Philosophy is one of the world’s oldest academic disciplines. It seeks to answer fundamental questions: What is consciousness? Who should rule? What is knowledge? What is freedom? What is beauty? What makes something good? What is a number? In exploring these questions, philosophy engages with many other subjects, including psychology, politics, law, physics, and mathematics. Philosophy is therefore both a discipline in its own right and an inherently interdisciplinary field.
Curriculum
The BA in Philosophy at Bilkent combines rigorous philosophical study with a broad-based education. The program aims to develop graduates who can identify problems, evaluate arguments, communicate clearly, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Just as importantly, it encourages students to think independently, question established assumptions, and engage seriously and respectfully with perspectives different from their own.
- Broad-based education. Students take courses across a range of academic fields, including physics, biology, mathematics, economics, literature, the arts, history, and psychology.
- Practical and transferable skills. The curriculum includes opportunities to develop skills in areas such as languages, statistics, computer programming, and workplace training.
- Philosophical depth. Philosophy courses introduce students to influential texts and arguments in the history of philosophy, as well as central debates in contemporary philosophy.
- Research and writing. Discussion-based classes, regular writing assignments, and independent research culminate in a senior thesis. These experiences provide a strong foundation for graduate study in philosophy and related disciplines.