The study of philosophy broadens and sharpens the mind. It asks us to reflect on our lives and the choices we are confronted with daily. Philosophers raise questions about truth, ethics, freedom, social justice, God, the meaning of life, the nature of art, the nature of the mind, and much more. Philosophy helps to free us from the prejudices and opinions of society, and opens up a world of possibilities never glimpsed by those content to lead “unexamined lives.” Our mission is to teach students to experience the wonder and passion of thought—and to think for themselves. The B.A. program gives students the opportunity to study the great thinkers and movements of world philosophy. We offer courses dealing with the history of Western philosophy, covering authors from Plato to Karl Marx and beyond. However, unlike many departments of philosophy our classes also treat the great philosophical movements of Asia as well: Buddhism (including Zen), Taoism, and the philosophies of India. Aside from traditional areas of philosophy such as metaphysics, theory of knowledge, ethics, and politics, we also offer courses dealing with subjects like the philosophy of love and sex, dreams and the unconscious mind, mysticism, philosophy and film, philosophy of mythology, and a course devoted entirely to happiness (what it is and how to get it).

A degree in the field of philosophy will enrich anyone’s life (did you know that philosophy majors have higher mid-career salaries than business majors?), but it can also be excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers. Law schools welcome philosophy majors because they can manage complex ideas, questions, and analysis. Philosophy majors thrive in the business due to their ability to understand multiple perspectives. As technology, medicine, geopolitics, and other forces increasingly give rise to moral dilemmas, those who have studied the great thinkers can provide the insights that lead to reasoned, ethical decision-making.