PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is not just another discipline. It is also a rational inquiry into any discipline—for instance, philosophy of psychology asks whether we can “measure” internal states such as desires, beliefs, and emotions; philosophy of history asks whether human history has a discernible direction and end point; philosophy of law asks how morality and law are related; and so on. Philosophers seek answers to the fundamental questions which underpin any field of study. In addition to core questions about how we should live our lives, philosophers also study principles of language and reasoning (logic), foundations of empirical discovery and other ways of knowing (epistemology), and the ultimate underpinnings and structure of the self and the world (metaphysics).

In our core course—Philosophy 310, Ethics—all cadets learn major ethical theories and traditions from Western antiquity to the present. We focus on how these have led to the evolution of the just-war tradition and its progeny, including the law of armed conflict and tactical-level rules of engagement. Throughout the course, cadets enhance their deliberative capacity, moral judgment, and sensitivity to ethical nuance while improving their motivation to live as leaders of character. Cadets also gain tools to analyze accounts of the virtues associated with excellent moral judgment and moral action. The course also helps cadets hone oral and written communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills throughout 40 discussion-oriented, writing-intensive lessons.

The philosophy major and minor go further, providing cadets with the opportunity to pursue specialized excellence in philosophical investigation. Our cadets become fine critical thinkers and communicators. That is not to say that cadets who take philosophy courses beyond the core must be philosophy majors, or philosophy or religion studies minors. For example, biology and chemistry majors hoping to enter medical school enjoy our course in medical ethics, and legal studies majors gain important insights in our philosophy of law course.