Philosophy

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Many Philosophy majors at Loras are committed to research and service to churches in the Dubuque Archdiocese.

Because these students are interested in the ways their faith lives connect with their intellectual interests, they pursue compelling areas of research.

• During the 2010–2011 academic year, a Philosophy major, Brandon Schetgen, presented papers at two undergraduate philosophy conferences: Truman State University and Creighton University.
• Three students were members of the Provost’s Top 20 students in the 2009–2010. The Philosophy program typically has at least one student represented among this select group each year.

ALUMNI SUCCESSES
Loras Philosophy majors have gone on to enjoy successful careers in various areas. A representative sampling includes the following.

• Numerous individuals are now serving as ordained priests in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and other neighboring dioceses (Rockford and Madison), as well as becoming professed members of male and female religious communities (Dominicans, Salesians of Don Bosco, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement).
• Melissa (Zamora) McLaughlin (’06)
  Vice President, Groundswell Communications, Washington, D.C.
• Jonathon Hanten (‘02)
  Archdiocese of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
• Felicia Kruse, Ph.D. (‘83)
  Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
• Peter Zachar, Ph.D. (’86)
  Chair, Department of Psychology, Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL
• Rick Harris (’87)
  Attorney, Finely Law Firm, Des Moines, IA

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Many Internships and study abroad opportunities are available for all Philosophy students. All majors in the division participate in college internship programs offered through the Loras College Center for Experiential Learning.

Study Abroad
Majors in this division study abroad in greater numbers than any other major on campus. Popular locations include:

• Ireland
• Spain
• England
• South Africa
• Rome
• Asssi
• Peru

Art, Beauty & Meaning
This course explores the nature of art, the meaning of beauty, and the relationship between the two by consulting selected writings and by directly experiencing and studying specific works of art (and, in some cases, by interacting with the artists who produced them).

Knowledge, Truth & Reality
The study of what and how things exist in the world (metaphysics/philosophy of being), and how we cognitively experience and understand these things (epistemology/philosophy of knowledge); includes notions of being in itself, potency and actuality; causality; the properties of unity, good, and beauty; the nature of evil; intellect and sense perception; truth and falsity; and subjective states of certainty, doubt, ignorance, and error.

Medieval Philosophy
A survey of Christian, Jewish and Islamic philosophy from the early middle ages through Renaissance scholasticism, with particular attention to the work of Thomas Aquinas.

Science, Faith, and Knowledge
This course will provide an interdisciplinary theoretical and practical introduction to scientific literacy in the natural, human, and behavioral sciences. It aims to assists students in the construction of intellectual frameworks based in sound reason with which to consider the dynamic relationships among empirical scientific research, philosophical commitments, and theological beliefs. Students will be challenged to engage and assess scientific data as well as critically reflect on its practical, personal, and pastoral applications.

Human Identity in Community
Philosophic investigation into human identity as a rational and social being, relying upon common experience, culture, and selected findings of the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; attention given to the distinct powers, performances, and place of human beings within the natural order, and insights related to the self and society, including the themes of life, mutual dependence, freedom, unity, knowledge and practical reason, and the afterlife.

View All Philosophy Course Offerings PDF

PHILOSOPHY
Division of Philosophical, Religious, Theological, Social & Cultural Studies
Christoffer Lammer-Heindel, Ph.D., Chair

The philosophy major has a built-in flexibility which allows students to: double major and connect as closely as possible an interest in philosophy with a major interest in another area, and develop a more personal course of study in philosophy, tailored to a student’s individual interests.

The minor in philosophy is an ideal choice if a student does not want to pursue a major in philosophy, however is interested in exploring life’s ultimate questions, if only in a preliminary way.

Requirements for the major in Philosophy (B.A.):
A one-hour oral comprehensive exam including a portfolio review (see Philosophy Program Director for oral examination study guide and further details regarding the portfolio review) are required for program completion. Philosophy majors must successfully complete (with a grade of C or above) courses within the following categories:

Requirements for the minor in Philosophy:

At Loras, minor programs can be designed to fit individual needs.

View Full Requirements & Additional Information PDF