Philosophy

Purdue University in West Lafayette

Philosophy provides the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical issues from a diverse array of philosophical traditions, methodologies, and perspectives. Courses develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, clear writing, and sustained reflection on important philosophical problems, both contemporary and perennial, concerned with ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, language, logic, the natural and social sciences, politics, aesthetics, and religion. Philosophy engages important portions of students’ intellectual heritage through the writings of influential philosophers of the past and present, and acquire a sense of the influence of these figures on the broader society and culture. 

Philosophy majors learn, equally importantly, to challenge these writings, to look for hidden assumptions and presuppositions, including those they themselves hold, and they learn how to critically scrutinize and evaluate competing positions, arguments, and perspectives.  Thus, students acquire both disciplinary knowledge and philosophical skills needed to understand and address the global challenges facing humanity, now and in the future. Philosophy students are encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities, research experiences, and student organizations in and outside of the major.

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to managerial success:  communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.

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