Philosophy Program

UC Merced’s philosophy program combines traditional approaches to philosophy with interdisciplinary and applied approaches, which are on the leading edge of the field. The program has special emphases in (1) applied ethics and political philosophy, and (2) philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the material they study in traditional ways, including critical written analyses and written exams, but are also expected to make use of non-traditional methods. Examples include incorporating readings from outside of the philosophy literature, conceptual analysis of non-philosophical texts (such as scientific texts and policy analyses), and in some cases computer and mathematical modeling projects.