Philosophy asks fundamental questions about the world we live in: about the meaning of human life, the nature, purpose and limit of human knowledge, the character and contents of our moral experiences, and the fundamental features of human societies. Philosophy covers a range of related inquiries such as ethics, social and political philosophy, the philosophy of law, feminist philosophy, logic and critical reasoning, metaphysics and epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Philosophy courses challenge students to think deeply and to reflect on their own commitments and opinions, to learn about the variety of ways that the human experience has been described and interpreted, and to come to a fuller understanding of themselves and their society.

Philosophy courses teach students how to read with attention and sensitivity to language, concepts and meaning, how to analyze and construct arguments, and how to speak and write clearly and effectively. The philosophy major is valuable not only for students planning to continue the study of philosophy at the post-graduate level, but also for anyone considering a career in law, business, politics and diplomacy, the nonprofit world and any other career emphasizing analytical, linguistic, writing and logical skills.