Develop your ability to think critically about yourself and the world around you
In the Philosophy Minor, you will discover what good reasoning is and what demands that places on us. The study of philosophy will help you develop insights into the nature of individuals, societies, and values. By studying philosophical works from the past and present, east, west, north, and south, you will engage with theories about such central concepts as personhood, justice, gender, knowledge, language, and science. As a student in the Philosophy Department, you will explore philosophical works in small classes under the guidance of internationally respected scholars on interdisciplinary topics. In lively discussions with peers and professors, you will investigate some of life’s most challenging questions, including:
- What does it mean to be human?
- What are race, gender, sexuality, and other identities, and what role do they have in human society and inequality?
- What are freedom, justice, and truth?
- What is the best political arrangement for a society? Does this vary by time and culture?
- What is art and what should we make of its cultural significance?
- How are body and mind related?
- What is time and space?
- How do we agree on terms and understand each other as we communicate across experiences and cultures?
Whether you choose to enter graduate school or the workforce after graduation, you will have the knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed. Our alumni pursue advanced studies or go on to successful careers in a diverse array of fields including law, business, medicine, and the sciences.