Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

The philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) major provides students with the opportunity to form an interdisciplinary integrated knowledge that combines foundational understanding of each discipline. In order to understand complex social phenomena one must approach them from several complementary disciplinary directions and analytical frameworks. The study of philosophy equips students with broad knowledge of the ideas and theories that shape society and culture, and the intellectual tools needed for ethical reflection. The study of political science acquaints students with the political structures that govern society and introduces the complexities involved in the choices political systems and regimes regularly make. Knowledge of economics is vital for explaining and understanding the social world. There is at least some truth to Marx’s claim that all social phenomena are at their core economic. All three disciplines equip students with meta-tools such as the ability to think rigorously and logically, but each employs different methodologies. This is what makes the PPE major genuinely interdisciplinary: PPE students explore contemporary questions about distributive justice; the ethical significance of the competitive market economy; and the dynamic relationships between the economic, political and legal orders by employing and integrating the tools methods and perspectives of each discipline. The PPE major provides career oriented liberal arts students with the Integrated Knowledge and Lifelong Skills necessary for success and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

Learning Outcomes for PPE

1. Students will be able to identify and critically discuss in written and oral fashion government structures and decision making processes.
2. Students will be able to identify and critically discuss in written and oral fashion key concepts, figures, movements, and ideas in philosophy.
3. Students will be able to identify and critically discuss in written and oral fashion the function of market forces and the larger social issues related to economic forces and decision making.
4. Students will be able to identify and critically discuss in written and oral fashion the integration of the fundamental concepts and ideas of Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics and the way these ideas shape fundamental societal issues of justice, citizenship, social order, wealth and poverty, globalization, freedom, et. al.
5. Students will be able to identify, analyze, and respond critically to relevant issues using appropriate research and bibliographic materials and facilities commonly employed in the fields of Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics.