Philosophy Major

Philosophy Major

Major

Philosophy is the original home of critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and systematic argumentation. Its work demands clarity, objectivity, sound reasoning, fairness, and good writing. The study of philosophy builds conceptual skills exportable to any branch of the Army and to all professions, skills essential to leadership.

Offered by the Department of Law & Philosophy (DELPHI).

Why Study Philosophy at West Point?

Thinking matters. The Philosophy major at West Point is grounded in the belief that philosophical inquiry has both inherent value and immense practical importance, especially for aspiring Army officers. As a Philosophy major, you'll explore a wide range of philosophical topics that ignite your intellectual curiosity - from foundational areas like ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and logic to classical ideas in Ancient Greek and Asian philosophy, as well as contemporary philosophical work. 

You'll participate in for-credit Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) programs and engage in applied research, often collaborating with partners in the Army and Department of Defense - like these ongoing research projects. Throughout your cadet experience, studying philosophy will shape you into a better thinker, a more insightful leader, and a more well-rounded individual. 

The skills you develop as a Philosophy major -  critical and creative thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, and analyzing issues from multiple perspectives - are essential for success in the Army and highly valued across civilian careers (don’t just take our word for it!). Philosophy develops transferable cognitive skills increasingly demanded by employers in our rapidly changing economy. 

Whether you aspire to become a general officer, business executive, or leader in any field, the intellectual rigor and versatility gained from philosophical study give you a distinct advantage. Philosophy majors consistently outperform most other majors on standardized tests, particularly those assessing verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and logical thinking (you can’t argue with these numbers!). 

For example, Philosophy majors score the second highest of any major on the LSAT, the standardized test used for admissions by law schools. Philosophy majors’ unique ability to question assumptions, anticipate trends, and develop long-term strategies makes philosophy graduates valuable in business environments that prioritize innovation and adaptability (as a result, philosophy majors earn far more than you think!). 

You'll be prepared to tackle complex challenges, make sound judgments, and lead with integrity in any environment. Philosophy is not just an academic pursuit; it's an investment in your future success, both in and beyond the military.

The intellectual skills and experience the philosophy major fosters are beneficial to the Army and will be an asset to any branch. This major offers an honors track. 

Interested Cadets

The Philosophy major includes 4 required courses and 9 optional courses. It also offers an honors track.

Required courses

  • PY300 - Philosophical Methods
  • PY305 - Logical Reasoning

Philosophy Core Area Course (choose 1)

  • PY310 - Reality & Knowledge
  • PY320 - Ethics

Philosophy Electives (choose 6)

  • PY325 - Military Ethics
  • PY326 - Ethics of Technology
  • PY329 - Topics in Ethics
  • PY330 - Political Philosophy
  • PY345 - Philosophy of Religion
  • PY350 - Philosophy of Science
  • PY355 - Philosophy of Mind
  • PY360 - Ancient Philosophy
  • PY369 - Asian Philosophical Traditions
  • PY370 - 17th & 18th Century Philosophy
  • PY375 - Kant & 19th Century Philosophy
  • PY380 - 20th Century Philosophy
  • PY390 - Inter-Department Seminar
  • PY395 - Special Topics in Philosophy
  • PY495 - Independent Study: Philosophy
  • XH400 - Intercollegiate Seminar

Complementary Support Courses

Cadets choose a track and then pick three courses from the track. Cadets may pick outside of their chosen track with Program Director approval.

  • History
  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Literature
  • Strategic Studies
  • Politics
  • Cultural Studies

Integrative Experience for the Major

  • PY400 - Senior Seminar in Philosophy

Science Depth

Cadets in this major may take any approved choice

  • CH102 - General Chemistry II
  • CH275 - Biology
  • PH202 - Physics II
  • PH252 - Advanced Physics II
  • PH275 - Physics II: Space

Curriculum requirements

IT/CYBER Requirements

Cadets satisfy the IT/CYBER requirement by successfully completing the IT/CYBER content in the core curriculum and CY305/355. This also satisfied the STEM Depth requirement.

  • CY305 - Cyber Foundations
  • CY355 - Cyber Foundations - Computing

Core Engineering Sequence

Cadets can choose any approved three-course Core Engineering Sequence.

Writing-in-the-Major

Cadets satisfy the West Point Writing Program requirement by successfully completing writing requirements in the core curriculum and this course in the major.

  • PY300 - Philosophical Methods

Learn More

Philosophy majors have a number of enrichment opportunities, including attendance at the Mid-Hudson Philosophy Society Annual conference, participation in the  Ethics of War Annual Conference Partnership with Villanova University, presentations at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs Panel, as well as the opportunity to present work at various undergraduate conferences or in journals. 

Honor Societies

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Law and Philosophy or the center associated with this department/area of study.