Department of Philosophy

Our Mission Statement: At its core, philosophy promotes inquiry aimed at understanding and truth. It raises questions concerning topics such as the nature of morality and justice, persons, God and religious belief, beauty, knowledge, science, reason and reality. It seeks to answer such questions by critically examining arguments from a range of diverse perspectives informed by both historical and contemporary ideas. Inquiry also promotes agency. People familiar with the philosophical practice of giving and asking for reasons are able to recognize and evaluate evidence, to identify assumptions, to appreciate both the scope and limits of their knowledge and to make better decisions. They are thereby better able to engage in the complex task of becoming people for and with others. The philosophy department encourages inquiry and promotes agency in a deliberately diverse and inclusive, student-centered moral and intellectual community.