Grapple with the insights of great thinkers from across the world and throughout history while developing skills in critical thinking, argument analysis and cultural literacy. We prepare graduates to meet a rapidly changing world. Students who choose to concentrate in philosophy will study ancient and contemporary philosophers as they engage in rigorous debate, ask the big questions and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Students who choose to concentrate in religion are introduced to the academic study of the world's religions. They dive into the sacred texts, rituals, histories and ethics of different cultures while learning to communicate effectively with those who think differently from themselves. The interdisciplinary philosophy and interdisciplinary religion concentrations allow students to craft their own majors by counting up to nine credits from outside of the department toward the major.

Question what it means to exist. Philosophy engages and critically analyzes perennial questions of human experience such as the nature of knowledge, meaning, reasoning, and morality.

Are you looking for a solid preparation for advanced study in philosophy, a background for a particular profession or vocation, to move onto graduate school, or for preparation as a philosophy teacher? Philosophy is the attempt to make rational sense of all things. As such, it tries to discover and explain the ultimate origin, purpose, and meaning of everything, especially human existence. For this reason, philosophy is one of life’s most practical pursuits.

The Philosophy B.A. program emphasizes issues that are relevant to students' lives such as how to live, the nature of justice, the role of reason and emotion in a good life, and the meaning and role of art in our lives while simultaneously preparing students for graduate school, law school, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.

The philosophy, politics and law (PPL) major is an interdisciplinary major focused on law, policy, government and citizenship. It draws on philosophy, political science, history and other areas of study. PPL majors learn how to think critically, write well and cogently debate about social, political, ethical and legal issues.

Philosophy attempts to bring clarity and unity to our beliefs. It does not tell us what to believe, but it does help us to clarify our beliefs and organize them into a coherent view of the world so that we may act in an intelligent manner. A philosophy degree from Thiel College, paired with our wide-ranging liberal arts curriculum, will prepare you for many different post-graduate opportunities and careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy examines how philosophers have answered some of the most enduring questions about human existence while exploring how those answers continue to inform our thinking in the present. Students gain a deeper understanding of philosophy’s relevance to key contemporary issues—such as global warming, social justice, and the defense of human rights, or the relationship between science and religion. Students can use this major as preparation for professions such as law or government service, as a pathway to graduate work or to complement other interests by taking a double major in philosophy and a related field of study.

The Philosophy Department is committed to teaching students how to think critically, reason carefully, and act knowingly. We believe that a strong philosophical foundation is essential to a life well-lived and crucial to a liberal arts education.

The Department of Philosophy provides students, through a wide variety of courses and programs, with opportunities to explore questions of fundamental significance to human life and to develop skills in critical thinking, reasoning, writing, and reading. Students will explore issues such as what is justice? How should we live? What is valuable? Can God exist given the existence of evil in the world? What is the relationship between faith and reason? What is reality? What can we know? How do we know that we know? What meaning is there to life? What is race? What is ethnicity? What acts are right and wrong? What is truth?

Philosophy teaches students to think clearly and critically about the most important questions of life. We explore not only how things are, but also how they could have been and how they ought to be. Philosophy majors and minors routinely score high on all standardized tests and go on to successful careers in business, education, government, law, medicine and public policy.

Philosophy cultivates critical and ethical thinking, logical argument and historical, social and global awareness. Philosophy prepares you for careers in law, policy, business and education - and inspires lifelong intellectual engagement. Philosophy has influenced all facets of society from law, science, medicine and government, to art, media, technology and religion.

Individual majors can readily integrate philosophical studies with one or more other academic disciplines such as religion, intellectual history, the natural sciences, and the human sciences. Suggested programs are listed below. These majors require a minimum of 60 quarter units, including 20 units of courses in philosophical studies. For additional information consult the coordinator of the Program in Philosophical Studies.

The Philosophy and Religion degree program has some general aims similar to those of the Philosophy program; in addition, this course of study assists students in the exploration of the origin, nature, and structure of the quest for human meaning. The philosophy and religion degree includes the study of the spiritual thought and practice of diverse groups, communities, and individuals throughout the ages. Courses emphasize the central importance of integrating diverse areas of knowledge and experience into wider visions of human community, reading and analyzing texts, and developing skills for the disciplines of profound self-reflection and contemplation. Students will gain basic knowledge about diverse religious traditions and develop a deeper understanding of their special areas of interest.

The Philosophy Department offers an undergraduate major in philosophy, a concentration in ethics and public policy, two minors in philosophy and a variety of elective courses, which nonmajors may take to broaden their education and fulfill Program of Liberal Studies requirements. The department also offers core or elective courses for concentrations in Ethics and Public Policy, Law and Society, Environmental Science and Policy, and Health, Science and Society.

As the only stand alone department of philosophy at an HBCU, our department offers a pluralistic approach to philosophy unique in its ability to provide students with a comprehensive program of study in Africana Philosophy, as well as traditional areas of philosophy.