Philosophy

Philosophy investigates life’s most fundamental questions. Is there a God? Do we have free will? What is knowledge, and how can I reliably achieve it? What is the best form of government? What is the source and nature of our moral obligations? Philosophers pursue answers to such questions through a rigorous and systematic evaluation of arguments. By utilizing their analytical skills to question established beliefs and scrutinize ideas, philosophers deepen our understanding of the world and its problems.

Students in our classes learn to question their convictions, engage charitably with critics, and develop and defend reasoned answers to difficult questions. We train students in critical thinking, logical analysis, and argumentative writing—skills that enable them to read, write, and reason effectively in virtually any domain. Our majors advance to graduate study in many fields, including law, medicine, business, education, journalism, technology, and the sciences.

Our department offers courses in numerous areas of philosophy, such as ethics, social philosophy, political philosophy, logic, cognitive science, and Artificial Intelligence. We take up controversies associated with race, gender, religion, politics, economics, science, and technology, subjecting arguments on all sides to respectful cross-examination because philosophy is a collaborative search for truth, not mere consensus.

Philosophy is hard. You may not end up with all the answers you want, but you will acquire the knowledge and skills to ask the right questions and responsibly assess a variety of answers. You’ll increasingly know not only what you believe but why you believe it.

We hope you’ll be interested in joining our philosophical community. Come and talk with us.

Curriculum

Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy Major and Minor available

Course requirements for a philosophy major include Critical Reasoning, Ethics, one course in Knowledge and Reasoning (Logic; Epistemology), one course in Social Philosophy (Justice, Equality, and Liberty; Feminist Philosophy; Philosophy of Race and Racism), one course in the History of Philosophy (Ancient Philosophy; Modern Political Philosophy), and Senior Seminar.

Majors also select five electives from a wide range of additional courses, including Philosophy of Law; Philosophy, Power, and Politics; Money, Market, and Morals; Philosophy of the Cognitive Sciences; Foundations of Artificial Intelligence; Medical Ethics; Environmental Ethics; and more.

Course requirements for a minor are found here.

Graduates

An education in philosophy offers a versatile set of skills that equips students for a wide range of career paths. Philosophy majors are especially well-prepared for post-graduate studies; they routinely lead the rankings for the Graduate Records Exam (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Philosophy majors also have excellent job prospects, with a median mid-career salary that surpasses that of all other humanities and even most science fields, exceeded only by those with math and engineering degrees.

Dr. Anthony Merlocco speaking about applied ethics in Pediatric Care

Testimonies

“I cannot overstate the importance of the Philosophy Department’s positive effect on my personal and professional development. The classes I took in philosophy allowed me to hone my writing, logical analysis, and critical thinking skills in ways that were extraordinarily beneficial for both the LSAT and written interviews. The Department also gave me many opportunities to expand my oral and written argumentation, key skills for my upcoming vocation in practicing law. Perhaps most importantly, however, was the mentorship I received from the faculty. Throughout my time at Rhodes, every faculty member in the Philosophy Department has always had their door open for me - whether this was for help with Senior Seminar, writing a recommendation letter, advice about law school, or advice about life. I truly can’t thank them enough for their guidance, and I would have not been able to accomplish the things I have without them.”

– Declan Delaney, 24’, Duke University School of Law

“I believe being a philosophy major was an advantage when applying to medical school. Not being a bio or chem major and still doing great on the MCAT... admissions committees notice! I have also consistently received feedback from mentors and attending physicians that my questions and reasoning stand out when compared to other medical students. When I tell them my philosophy background they usually respond with an ‘Ooh, that makes sense’.”

– Isabelle M. Mikell ’19, Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Read Isabelle’s published work here.

Recent Departmental News:

In conjunction with Rhodes College Student Government, the Department of Philosophy welcomed Professor Nadine Strossen to campus on February 5th, 2024, to discuss “Free Speech on Campus: What You Need to Know,” followed with a book signing. Professor Strossen is a New York Law School Professor Emerita and past national President of the American Civil Liberties Union (1991-2008).

a woman signs a book for a female student

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Dr. Daniel Cullen was featured on a panel with the author of Cancel Wars: How Universities Can Foster Free Speech, Promote Inclusion, and Renew Democracy, to discuss the author's thesis on how universities may foster open inquiry, restore civic trust, and strengthen our pluralistic democracy. View the discussion here.

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In conjunction with Communities in Conversation, Dr. Cullen organized an event with Roosevelt Montás that included a Q&A and panel discussion about Rescuing Socrates, in which Montás describes how, as a Dominican immigrant who spoke no English, his immersion in the Great Books at Columbia transformed his life, and why they matter to a new generation of students.