critical reading, speaking, analysis, and argumentation skills that prepare students for law, medicine, business, public service, education, media, and more.
Mark Tanzer
Professor, PhD • Undergraduate Advisor • 4 + 1 Advisor
Email:
mark.tanzer@ucdenver.eduPhilosophy provides arguably the most intense, critical, and universally applicable education available for an undergraduate. An undergraduate degree in philosophy is academically rigorous. It is excellent preparation for law and medicine, as well as a variety of positions in business, public service and more.
Why is our CU Denver philosophy degree so broadly applicable? By investigating general ideas valuable to every other field – knowledge, health, justice, ethics, science, religion, art, and politics, to name just a few – studying philosophy with us helps students master skills indispensable for the rest of their life:
- how to think clearly
- how to reason and speak logically and convincingly
- how to write concisely and imaginatively
- how to ask questions that no one else is asking.
What does philosophy study? What is its “content”? Philosophy is typically concerned with the most general concepts important for human life – happiness, justice, truth, beauty, technology, health, and environment. While these may seem vague, it’s crucial to understand that philosophy always discusses these ideas in relevant ways -- in contexts which students find relevant and significant for their personal and professional careers. Thus, philosophy engages students in reading, writing, and conversation that sparks dialogue about questions timeless and timely.
- Some of philosophy's questions concern reality: Is there an external world? What is the relationship between the physical and the mental? Does God exist?
- Others concern human nature as rational, purposive, and social beings: Do we act freely? Where do our moral obligations come from? How do we construct justice in political forms? How or why do we punish?
- Philosophy questions the nature and extent of knowledge and truth: How is knowledge different from belief or opinion? What does it mean to "prove" something? What is proof of knowledge based upon? Sensory experience? Abstract rules or principles? Are faith and reason compatible? What is the role of religion in a world seemingly run by science and technology?
- Many questions concern the foundations and implications of other disciplines: What is a scientific explanation? What sort of knowledge of the world does science provide? Are we masters or slaves to technology? What is the purpose of an economic system? What makes an object a work of art? Are aesthetic value judgments objective?
Our department is intensely student-focused. We listen to students, read their writings carefully, and seek to learn from them. Mutual understanding and dialogue is the mission of University of Colorado Denver Philosophy.
Why the Bachelor of Arts to Master of Arts in Sociology (4+1) program at CU Denver?
Learning
Develop understanding of the social world in a vibrant, urban setting that provides ample opportunity for community-engaged learning.
Research
Build skills by participating in research with faculty, for pay, credit, or as a volunteer.
Build Skills
Use acquired research skills, theory, and substantive knowledge to conduct research, communicate knowledge, shape policy, and inform programs that address pressing social issues.
Program Description
Philosophy provides arguably the most intense, critical, and universally applicable education available for an undergraduate. An undergraduate degree in philosophy is academically rigorous. It is excellent preparation for law and medicine, as well as a variety of positions in business, public service and more.
Why is our CU Denver philosophy degree so broadly applicable? By investigating general ideas valuable to every other field – knowledge, health, justice, ethics, science, religion, art, and politics, to name just a few – studying philosophy with us helps students master skills indispensable for the rest of their life:
- how to think clearly
- how to reason and speak logically and convincingly
- how to write concisely and imaginatively
- how to ask questions that no one else is asking.
What does philosophy study? What is its “content”? Philosophy is typically concerned with the most general concepts important for human life – happiness, justice, truth, beauty, technology, health, and environment. While these may seem vague, it’s crucial to understand that philosophy always discusses these ideas in relevant ways -- in contexts which students find relevant and significant for their personal and professional careers. Thus, philosophy engages students in reading, writing, and conversation that sparks dialogue about questions timeless and timely.
- Some of philosophy's questions concern reality: Is there an external world? What is the relationship between the physical and the mental? Does God exist?
- Others concern human nature as rational, purposive, and social beings: Do we act freely? Where do our moral obligations come from? How do we construct justice in political forms? How or why do we punish?
- Philosophy questions the nature and extent of knowledge and truth: How is knowledge different from belief or opinion? What does it mean to "prove" something? What is proof of knowledge based upon? Sensory experience? Abstract rules or principles? Are faith and reason compatible? What is the role of religion in a world seemingly run by science and technology?
- Many questions concern the foundations and implications of other disciplines: What is a scientific explanation? What sort of knowledge of the world does science provide? Are we masters or slaves to technology? What is the purpose of an economic system? What makes an object a work of art? Are aesthetic value judgments objective?
Our department is intensely student-focused. We listen to students, read their writings carefully, and seek to learn from them. Mutual understanding and dialogue is the mission of University of Colorado Denver Philosophy.
Why the Bachelor of Arts to Master of Arts in Sociology (4+1) program at CU Denver?
Learning
Develop understanding of the social world in a vibrant, urban setting that provides ample opportunity for community-engaged learning.
Research
Build skills by participating in research with faculty, for pay, credit, or as a volunteer.
Build Skills
Use acquired research skills, theory, and substantive knowledge to conduct research, communicate knowledge, shape policy, and inform programs that address pressing social issues.
Student Testimonials
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