Dept. of Philosophy Academics
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Philosophy involves a critical examination of our most fundamental beliefs about truth and reality, right and wrong. In this major, students study the traditional answers to the big questions in Western philosophy and also the important critiques of that dominant tradition.
For more information on the Philosophy major, click here. If you're interested in declaring a Philosophy major should click here.
Major/Minor Advisor: Professor Amie Macdonald, 212.237.8345, amacdonald@jjay.cuny.edu
The Philosophy minor is designed to give students interested in philosophy the opportunity to do intensive work in the field and have that work recognized. Philosophy — a term derived from the ancient Greek philosophia — means "love of wisdom." As a discipline, philosophy strives to seek thoughtful and rigorous responses to the most fundamental "Why?" questions about ourselves, the universe and our place in the universe. Areas of study include being or existence, knowledge, ethics, political philosophy and various "philosophy of . . ." issues (e.g., philosophy of law, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, etc.). Some core questions that philosophers ask range from "What is the nature of justice?" and "How should I live my life?" to "Do humans have free will?" and "What sort of justification is required for me to have knowledge?" (Requirements , Admissions)
Students interested in declaring a Philosophy minor should click here.
Major/Minor Advisor: Professor Amie Macdonald, 212.237.8345, amacdonald@jjay.cuny.edu
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities & Justice
The Humanities and Justice major offers students the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about justice from a humanistic, interdisciplinary perspective. Rooted in history, literature and philosophy, Humanities and Justice prepares students for basic inquiry and advanced research into issues of justice that lie behind social policy and criminal justice as well as broader problems of social morality and equity. Its courses are designed to help students develop the skills of careful reading, critical thinking and clear writing that are necessary for the pursuit of any professional career.
This major provides an excellent preparation for law school and other professional programs, for graduate school in the humanities, and for careers in law, education, public policy and criminal justice. (Requirements, Admissions) For more information on the Humanities and Justice Major, click here.
Students interested in declaring a Humanities and Justice Major should click here.
Coordinator: Professor Hyunhee Park, Department of History (212-237-8291, hpark@jjay.cuny.edu)
The Justice Studies Minor offers students the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about justice from a humanistic and interdisciplinary perspective. Embedded in history, literature, and philosophy, the minor engages students in the study of constructions of justice that underlie social policy and criminal justice as well as in broader issues of morality and equality.
The Humanities and Justice minor provides students who are majoring in the social sciences and sciences with an important supplementary perspective for their study of issues, policies, and laws concerned with justice. With its interdisciplinary focus, the minor will also enrich the curriculum of students majoring in one of the humanities. Its courses are designed to help students develop the skills of careful reading, critical thinking, and clear writing that are necessary for careers in law, public policy, civil service, and teaching. (Requirements, Admissions)
Students interested in declaring a Humanties and Justice minor should click here.
Coordinator: Professor Hyunhee Park, Department of History (212-237-8291, hpark@jjay.cuny.edu)