Faculty of Philosophy Philosophy – Bachelor 25%
“Philosophising” is at times equated with an abstract discussion of the “big questions”. Even if one sometimes discusses what can be called “the big questions” during one's studies, it is not a matter of immediately ascending eloquently to the Olympus of knowledge, but rather of first acquiring, in small steps, the tools to adress the “big questions” in a dignified and precise manner. This includes, on the one hand, training in the art of rational argumentation; on the other hand, guided reading of central philosophical texts.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| Type of programme | Undergraduate |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | usually German |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Subjects with no admission restrictions |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course Content
A broad differentiation is generally made between theoretical and practical philosophy; the former considers, for example, the possibilities and limits of knowledge, the structure of consciousness, the relationship of the mind and material, or the frequently debated question as to why anything exists at all rather than nothingness. Practical philosophy considers human behaviour in the broader sense, asking what human actions are, what role human intentions play, and what humans may, should or can justifiably do.
Philosophy often involves simultaneous study of classical texts, philosophical history and consideration of systematic questions (such as epistemology, ethics and aesthetics).
Anyone who studies Philosophy will notice that the subject is highly diverse. At the end of your studies, you will probably know the various disciplines, but you will hardly have exhaustive knowledge of each area. The discussions in the disciplines are too specialised for that. One will probably develop a particular interest in one or the other discipline, over time specialising in it. For those who are looking for such a specialisation, it is a good idea to complete a Master's degree after graduating with a Bachelor's degree.
Course Structure
The degree programme is modular. The introductory course (Propädeutikum) “Introduction to Philosophy” should be attended in the first two semesters. Following this, students complete modules in systematic philosophy, and the history of philosophy. From the third semester onwards, the main seminar in the Philosophy specialisation area is freely chosen.
For each course or lecture, students will be able to complete a different form of assessment: a term paper or a combination of other forms of assessment. A minimum number of term papers must be written in the entire philosophy programme: at least one term paper is written in the 25% programme.
As soon as a module with at least six credit points has been completed, the orientation examination is considered to have been passed.
Students are required to submit documentation certifying basic knowledge in Latin or classical Greek in the 25% degree programme by the time they register for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest; proof of language proficiency is not an admission requirement!
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