What is the political and legal philosophy cognate?
The political and legal philosophy cognate in the philosophy department is designed for students who are interested in specializing in the systematic study of fundamental philosophical questions regarding politics, law and justice and how they apply to contemporary issues. This cognate allows you to study topics such as the nature of justice, limits of state power, balancing liberty and equality, capitalism vs. socialism, authoritarian challenges to democracy, fascism and antifascism, privacy, freedom of expression and other issues at the interface of ethics, justice, law and states. Cognates appear on your transcript and can be listed on your resume.
Why study political and legal philosophy at UNH?
Our internationally renowned professors emphasize discussion, debate and writing. As a lively and nurturing faculty personally invested in the success of our high achieving students, we take pride in watching our graduates go on to excel in top law schools, elite graduate programs and prestigious positions from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Wrestling with big questions prepares our students exceptionally well for highly successful careers. We train you how to think clearly, argue, write and respond collegially to counterarguments. Philosophy is one of the highest scoring majors for the LSAT and GMAT as well as for career earnings.
Potential Careers
- Business professional
- Ethicist
- Healthcare professional
- Lawyer
- Policy professional
- Politician
- Professor
- Teacher
- Technology professional
- Writer
Curriculum & Requirements
For students unable to major or minor in philosophy. This option provides official recognition for students who choose to emphasize the study of political and legal philosophy.
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.
Credit toward the cognate will only be given for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.00 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the cognate. Courses taken on the pass/fail basis may not be used for the cognate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | 12 | |
| PHIL 405 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
| PHIL 419 | Race, Gender and Social Justice | 4 |
| PHIL 420 | Introduction to Philosophy of Law and Justice | 4 |
| PHIL 424 | The Future of Humanity: Science, Technology, and Society | 4 |
| PHIL 430 | Ethics and Society | 4 |
| PHIL 431 | Business Ethics | 4 |
| PHIL 436 | Political Philosophy | 4 |
| PHIL 450 | Environmental Ethics | 4 |
| PHIL 510 | Philosophy and Feminism | 4 |
| PHIL 531 | Topics in Professional and Business Ethics | 4 |
| PHIL 620 | 20th Century European Philosophy | 4 |
| PHIL 630 | Neuroscience and Philosophy | 4 |
| PHIL 660 | Law, Medicine, and Ethics | 4 |
| Approved PHIL seminars, including seminars in neuroscience, happiness, economic philosophy, race and others | 4 | |
