The study of philosophy is dedicated to reflection on the most fundamental concerns of human life. Students examine and assess the concepts and arguments expressed in writings of influential philosophers on such enduring themes as moral value, religious knowledge, political order, truth, and ultimate reality. Philosophical study assists students in developing such valuable and transferable skills as analytical reading and writing, creative and critical thinking, and sound judgment.
Career Opportunities
(Most careers require a bachelor’s or advanced degree.)
Corporate Manager, Ethics Consultant, Lawyer, Management Trainer, Public Administrator, Religious Leader Social Worker, Teacher, Writer, Philosophical Counselor
Faculty
Vecchio, Daniel
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Philosophy major
- University of California, Riverside: Philosophy major
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Philosophy, AA-T
State Control Number: 38120
Program Code: PHILT.AA or PHILT.IGETC.AA
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
The study of philosophy provides an opportunity to explore the most fundamental concerns of human life. Students examine and assess the concepts of the world's major thinkers and most influential texts regarding such themes as human value, religious experience, political order, truth, and ultimate reality. Philosophical study helps to develop such valuable and transferable skills as analytical reading and writing, creative and critical thinking, and independent judgment. The AA-T in Philosophy is designed to prepare students for upper division course work required for the baccalaureate degree in Philosophy.
To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC (for CSU or UC) pattern; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHIL 109 | Introduction to Logic | 3.0 |
| PHIL 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3.0 |
| or PHIL 108 | Introduction to Ethics and Contemporary Moral Issues | |
| List A | ||
| Complete one course from the following or any required course above not already used: | 3.0 | |
| History of Ancient Philosophy | ||
| History of Modern Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| List B | ||
| Complete two courses from the following or any List A course not already used: | 6.0 | |
| Introduction to Political Theory and Thought | ||
| Philosophy of Religion | ||
| List C | ||
| Complete one List A or List B course not already used: | 3.0 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Philosophy Courses
Introduction to the methods and subject matter of the discipline of philosophy through critical analysis of primary texts and discussion of enduring questions regarding reality, knowledge, and value. Topics include the sources and limits of knowledge; the nature of reality, mind, and personal identity; the existence of God and religious experience; moral value; philosophy of science; the nature of truth; distributive justice; and the meaning of life. C-ID: PHIL 100.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduction to moral philosophy. Critical study of major ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral issues in such areas as bio-medical practice, law and violence, sexuality, social and economic justice, the environment, and business conduct. C-ID: PHIL 120.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduction to the principles and practice of sound reasoning: argument analysis and evaluation, induction, deduction, fallacies, categorical logic, and propositional logic. Assignments require use of the computer. C-ID: PHIL 110.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics, with a focus on conceptions of the "common good" and distributive justice, the nature of rights, the significance of "equality" and "liberty". Analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary themes and global challenges, e.g. same-sex marriage, racial justice, economic inequality, health care, war and violence, immigration, debt cancellation, immigration, climate change, international law. Crosslisted with POLS 114. C-ID: POLS 120.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduction to major topics in the Philosophy of Religion: the existence and nature of God, religious experience and knowledge, and concepts of immortality and human destiny. Special attention is given to conflicts between religion and science, competing claims for religious truth, and the relevance of religion to social ethics. Crosslisted with RLST 117.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This is a course exploring the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, modern and contemporary epistemological theories, the challenges skepticism raises for epistemology, and the principles, criteria and methodology of science and scientific investigation. This course is intended for students seeking a basic understanding of the nature of knowledge and its relationship to science.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Critical study of the major movements, figures, and influential texts in the ancient period of Western Philosophy: the Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Discussion of the influence of Greek thought on Hellenistic, Roman, and Medieval philosophy. C-ID: PHIL 130.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduction to major Western philosophers and movements from the 16th through the 18th Centuries. Emphasis on primary source readings representative of Continental Rationalism, British Empiricism, and Kant, with some attention given to precursors and following developments. C-ID: PHIL 140.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Cooperative Education: This course is designed for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or possible career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences. Students must have a co-op approved worksite to enroll in this class and establish new learning objectives. Please refer to the Cooperative Education section in this catalog for more information.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Study and practice in critical thinking and advanced English composition: analysis, evaluation, and formulation of arguments; critical study of texts; and extended argumentative writing. Application of critical thinking and writing skills to current moral, social, and religious issues. Crosslisted with RLST 207.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Define and discuss the methods and subject matter of the academic discipline of Philosophy.
- Identify, discuss, and evaluate works of major philosophical importance in the history of Philosophy.
- Reason effectively about values, including the application of ethical principles and ethical analysis of proposed solutions to social problems.
- Recognize, analyze, evaluate, and apply inductive and deductive reasoning.