The Love of Wisdom.
“Philosophy” comes from the Greek word meaning “love of wisdom.” Philosophy is the intellectual inquiry into the most fundamental questions about truth, knowledge, goodness, morality, justice, and other such captivating topics. Philosophical questions are ancient, but each age or culture pursues them in their own way. Students choose to study philosophy because of the intrinsic interest of the subject matter, but also because they seek to develop valuable intellectual skills and capacities. Philosophy students learn to think critically, rigorously and creatively; they learn to analyze philosophical texts and arguments, and to develop their own arguments on philosophical topics, both in writing and orally. The skills and learning cultivated in a philosophical education serve students throughout their lives, whatever they choose to do post-graduation and are highly valued by employers in very many fields.
Why Study Philosophy?
Our daily lives are about navigating through a world of ideas. To listen to a politician’s speech, a critic’s analysis of a piece of art, or even your friend’s business plans, is to be confronted with ideas and arguments. These ideas and arguments are meant to get you to see the world in a specific way and thus influence your actions. Philosophy enables you to reason through these often convoluted and complex ideas in a reasonable and logical manner, allowing you to consider a topic independently of rhetoric and flash.
What Do You Study in Philosophy?
Those new to philosophy might have a hard time conjuring up a clear image of what philosophers do. Popularly, philosophy is associated with stargazing and asking questions that are as vague as they are irrelevant, and to which there are no answers. To the contrary, philosophy deals in a clear and precise manner with the real world, its complex social, material nature, and our place in it. Because of this, philosophical fields of studies are diverse.
What Can Philosophy Do for You?
Philosophy is a classic liberal arts major that is known for being both challenging and fascinating. It is good to study what you love, since it leads to a happier life. It turns out philosophy is good for careers as well as for minds and happiness. Students graduate with a broad range of knowledge and skills that are applicable in every profession, making philosophy one of the most flexible undergraduate programs.
Department News
- Dr. William Penn awarded 2026 Oxford University Teaching with Technology Prize.Congratulations to Dr. William Penn for being awarded the 2026 Oxford University Teaching with Technology Prize. To learn more please visit the American Philosophical …
- Dr. William Penn Awarded College of Letters and Science Course Development Grant in Public HumanitiesCongratulations to Dr. William Penn on being awarded the College of Letters and Science Course Development grant in Public Humanities. Well done! To learn more …
- Moses Bidwell and Richard Sanderson Receive Seidler Award (2025–2026)The Department would like to congratulate Moses Bidwell and Richard Sanderson on receiving the Seidler Award for 2025-2026. Information regarding this award along with …
- Professor Blain Neufeld is now a co-host at “New Books in Philosophy”Professor Blain Neufeld is now a co-host at “New Books in Philosophy” covering books about political and moral philosophy. “New Books in Philosophy” is …
