The best reason to study philosophy is that it's incredibly interesting! Philosophy is a kind of thinking that "is concerned with the examination of beliefs of the most fundamental kind—beliefs that structure our lives, shape our worldviews, and underpin all academic disciplines" (Lewis Vaughn in Writing Philosophy). Philosophers examine fundamental beliefs by asking certain kinds of questions, such as:
What do we know, what can we know, and how do we know?
What is the nature of reality?
Is a mind the same thing as, or distinct from, the brain?
How do we determine the right way to act?
How do we live a good life?
What are our responsibilities to other people?
On what basis do we judge an object to be beautiful?
By developing the capacity to see the world from diverse perspectives, philosophy can deepen your sense of the meaning and variety of human experience and broaden the range of things you can understand and enjoy. Philosophy expands a person's ability to see beyond the world as it is and to develop a vision of how things might be.
You'll have the opportunity to read works by some of the greatest thinkers, reflect on new and old ideas, and understand the origin and development of fundamental concepts. By helping you become an independent, critical, and creative thinker, philosophy will enable you to be successful in any career you choose.
Academic Advising
The Department of Philosophy welcomes inquiries concerning majors, minors, thematic sequences, and courses offered in the department. All majors are assigned a faculty advisor, who is available to advise about courses and curriculum so that students can pursue a quality program of study personalized to their individual needs.
Inquiries about the Philosophy major, minors, or thematic sequences can be addressed toMichael Hicks, the Lead Departmental Advisor.
Questions regarding graduate study opportunities in philosophy may be addressed toPascal Massiethe Director of Graduate Studies.
Routine questions and requests for petition forms, etc., may be addressed to the Philosophy Department:
