Philosophy Associate of Arts

The Philosophy Department applies critical and analytic methods to theories of knowledge, reality, ethics, religion, and more, from a variety of cultural perspectives, and thereby promotes intellectual growth, an appreciation of social justice, and character. Using traditional philosophical literature, students are exposed to a specific set of philosophical problems and themes that span the history of the discipline.

In all of our Philosophy courses, we maintain a dynamic environment for learning in which we discuss and evaluate philosophical theories and concepts and apply that learning to everyday life through the use of further analysis. The study of such fundamental issues through various perspectives increases cultural awareness and develops critical thinking skills in the students. The Philosophy Program offers courses that examine our common assumptions, values, and traditions, and thereby challenge students to grow intellectually and personally. The content of philosophy focuses on an array of questions regarding humanity, morality, knowledge, and reality. Studying this content expands one’s intellectual horizons. Moreover, the practice of careful argumentation that is central to the philosophical method puts students in the position to be effective and motivated lifelong learners.

The curriculum in the Philosophy Associate of Science degree program is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an associate degree. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering majors related to the field of philosophy—majors which include philosophy itself as well as literature, history, economics, gender studies, religion, political science, and law—earning the associate degree would support attempts to gain entry- level employment or promotion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Identify and evaluate the main philosophical theories in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics in the Western tradition.
Use logical principles (i.e. formal and/or informal logic) and apply them to everyday examples.
Recognize and understand the universalizing, structuring, and metaphorical power of language as it affects thinking and theorizing.

Required Core

PHIL 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY 3 Units *
Or
PHIL 1H HONORS INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY 3 Units *
PHIL 5 HISTORY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY 3 Units *
PHIL 12 INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC 3 Units *
PHIL 14 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION 3 Units *
Restricted Electives 6 units

Total Units for the Major: 18

Restricted Electives

PHIL 10 WORLD RELIGIONS 3 Units *
PHIL 15 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS 3 Units *
HUM 1 INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES 3 Units *
HUM 2 ORIGINS OF WESTERN CULTURE IN LITERATURE 3 Units *
HUM 3 THE CULTURE OF MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE EUROPE 3 Units *
*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommendedpreparation; see course description.

Associate of Arts Degree

Complete a minimum of 60 units including the total number of units described above and the General Education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 to qualify for the Associate of Arts degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.