Philosophy (B.A.)

Whether you are interested in thinking for yourself on the great issues of human life, or you want to go on to graduate school in philosophy, or use your degree as a preparation for further study in other disciplines such as law or business, the ESU Philosophy program gives you a solid foundation.

Philosophy majors are prized even outside the discipline for their clear thinking and their articulateness. Our program will help you to attain these abilities.

The Philosophy B.A. offers three concentrations aligned with the teaching and research strengths of our departments, as well as reflect the interests of students who major in Philosophy.

• Knowledge and Critical Reasoning: Students in this concentration will learn to assess arguments for soundness and validity, explore philosophical views concerning the nature of rational and scientific explanation, and analyze concepts and value terms that form the basis of our ethical life.

• Leadership in Diverse Communities: Students will explore different philosophical perspectives on race, gender, and culture; discuss the nature of community and identity in contemporary societies; and develop their own views about the nature of leadership in a diverse world.

• Religion and Global Thought: Students will study the foundational beliefs and basic practices of the major world religious and philosophical traditions, discuss different theories regarding the nature of religion and its associated practices, and learn to compare philosophies and religions from different cultures.