Philosophy

Chairperson: Scott Campbell, Ph.D. Professors: Campbell, Ph.D. and Edelman, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor: Samz, Ph.D.

Philosophy students will explore questions that have challenged and perplexed humankind for millennia; what is more, they will learn the distinctive philosophical method, a method that allows one to navigate these questions and the various answers to them. After an introductory course on philosophical inquiry, students might take courses that explore the relation between art and society, oppression and liberty, faith and reason, or how to live a good life, to mention just a few of many possibilities. The department’s goals are to introduce students to the philosophical life and foster an appreciation of liberal learning-pursuing knowledge and wisdom for their own sake, not as a means to something else. This means providing academically rigorous and comprehensive courses taught by individuals committed to excellence in teaching, and cultivating among faculty and students a vigorous community of philosophical dialogue and study. Philosophy graduates have entered a wide variety of professions. Some have entered business, others government agencies, education, and professions devoted to service. Regardless of their career choice, philosophy alumni have found that the program’s challenging curriculum and its emphasis on clear thinking, writing, and speaking have been beneficial to them.

In recent years, many philosophy majors have gone on to graduate studies in philosophy, law, business administration, political science, history, English literature, religious studies, library science, and education, at institutions such as American University, Duquesne University, University of Maryland (College Park & Baltimore County), Marquette University, Alfred University, University of Kentucky, RIT, Boston College, SUNY at Buffalo, University of Denver, St. Bernard’s Institute, SUNY at Binghamton, and the Claremont Graduate School.