Philosophy

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  Philosophy covers complex, fundamental questions, most of which have been the subject of discussion since Antiquity. It comprises different complementary disciplines, most of which are represented in the Department of Philosophy of the University of Fribourg: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of the mind, philosophy of language, ethics and political philosophy, aesthetics and philosophy of art. In addition to these different systematic approaches, at the University of Fribourg, particular attention is paid to the study of philosophy in its historical dimension, with particular focus on Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

  Fribourg profile
  Due to its size, the diversity of studies, the wealth of scientific activities and bilingual courses, the Department of Philosophy of the University of Fribourg offers a bachelor programme in philosophy that is unique in Switzerland. Studies are structured around two main axes:

  • History of Philosophy comprises ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophy. These subjects introduce students to the main authors, texts and currents of Western philosophy. The historical approach consists in analysing different philosophical notions by situating them in their cultural context, in order to reconstitute the origins, development and relationships among such notions. This approach leads to the establishment of interactions with the many forms of Western philosophy;
  • Systematic Philosophy comprises philosophy of language, of the mind and of human sciences, epistemology and metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy, aesthetics and philosophy of art. These subjects introduce students to the themes and questions inherent to current philosophical debate. The purpose of the systematic approach is to engage in direct research for solutions to philosophical problems. To do this, it is necessary to understand how the specific issues of a problematic field interrelate, and to clearly perceive the advantages and disadvantages of the different positions within a given field. Analysis and assessment of arguments, notably with the use of logical tools, plays a central role in this approach.

  Within the framework of bachelor studies, relative freedom is given to students who want to invest in their studies and develop a specific profile by embarking on a course centred on a common core with a high number of optional courses. Another major advantage of the philosophy course at Fribourg is the bilingual aspect. Students can attend lessons in French or German, or in both languages.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Students who successfully complete a bachelor programme will have in-depth knowledge of philosophical issues in the historical context and how they relate to each other. They will also have a good grasp of specific methodological tools, such as how to reconstruct, interpret and assess an argument, or how to write complex argumentative texts.

  A course in philosophy provides opportunities in a number of sectors that require a high level of intellectual training. The specific skills developed through studying philosophy, such as analysis, argumentation and writing skills, or the ability to deal with complex problems independently and creatively, are appreciated in a variety of fields:

  • Non-governmental organisations;
  • Federal and cantonal administrative departments in Switzerland;
  • Human resources;
  • Journalism and media;
  • Consultancies (world of finance, medical professions, culture);
  • Communication and public relations.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen