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Mission Statement & Learning Outcomes

The Whitworth Philosophy Department introduces students to the content and methodology of the discipline of philosophy. While emphasizing the history of philosophy and current philosophical issues, the department's courses help develop logical-reasoning and critical-thinking skills. The program focuses on both the critical and the constructive aspects of philosophy while encouraging Christian character development and career preparation. The learning outcomes of this major include the following:

Content mastery, including knowledge of the following:

• The history of philosophy, including key authors and texts
• Key issues, key questions, & major alternatives
• Central issues relative to intersection of philosophy with other disciplines, e.g. philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind

Critical thinking, including the ability to do the following:

Develop analytical skills:

• ability to listen and analyze various modes of discourse;
• ability to read texts carefully.

Develop argumentation skills:

• Identify and follow arguments (including the ability to discern fallacies, detect assumptions, identify presuppositions and implications of ideas).
• Construct arguments both orally and in writing -- including the ability to assert, explain, and justify a position.

Constructive Synthesis

• Understand worldviews.
• Articulate competing worldviews (with particular exposure to a Christian worldview)
• Recognize worldviews in dispute.
• Develop a personal worldview.
• Develop ability to connect ideas, pulling ideas from various sources to enhance and synthesize
• Integrate philosophy into one's personal life

Christian Character Development

• Cultivate moral virtues and aid in character development through teaching, modeling, and mentoring.
• Expose students to the Christian faith as a viable option for thinking persons.

Career Preparation

• Prepare some students for law school, seminary, philosophy graduate programs and other liberal arts graduate programs.
• For all students: Translate acquired skills into marketable professional competencies.