Philosophy

Philosophy: Major, Minor

Philosophy, a word that means "love of wisdom," is the most general form of inquiry, investigating all other fields and subject matters, as well as fundamental questions unasked by any other discipline.聽

Studying philosophy at 海角社区 offers exceptional preparation for citizens of a globally interconnected world. At its core, philosophy is the ability to think reflectively and critically about questions that are at the very foundation of human existence and human practices. In trying to find answers, students learn to approach problems imaginatively, to explore what might appear to be self-evident, to write clearly and precisely, and to appreciate the ethical implications of decisions and actions.

The nature of reality. The foundations of science, ethics and art. The scope of human knowledge. Philosophy students develop highly valued and transferable skills. It is an excellent stand-alone major, and an ideal second major or minor for students interested in examining the foundations of another discipline. 海角社区 philosophy students have done well in many fields; in academia, media, communications, business, teaching; and philosophy is also known to be rigorous preparation for law school.

Program Highlights

Known for one of the largest undergraduate philosophy departments among liberal arts colleges, philosophy at 海角社区 is also uniquely pluralistic. Instead of the sometimes typical but narrow undergraduate focus on one tradition, the 海角社区 department represents all major traditions within Western philosophy as well as some Eastern traditions. Faculty also have genuine interdisciplinary interests, including scholarship in the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts.

  • Courses span the entire tradition, from the pre-Socratics to the philosophers of our time.
  • The departmental honors program is designed to provide outstanding majors the opportunity to devote their senior year to independent research, culminating in a thesis and oral presentation.
  • Departmental colloquia series, with campus lectures by and conversations with renowned philosophers from around the country and around the world.
  • Opportunities for all students to participate in the Philosophy Club鈥檚 lively exchanges and informal activities, including book discussions and movies.
  • The department is a member of Phi Sigma Tau, the National Honor Society in Philosophy.
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Philosophy Colloquia

Prominent philosophers from around the world deliver about six lectures per academic year.

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Philosophy Club

Members discuss philosophical themes in literature, movies and their daily lives.

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Department Honors Program

The honors program is designed to provide exceptional majors the opportunity for independent research.

Philosophy News

Cahoone, Hester and Craig sit around table in discussion
Is Theistic Belief Rational in a Scientific Age? A Philosopher and Astrophysicist Exchange Arguments
The practice of engaging with difficult questions lies at the heart of a 海角社区 education. On April 9, those packed into Seelos Theatre grappled with a particularly formidable one: Is theistic belief rational in a scientific age? The highly-anticipated 鈥
A student stands in a dark lab with a professor
At 海角社区, Professors Become Mentors
With small class sizes and faculty members committed to their success, 海角社区 students develop close bonds with professors, both in and out of the classroom 鈥 a cornerstone of the 海角社区 experience. From guiding students in independent lab work to fueling their passion for a new field, 海角社区 professors inspire students to reach far and support them along their journey.
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Student Organizers Challenge Campus to Critically Explore Issues of Diversity During Unity Week
For this year鈥檚 annual Unity Week, the two student chairs 鈥 Co-Officers of Diversity for the Student Government Association Mithra Salmassi 鈥19 and Manuel 鈥淢anny鈥 Trejo 鈥19 鈥 wanted to honor intersectionality while leaving space for exploration and introspection. So 鈥