Philosophy Department

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions concerning the nature of what is and what ought to be. The basis of the study of philosophy is the ancient search for self-knowledge and the love of wisdom. In Plato's Dialogues, Socrates says, "Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder." The study of philosophy employs the human capacity to reflect, reason, and make critical judgments in order to consider questions such as: What is the good? What is justice? What is the nature of reality? What if anything can be known for certain? What is the nature of beauty? What is the meaning of human history and human life? Philosophy also examines the principles of logical, scientific, and religious thought, and the great systems of nature and culture employed in the search for truth. Students majoring in philosophy often enter the fields of law, medicine, or business. For these fields a background in logic, ethics, and critical thinking is particularly important. Some students who major in philosophy pursue graduate study in philosophy leading to positions in university teaching. On the graduate level, the department offers programs leading to master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees.