Why Study Philosophy?

The skills that a study of philosophy develops are useful in all walks of life. Analysis of arguments, clear and precise expression of one's views in both verbal and written form, and the ability to understand complex systems of thought will serve a person well no matter what career they choose.

Those students considering one of the professions such as the field of law, for example, have found our courses in Logic and Critical Reasoning invaluable in preparation for the LSAT examinations. 

The course Philosophical Issues in the Law is an excellent examination of important legal issues and institutions as is the seminar in Justice. Those interested in medicine or other health fields will profit from Biomedical Ethics which examines many of the questions raised by the advancements in medical and biological technology and research. Ethics, Social Philosophy and Contemporary Moral Issues provide a useful and timely preparation for those students considering a career in government, social work or education. Business Ethics, with its emphasis on the moral problems that arise in the context of corporate conduct, e.g. profit maximization vs. social responsibility, deception vs. honesty in advertising, preferential hiring vs. reverse discrimination, etc., raises crucial issues for students moving towards business or commerce. If the student's inclinations are in the direction of writing, music or the arts, they will find of special interest Philosophy Through Literature, Philosophy of Art and The Creative Process.

Philosophy often explores the conceptual foundations of other disciplines. Philosophy of Science, for example, examines the basic concepts and underlying logic of scientific method and theory. Philosophy of Mind and Epistemology look at models and theories of consciousness, mind and knowledge. Recent psychological accounts of creativity in science and the arts are investigated in The Creative Process. These natural affinities make double majors very attractive and are encouraged by the department.          

Plato

Hume

 Russell 

Bacon

Kant

Wittgenstein

Aristotle

Socrates

Nussbaum