Philosophy

The unexamined life is not worth living

Why study Philosophy at TSU?

Philosophy means the “love of wisdom.” In philosophy, we practice the love of wisdom by critically engaging with fundamental questions of human existence, including: What is the meaning of life? What can I know? How do I live a good life? What are my responsibilities to others? What is a just society? Do we really have free will? The questions, concepts, and tools that you learn in philosophy will equip you to live a more critical and reflective life.

Learning how to raise questions, even about that which one assumes is unquestionable–this is what I’ve learned from my philosophical studies, from critical theory.

- Angela Davis, Professor, Activist, Philosophy major

 

 

 

 

 

Our minor program is open to students regardless of major. It is designed to complement any of the University’s degree granting programs. Not only intrinsically valuable, but philosophy also teaches you skills that will make you more employable and better prepared for success after college. A minor in Philosophy will help you develop the fundamental skills more employers say they want. You will be better equipped to 

  • question critically
  • think logically
  • communicate clearly
  • act creatively
  • live ethically

Students who wish to concentrate in Philosophy may do so by fulfilling the requirements for the Arts and Sciences (Interdisciplinary Studies) B.S. degree program in the humanities, which entails taking at least 15 upper-level hours in Philosophy or Religious Studies, and 8 upper-level hours in a second discipline in the humanities (Art, English, French, Religious Studies, Spanish, or Theatre). 

The center of my world was school, and I dove into it with a vengeance. The universe of philosophy and religion was opened to me, and I took to it like a fish to water… Now I saw philosophical and theological underpinnings for what I’d sensed and deeply felt all my life–that there was a contradiction between what was and what ought to be.

- John Lewis, Member of the US House of Representatives, Philosophy and Religion major

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Departmental Requirements for the Minor in Philosophy

  • 18 hours of coursework in Philosophy or Religious Studies
  • 12 hours of upper-level coursework in Philosophy or Religious Studies
  • 1 course in the History of Philosophy

Reach out to our faculty advisor, Dr. Charles Bowie, and make a plan to complete your minor or concentration in Philosophy today!

 Undergraduate change of major/minor form



phil courses

Recent Courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies 

PHIL 1030: Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2500: Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL 3120: History of Philosophy, Contemporary
PHIL 3360: Medical Ethics 
PHIL 3600: African-American Philosophy
PHIL 4400: Black Comics 
PHIL 4400: Philosophy of Love and Sex 

RELS 2010: Introduction to Religious Studies 
RELS 2011: World Religions
RELS 3100: The Old Testament 
RELS 3100/3110: New Testament 
RELS 3300: Religion in America
RELS 4100: Contemporary Religious Thought
RELS 4200: African Roots of Christianity

 


Philosophy and Religious Studies Faculty

Dr. Julius Bailey, Instructor, Philosophy  jbaile45@tnstate.edu
Dr. Charles Bowie, Associate Professor, Philosophy and Religious Studies   cbowie@tnstate.edu 
Dr. Shannon Hayes, Assistant Professor, Philosophy   shayes15@tnstate.edu
Prof. Babydoll Kennedy, Instructor, Philosophy and Religious Studies   bkenned4@tnstate.edu
Prof. Eric A MacPhail, Instructor, Philosophy emacphai@tnstate.edu
Dr. James McRavion, Instructor, Religious Studies  jmcravio@tnstate.edu
Prof. Andrew Powers, Instructor, Philosophy   apowers@tnstate.edu
Rev. Dr. Raedorah C. Stewart, Instructor, Religious Studies   rstewa32@tnstate.edu

 

Faculty advisor 

Dr. Charles Bowie 

 


Student Resources