The Daily Bulletin Archive

By Tony Astran

The ability to read and write, communicate effectively, think critically, and solve problems bolsters students’ potential for success beyond their time at Buffalo State. That is what the Philosophy Department believes and what it aims to provide for students with the new philosophy minor.

The 18-credit minor was approved in June and became available to students this semester. Students may take any six philosophy courses, but no more than 6 credit hours at the 100 or 200 level. Associate professor and department chair Kim Blessing said the lack of specific course requirements allows students flexibility to develop their philosophical skills alongside the requirements of their majors and is in keeping with the American Philosophical Association’s guidelines for philosophy programs.

“We’re always pushing the same kinds of skills and values in every class,” she said. “Students learn how to recognize and evaluate arguments, think critically, and communicate their position effectively.”

Blessing said that while students asked for the minor and some are beginning to sign up, others will soon be learning that they already qualify or are close to qualifying for the minor.

“According to Banner, 75 students had taken 12 or more philosophy credit hours as of spring, and 15 of those students already had 18 credit hours,” she said. “We’ll be notifying all of these students shortly.”

Blessing said many students tend to discover philosophy in later academic years, so the department is looking at ways to expose students earlier to philosophy, such as offering freshman-only classes. While Blessing welcomes more students to pursue the philosophy major, she believes the minor provides a “less intimidating and more accommodating option.”

“The philosophy minor complements any major on campus and deepens students’ understanding of other disciplines,” she said. “It provides a framework for general education and can help students see connections to other courses they’re taking.”

To broaden accessibility for the minor, the department recently added three new courses: PHI 107: Introduction to Mathematical Logic; PHI 347: Western Thought: Homer to Alexander; and PHI 351: Ethics Bowl. All satisfy Intellectual Foundations requirements. The department will offer a cross-department class, Biology and Values, in the spring.

Blessing is confident that student interest in philosophy will catch on with the addition of the minor. “We have a solid program and offer rigorous courses that help students think more clearly about issues and engage in fundamental questions about the human experience,” she said. “Philosophy offers students the chance to think deeply about things they’ve probably wondered about prior to coming to their first philosophy class.”