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Find Meaning

Philosophy

Philosophers ask difficult questions about issues that are central to human existence:
What is a meaningful life?

What is the relationship between mind and body? How can one distinguish between right and wrong actions? Are there reasons to think that God exists? By studying philosophy, you’ll meet and converse with some of the greatest minds of history.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

In this program, you'll learn to think critically, read carefully, and analyze arguments-- in short, you’ll acquire the skills to make a living. But, more importantly, you’ll learn what makes life worth living. The Philosophy Department offers the two following tracks:

Philosophy

Philosophy (Pre-Law track)
 

Minors

The Philosophy Department offers two minors: Philosophy and Philosophy Pre-Law.

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Manuscript from James of Viterbo

Metaphysical thought of the late thirteenth century philosopher-theologian James of Viterbo

Prof. Mark Gossiaux is working to produce a book-length study of the metaphysical thought of the late thirteenth century philosopher-theologian James of Viterbo. Since only some of James’ writings are available in a critical edition, Dr. Gossiaux must make use of fourteenth century manuscripts to recover the unedited parts of James’ works. These manuscripts, written in a highly abbreviated Latin, require careful and meticulous study if their secrets are to be revealed. Dr. Gossiaux’s book, which aims to provide a complete historical reconstruction of James’ metaphysics, will make an important contribution to the scholarly understanding of late medieval philosophy. 

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Requirements

See an overview of the program's curriculum and requirements

Philosophy Requirements

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See what our faculty and students are accomplishing

Professor MacClellan

Philosophy Professor Becomes Editor-in-Chief of Journal Highlighting Undergraduate Research

Joel MacClellan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy, has taken over as Editor-in-Chief of the Animal & Society Institute's Sloth: Journal of Emerging Voices in Human-Animal Studies, the top HAS undergraduate journal.

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'18 Thanh Mai by Monroe Hall

Philosophy and History Double Major Wins Prestigious Fulbright Award

Philosophy and History double major, Political Science minor Thanh Mai has won a Fulbright award at the Universiteit Hasselt in Belgium during the 2018-2019 academic year. After she completes her time in Belgium, she will begin graduate work in philosophy at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. Congratulations, Thanh!  

Jonathan Peterson on background of old books

Philosophy Professor Presents Paper on “Privatizing Criminal Punishment” 

Associate Professor of Philosophy Jonathan Peterson presented his paper “Privatizing Criminal Punishment” at the American Section of the International Association for the Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy at Boston University on August 17, 2018.