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Philosophy

An excellent foundation.

Philosophy offers students the opportunity to investigate deep and difficult questions about human existence, morality, truth and knowledge. Our major is comprehensive and challenging – incorporating logic, ethics, the history of philosophy and a generous number of electives that allow students to pursue their own particular interests.

  • 46

    number of Common Academic Program courses offered through the department

  • 5

    recent Dean's Summer Fellowship projects

  • 39%

    of students pursue a double major

Student Spotlight

Eleanor Yates-McEwan decided to major in philosophy at the University of Dayton because it teaches students how to think critically, analyze information and problem-solve. “Those are skills that are essential to be an attorney.”

Student Spotlight

Eleanor Yates-McEwan decided to major in philosophy at the University of Dayton because it teaches students how to think critically, analyze information and problem-solve. “Those are skills that are essential to be an attorney.”

High-Quality Education

Driven, high-achieving philosophy majors are now eligible to matriculate directly into the University of Dayton School of Law. Undergraduates must enter UD as a Core program student and declare a philosophy major by the end of the fall semester of their second year.

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A biennial conference on the UD campus that brings philosophers from across the nation and around the world to discuss a given issue or topic.

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Our curriculum's strong emphasis on ethics and social justice embodies the Marianist values of service, justice and peace.

Explore

Visit Campus

Interested in learning more about philosophy? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by calling our department at 937-229-2933. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.

Featured Programs and Initiatives

Core Program

All first-year philosophy majors are enrolled in our Core program. To deepen the learning experience, Core students live together while participating in an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum.

Richard R. Baker Philosophy Colloquium

The Richard R. Baker Philosophy Colloquium brings outstanding scholars from across the country to campus to present and discuss their research. The colloquium focuses either on a set of philosophical issues or on the work of a renowned individual philosopher.

Dean's Summer Fellowship Program

Work with a faculty mentor on your self-directed research project as a Dean's Summer Fellow.

Phi Sigma Tau

UD hosts a chapter of the national philosophy honor society, Phi Sigma Tau. We offer a setting in which students can pursue philosophical reflection and dialogue with philosophy faculty outside of formal classroom work.

Experiential Learning

Real-World Experience

Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.

CONTACT

Department of Philosophy

Humanities, Room 421
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1546
937-229-2933
Email

26

average class size for upper level philosophy courses