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Philosophy
240 Sparks Building
814-865-6397
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Philosophy is an inquiry into the fundamental issues in human life that confront all persons, no matter what their occupations or more specific interests. These issues include the following: ethics—the study of the good life, responsibility and character, and the nature of morality; social and political theory—the study of justice, fairness, equality, rights, and the good society; aesthetics—the study of the nature of art, aesthetic experience, creativity, and originality; epistemology, philosophy, and logic—studies of the nature of knowledge, truth, objectivity, science, and justification, and analyses of valid reasoning and the manipulation of thought by authority, emotion, and dogma; and, metaphysics—the study of the nature of reality, the meaning of human life and death, and the relations between human experience and nature.
There are many other areas of study within philosophy, including philosophy of law, philosophy and economics, philosophy of religion, philosophy and the environment, and the history of philosophy.
For the bachelor of arts in philosophy degree students can choose from six options: general philosophy, humanities, professional studies, philosophy of science and math, social sciences, and justice, law and values.
The Department of Philosophy offers a minor for students enrolled in other academic majors. Interested students should work closely with the department’s undergraduate officer to tailor a minor to their specific interests and goals.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Education abroad programs and internships are both encouraged.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
The study of philosophy develops a broad, powerful array of interpretive, analytical, communicative, and evaluative skills that are central to successful careers, meaningful lives, and shared community. There is considerable evidence of the practical value of philosophy for a wide range of careers.
Philosophy students are not trained for one particular occupation; instead, they are educated in a way that serves many career paths—paths that can be counted on to change significantly and rapidly in today's world. Historically, most philosophy majors have pursued careers in: education, law, journalism, banking and finance, communications, and public affairs and government work. Some occupations in which philosophy graduates are employed include: advertising executive, archivist, attorney, community organizer, consumer advocate, counselor, editor, human resources manager, journalist, lobbyist, management trainee (banking, finance, retail), market research analyst, public administrator, and systems analyst.