Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Philosophy

“Philosophy” is a word that means “love of wisdom.” That might sound broad, and that’s because it is. Every academic discipline was once a part of philosophy, which is why professors in most other disciplines have a “Ph.D.”, an abbreviation for “doctor of philosophy.” Philosophy is often countercultural, because it asks people to think and rethink assumptions so that people can live more reflective and meaningful lives.

The Hope College’s Philosophy Department offers courses in applied ethics, philosophy of law, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, as well as courses in major philosophical movements (such as existentialism and postmodernism), cultures (such as those of India, Tibet, China, and Japan), and time periods (such as ancient, medieval, and modern).

Students can pursue their goals through a concentration in philosophy or through any number of combinations of courses short of a major. Others will want to make the history of philosophical thought and its special fields of inquiry the core around which their overall education is built and will become majors.