Philosophy

As a pursuit of wisdom, philosophy deals with values and concepts central to our lives as individuals and social beings. As a philosophy major, you’ll develop skills in constructing and analyzing arguments, reading and writing critically, and approaching problems imaginatively and reflectively.

Program Overview

Our philosophy program offers a strong liberal arts education, preparing you to explore the wonder and mystery of our world. To support your studies in philosophy, you are also encouraged to complete a second major or develop areas of concentration. Popular second majors include biology, communication, economics, English, history, physics, political science, premedicine, psychology and sociology. Common concentrations include finance, management and marketing.

In order to prepare you for work in our global society, you will also complete a language requirement. You may satisfy the requirement by taking a proficiency examination, completing an intermediate-level language course or participating in an approved education abroad experience.

As a philosophy major, you can engage in conversation with national and international scholars during the Baker Philosophy Colloquium. In recent years, topics have included “Ethics and the Professions,” “Ecofeminist Perspectives,” “Community, Difference and Diversity,” “Moral Agency and the Fragmented Self,” and “Communities of Justice.”

The department also sponsors the Thompson Christian Philosophy Lecture, which features distinguished scholars in the philosophy of religion.

For more information, visit the Department of Philosophy website.