Philosophy at UTPA

Overview

The Department of History and Philosophy offers a major in Philosophy within the Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a minor in Philosophy. The study of philosophy can serve many useful purposes, but perhaps the most important are:

Training in philosophy helps one think more clearly, more perceptively, and more effectively. Regardless of one's personal and occupational goals, and regardless of the projects in which one is interested, being able to think clearly and effectively about them is important.

Study of philosophy uniquely helps one to better understand and appreciate oneself, the world outside, and how the two are related. One of the deepest human needs is to make sense of life and one's place in it. The satisfaction of that need is the central concern of philosophy.

A major in Philosophy will provide strong preparation for a variety of careers, particularly careers in business, law, public policy, and the ministry, as well as college teaching. A minor in Philosophy will provide excellent support for majors in numerous fields, including history, government, English, psychology, sociology, math and certain areas of science and business administration.

“Being in the border is an opportunity and not a fall from grace.”  Dr. Gregory Pappas, October 9, 2009, UTPA.

On October 9, 2009, Dr. Gregory Pappas, Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, spoke at the University of Texas, Pan American.  Dr. Pappas is the first in this year’s Anzaldúa Speakers Series in Philosophy.  Dr. Pappas, whose wife is from Brownsville, spoke about the unique position of those in the Valley to understand the problems and opportunities of hybrid identity.  Relying on the work of Maria Lugones and John Dewey, Pappas argues that impurity or hybridity is not falling short of some ideal but rather the way things are.  Using Lugones’ metaphor of “curdled” identity, where there is mixture between parts, as there would be between the yolk and the egg white or in Menudo soup between the ingredients, Pappas argued that we become what we are, as Dewey says, in relation with others.  Pappas encouraged his audience, saying, “Being in the border is an opportunity, not a fall from grace.”  A number of eager students and faculty from UTPA and STC as well as members of the community were in attendance.  We look forward to our next talk in this series, entitled “Weak Humanism Against Racism,” with Dr. Johnson on November 19 in at 7 PM in EDC 1.102.