The philosophy, political science, and economics (PPE) program is being created to satisfy a growing interest among our student body in engaging in a challenging, cross-disciplinary minor that introduces students to the global study of intersecting interests and concerns represented in theoretical literature from a number of disciplines. PPE utilizes existing strengths in the three areas – philosophy, political science, and economics – to assist students in developing a broader, interconnected vision of the forces driving today’s most important events.
A thorough introduction to basic concerns in philosophy, political science, and economics trains students to analyze and evaluate information quickly and thoroughly. The minor prepares students to address social, political, ethical, and economic policy issues from a global perspective by broadly educating them in all three areas, allowing them to focus later on whichever will best support their aspirations farther down their path to success. It allows students to develop a unique set of skills developed by actively engaging in the social sciences, economics, and related fields combined with philosophical reflection and reasoning skills. The integrated study of three disciplines trains students to make decisions that are not only economically sound but also socially, ethically, and politically informed. In this regard, the minor equips students with foundational skills to address some of the major socioeconomic problems of our globalized world. Its fundamental aim is to help students acquire a degree of fluency in each of the disciplines, and provide a common forum where all three disciplines can be brought to bear on common or complementary problems. Through the philosophy core and related courses, PPE emphasizes the development of the analytic skills needed in close reading, cogent writing and clear oral expression. All of these skills and abilities will prepare our graduates for positions in international business, global nonprofits, public service, or public policy.