Think critically about the complex questions of our world. Search for understanding and wisdom through inquiry into fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge and "how to live a good life."
Program Overview
Agreeing with Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” the B.S. in Philosophy asks student to think critically about the most complex, enduring questions regarding existence, knowledge, and values facing the world.
- How are right and wrong determined?
- Does science give us objective truth?
- Do humans have free will?
Through research, reflection, and discussion, the program equips students with the reasoning and critical-thinking skills needed to be responsible citizens and tomorrow’s global leaders.
Designed For Dual Majors
The philosophy program is designed to allow students to bring new perspectives to other fields of study.
Program Highlights
Philosophy in a Technological World
Philosophy at RPI examines the deepest questions about knowledge, mind, and morality in the context of a rapidly changing scientific and technological society. The program emphasizes precise reasoning, ethical reflection, and the conceptual analysis of science and technology.
Logic, Ethics, and the Foundations of Science
Students build strength in formal logic and analytical reasoning while exploring the philosophy of science, artificial intelligence, and ethics. The curriculum encourages critical engagement with questions about consciousness, free will, and the moral dimensions of innovation.
Flexibility and Capstone Experience
The Philosophy B.S. is highly flexible, enabling students to combine philosophical study with virtually any other discipline at RPI. Whether paired with a field in engineering, the sciences, computing, or the arts, the program cultivates clear thinking and ethical insight that complements technical expertise. In the senior year, students complete a capstone project or thesis that applies philosophical reasoning to contemporary scientific, technological, or societal issues.
Curriculum overview
This page provides a high-level summary of program requirements unique to the Philosophy B.S. program. For complete details, please see the official Rensselaer Catalog via the links provided below.
Math/Science Requirements
MATH 1010 and MATH 1020: Calculus I and II
Core Requirements
PHIL 2140 – Introduction to Formal Logic
Foundations
Choose at least one of the following:
PHIL 1110 – Introduction to Philosophy
INQR 1140 – Minds & Machines
INQR 1130 – Philosophy, Technology and the Human Future
INQR 1235 – Are Humans Rational?
INQR 1165 – Great Ideas in Philosophy
Ethics
Choose at least one of the following
PHIL 2960 – Ethics of AI
PHIL 4240 – Ethics
PHIL 4300 – Environmental Philosophy
PHIL 4500 – Bioethics
Philosophy of Science
Choose at least one of the following
PHIL 2400 – Philosophy of Biology
PHIL 4130 – Philosophy of Science
PHIL 4310 – Scientific Revolutions
PHIL 4440 – Philosophy of Mathematics
Philosophy Electives and Advanced Courses (choose 3 courses)
Students take three additional philosophy electives, chosen in consultation with an adviser.
Capstone Experience
In the senior year, students complete a capstone project under faculty supervision, producing an original research paper or thesis that applies philosophical reasoning to a chosen topic. The Capstone Experience allows students to synthesize their studies and gain experience in independent research and formal analysis.
Flexibility and Dual Majors
The Philosophy B.S. is designed for flexibility, enabling students to pursue a dual major in a diverse range of fields. Many philosophy courses complement technical studies through emphasis on logic, ethics, and the philosophical foundations of science and technology.
For More Information
For complete details on the Philosophy B.S. program requirements, as well as a listing of current courses offered, please see the official Rensselaer Catalog. Note that program requirements are specific to the academic year you started at RPI. Use the drop-down box at the top-right of the Rensselaer Catalog page to select the appropriate year.
For questions regarding the Philosophy B.S. program, please contact:
Philosophy Program Coordinator: Prof. Dan Thero (therod@rpi.edu)
Undergraduate Program Director: Prof. Chris Sims (simsc3@rpi.edu)
HASS Student Services Advising Hub (hassinfo@rpi.edu)
Program Outcomes
Students who graduate from this program will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning in producing, analyzing, or evaluating ideas and arguments.
- Describe accurately, compare, and evaluate key features of a variety of approaches, ideas, and philosophers across the history of philosophy.
- Solve real-world problems using logical reasoning, development of concepts and ideas, and clear communication skills.
After Graduation
A degree in philosophy provides a solid foundation for careers and graduate studies in law, medicine, journalism, artificial intelligence, and more.
"Philosophy has greatly enhanced my learning experience at Rensselaer by refining my ability to grasp and reason through complex concepts while teaching me how to think more critically about the topics within my major."
— Mina Kodsi