The Philosophy Department offers a B.A. and Minor in Philosophy as well as a B.S. and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (starting Fall 2025).
B.A. and Minor in Philosophy
The Philosophy Major and Minor aim to help students understand some of the foundational and applied lines of inquiry associated with philosophy, and to develop the thinking skills needed for this. Throughout the curriculum, there is a focus on clear evaluation of arguments and assessment of evidence, and on critical reading, writing, and analysis. In addition, the major and minor place a special emphasis on the incorporation of scientific data and methods (e.g. computer modeling and experimental methods) into philosophical arguments, and on application of philosophical methods across disciplinary boundaries. The reasoning and information assessment skills students gain can be fruitfully applied to many areas of inquiry outside of philosophy. The study of philosophy is both personally and professionally enriching. Philosophy training is associated with high test-scores on major standardized tests (GRE, LSAT, GMAT; see the data), and with competitive salary outcomes ("philosophy majors earn significantly more than most majors, especially over the long term" Forbes, 2017). A philosophy major is also a standard precursor to law school and other professional degree programs.
Information on the Philosophy BA requirements can be found here.
Information on the Philosophy minor requirements can be found here.
The program learning outcomes for the major and minor can be found here.
B.S. and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (available Fall 2025)
Navigating socio-technical challenges, from AI to climate to zoonotic disease, requires a sophisticated understanding of both technical and humanistic perspectives. Artificial intelligence researchers have publicly called for a better understanding of the risks associated with AI, whereas climate change requires an appreciation of climate justice and differential impact. At UC Merced we have new and growing programs in Data Science, Public Health, and Environmental Science that are well positioned for engagement with an ethics-focused program, such as STE. This program will educate the next generation of thought leaders on these issues for careers in law, government, non-profits, and industry.
The mission of the Major and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) is to impart an understanding of the ethical and political dimensions of science and technology. STE students will develop skills for ethical reflection and assessment of both scientific research and technological development, preparing them for careers in a variety of sectors. Along with courses in ethics, majors will gain depth in a particular area of science and technology, such as biology or data science. The STE program structure allows for both specialization and flexibility to accommodate students with interests in a variety of STEM fields.
Information on the STE B.S. requirements can be found here.
Information on the STE Minor requirements can be found here.
The program learning outcomes for the major and minor can be found here.
Course Descriptions
Current course descriptions can be found here. A list of our active courses is below:
PHIL 001: Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 002: Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 003: Contemporary Moral Problems
PHIL 004: Critical Reasoning
PHIL 005: Introduction to Logic
PHIL 008: Love, Sex, and Gender
PHIL 009: Phenomenology and Existentialism
PHIL 101: Metaphysics
PHIL 102: Epistemology
PHIL 103: Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 104: Ethical Theory
PHIL 105: Philosophy of Language
PHIL 106: Philosophy of Science
PHIL 107: Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 108: Political Philosophy
PHIL 109: Philosophy of Law
PHIL 110: Philosophy of Cognitive Science
PHIL 119: Topics in Philosophy of Science
PHIL 122: Bioethics
PHIL 128: Human Rights
PHIL 130: Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 131: Topics in Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 134: Modern Philosophy
PHIL 137: Topics in 19th Century Philosophy
PHIL 157: Philosophy of Love and Friendship
PHIL 160: Mathematical Logic
PHIL 171: Free Will in Philosophy and Cognitive Science
PHIL 173: Consciousness in Philosophy and Cognitive Science
PHIL 180: Topics in Philosophy
PHIL 191: Senior Philosophy Assessment and Thesis
Current Course Offerings
See the official course schedule here.
