Philosophy

Professor Falkner; Associate Professor Jakoby (Department Chair); Associate Professor Tyler.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor Falkner: ancient philosophy and classics; Professor Jakoby: history of philosophy and philosophy of culture; Tyler: Asian philosophy and feminism.

Philosophy has been called the queen of sciences because it deals with basic questions concerning our world and ourselves, the underlying ideas upon which the more specialized disciplines are based. Because its methodology is one of rigorous and critical thinking, students find it a valuable preparation for such fields as law, medicine, business, literature, history, and religion, to mention a few. Courses are offered in both the historical and contemporary perspectives, with many of them being issue-oriented.

Philosophical studies are generally divided into two groups: the historical and the issues oriented. Courses in the history of philosophy cover topics from early Greek thought to contemporary philosophy and are closely related to other fields of study such as the sciences, literature, political thought, the arts, language, and economics. Issues-oriented courses deal with the nature of knowledge and truth, the meaning of justice, and ethical values of our time such as war, sex, honesty in government and business, the determination of freedom, the relationship between mind and body, the most desirable society, and gender relations.

The Department offers classes in Continental, Anglo-American, and Asian philosophy and a number of courses in Asian civilization, which allow students to explore various ways of living, thinking, expression, and self-development. Students may plan their programs for general liberal education, for graduate study, or for special objectives in related fields.

The undergraduate Philosophy program prepares students for a variety of careers. Our graduates are now working in public schools and institutions of higher education but also in business, medicine, law, psychology and social work. Many of our alumni graduated with a philosophy major for career purposes but also for personal enrichment and to help ease suffering and promote freedom, justice, equality, and compassion.

Departmental Honors

Students who have a 3.50 GPA in courses in the major, a 3.20 GPA overall and receive an “A” grade on their senior thesis (PHI 4492) receive departmental honors.

Philosophy

Philosophy

Programs

Courses