Philosophy (PHIL)

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The Department of Philosophy offers a major leading to the B.A. degree. Philosophy is the attempt to think critically about the nature of the world and of knowledge, to inquire about the significance of life, and to identify worthwhile goals for individuals and society. Philosophers also inquire into reasons why one point of view is preferable to another. This leads them to consider standards by which reasons may be appraised.

Several departmental courses can be used toward fulfilling the humanities and the arts area and the interdisciplinary studies area requirements in the university’s general education program.

Philosophy Faculty

David J. Buller, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Presidential Research Professor, chair
Michael Bishop, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, professor
Mylan Engel, Jr., Ph.D., University of Arizona, associate professor
Alicia Finch, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, assistant professor
Charles M. Gelven, Ph.D., Washington University, Distinguished Research Professor
James L. Hudson, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, associate professor
Tomis Kapitan, Ph.D., Indiana University, professor
Jennifer Lackey, Ph.D., Brown University, assistant professor
Baron Reed, Ph.D., Brown University, assistant professor
Sharon Sytsma, Ph.D., Loyola University, associate professor
William Tolhurst, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, associate professor

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