Business, Innovation and Technology Major Option and Cognate

What is the philosophy of business, innovation and technology?

The philosophy of business, innovation and technology option in the philosophy degree program is designed for students who are interested in specializing in the relationships between markets, technology and human well-being. You will choose courses in the philosophy of artificial intelligence, evolution, neuroscience, biotechnology, business ethics, economic policy, environmental ethics and other high impact subjects.

Why the philosophy of business, innovation and technology at UNH?

Our internationally-renowned professors in the philosophy program emphasize discussion, debate and writing in their courses. Wrestling with big questions facing the future of humanity prepares students exceptionally well for highly successful careers in business, management and cutting-edge technology.

Potential careers

  • Business professional
  • Ethicist
  • Lawyer
  • Policy professional
  • Politician
  • Professor
  • Teacher
  • Technology professional
  • Writer

Find Courses View Course Catalog


Philosophy Department
Hamilton Smith Hall Room 250E
95 Main Street
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824

Phone (603) 862-2060
TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH)

philosophy@unh.edu

Curriculum & Requirements

While completing the philosophy major, students may select the option in Philosophy of Business, Innovation and Technology. This option provides official recognition for those who choose to emphasize the study of the relationships between markets, technology, and human well-being.

Students must fulfill all of the general requirements of the philosophy major.

The option in the Philosophy of Business, Innovation and Technology requires four courses (16 credits) from those listed below. Students may "double count" these courses toward the general requirements of the philosophy major, for example by counting these courses toward the ten total courses required for the major. The Philosophy of Business, Technology and Innovation track, therefore, does not add additional requirements to the general philosophy major but rather focuses philosophy electives in this area.

The following set of courses, for example, would satisfy the Philosophy Major specialization in Philosophy of Business, Technology and Innovatioan (with the Philosophy of Business, Innovation and Technology electives in bold):

PHIL 412 Beginning Logic
PHIL 424 Science, Technology, and Society: The Future of Humanity
PHIL 431 Business Ethics
PHIL 447 Artificial Intelligence, Robots, and People

PHIL 500 Philosophy Workshop
PHIL 530 Ethics
PHIL 570 Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 580 Modern Philosophy Descartes to Kant
Seminar in Philosophy of Neuroscience (approved for specialization)
Seminar in Philosophy of Happiness

Complete List of Electives for Philosophy of Business, Technology and Innovation Major:

PHIL 421 Philosophy and the Arts
PHIL 424 Science, Technology and Society
PHIL 430 Ethics and Society
PHIL 431 Business Ethics
PHIL 435 Human Nature and Evolution
PHIL 436 Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 440 Just Business: The Ethics of Markets and Money
PHIL 444 Remaking Nature: The Ethics and Politics of Genetic Engineering
PHIL 447 Artificial Intelligence, Robots and People
PHIL 450 Environmental Ethics
PHIL 531 Topics in Business and Professional Ethics
PHIL 630 Neuroscience and Philosophy
PHIL 631 Topics in Philosophy of Science
PHIL 660 Law, Medicine, and Ethics
Approved PHIL Seminars, including seminars in neuroscience, evolution, happiness, economic philosophy, and others.

For a cognate in Philosophy of Business, Innovationand Technology, a student must complete three  courses from the following list:

PHIL 421 Philosophy and the Arts
PHIL 424 Science, Technology, and Society
PHIL 430 Ethics and Society
PHIL 431 Business Ethics
PHIL 435 Human Nature and Evolution
PHIL 436 Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 440 Just Business: The Ethics of Markets and Money
PHIL 444 Remaking Nature: The Ethics and Politics of Genetic Engineering
PHIL 447 Artificial Intelligence, Robots, and People
PHIL 450 Environmental Ethics
PHIL 530 Ethics
PHIL 531 Topics in Business and Professional Ethics
PHIL 630 Neuroscience and Philosophy
PHIL 631 Topics in Philosophy of Science
PHIL 660 Law, Medicine, and Ethics
Approved PHIL Seminars, including seminars in neuroscience, evolution, happiness, economic philosophy, and others.

You do not need to declare a cognate; however, we recommend that you meet with a faculty member from the Philosophy Department to discuss your plan. At the beginning of your final semester of study, you should complete a certification of completion of cognate form, obtain the necessary signatures, and submit it to your Dean's Office.