Table of Contents - Hartwick College

Philosophy
“Philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom.” It denotes a kind of activity
rather than a kind of subject matter; as contemporary philosophers use
the term, philosophy is a kind of reflection on and analysis of various
other human activities. For example, philosophical analysis distinguishes
between moral, religious and scientific discourse and reflects on how
religion is related to morals on the one hand, and to science on the other.
Philosophy dates back to the ancient Greeks, when Socrates, Plato,
Aristotle and other thinkers explored the nature of reality and the means
by which people come to know. Later philosophers such as Descartes,
Hume and Kant refined the understanding of human existence. The study
of philosophy challenges students to examine very fundamental questions
and, in so doing, better prepares them for life. As they become familiar
with the teachings of the world’s great philosophers, students also develop
their ability to examine, clarify, analyze—and care for— the natural and
human worlds.
Hartwick’s philosophy program acquaints students with issues of
contemporary philosophical inquiry, as well as the thinking of important
philosophers of the past. Major areas of study include epistemology, the
study of how we come to know and of the limits of what we can know;
metaphysics, the study of reality; and ethics, the study of moral standards
and value theories. Departmental offerings include courses in the history
of philosophy as well as systematic courses, which introduce students to
the chief areas and topics of philosophical investigation. These courses,
together with opportunities for directed individual study, permit students
to do advanced and specialized work in philosophy and to develop
competence in handling philosophical problems.
Students who major in philosophy complete core courses in logic, history
of philosophy, ancient and modern philosophy, and ethics. Additional
courses in philosophy selected to complete the major requirements
depend on a student’s interests and future career goals. The major
program culminates in a baccalaureate thesis, a directed study, in an area
of philosophical inquiry.
Graduates with a major in philosophy have many options. Those with
demonstrated ability who desire to continue in the field may do graduate
study in philosophy to prepare for college teaching. Students who have
majored in philosophy as undergraduates also may pursue graduate study
in other fields; philosophy is a recommended major for students
considering law school, for example.
Faculty
Stanley Konecky, chair; Adrian Kuzminski; Adrian McFarlane; Stefanie
Rocknak
Courses
191