The Department of Philosophy and Ethics is committed to creating an environment of dialogical inquiry both in and outside the disciplinary context.
Philosophy & Ethics
Our Programs
Both philosophy and ethics are concerned with the fundamental human questions, as well as the traditions to which they are attached. Areas of investigation include but are not limited to questions regarding the meaning of life, the ability to live ethically, and the human quest for the sacred. These concerns form the core of liberal arts education.
Undergraduate Degree
Accelerated Undergraduate and Graduate Degree
Minors
Download our brochure of the major's, courses and electives
Download our brochure of the Pre-Law program's courses and electives
Featured Courses
Dr. Lawrence
T/R 9:30-10:45 am
(3 credits)
An introduction to the characteristic beliefs and practices of selected religions that developed in Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism and Shinto. We will devote special attention to scriptures and other classic literature of the traditions. Students will gain an appreciation of the vitality and enduring significance of each of the religions as a way of life for large numbers of people. Essential Studies: Humanities and Diversity of Human Experience.
Dr. Lawrence
T/R 12:30-1:45 pm
(3 credits)
This semester, Global Philosophy will focus on African philosophy. Africa is a vast continent with numerous civilizations, and there are heated controversies about the description and future development of African philosophy. This class will overview some of the scholars and debates in the field, including those concerning colonialism, decolonization, equity and identity. We will also examine examples of philosophical sagacity or wisdom among individuals, and in proverbs and ethics. A goal will be to provide a helpful orientation for further research in the area.
Dr. Rozelle-Stone
M/W 2:30-3:45 pm
(3 credits)
In this class, we will pay attention to two phenomena: loneliness and touch. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that there is an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” in our country. How does this loneliness manifest? How is it experienced and under what conditions? At the same time, we are said to be suffering from a “crisis of touch,” despite being “hyperconnected.” Might the gains of the digital revolution be accompanied by the risk of losing touch with ourselves and with each other? Is touch important for our humanness?
Dr. Weinstein
T/R 12:30-1:45 pm
(3 credits)
Everyone teaches us that diversity is important, but other than focusing on vague buzzwords like “tolerance” or “celebrating difference,” no one ever tells us what we’re supposed to do about it. This course does just this by focusing on justice and equality. Does justice involve finding out what every human has in common or managing each person’s unique traits? Does treating people equally mean regarding them as identical or catering to their specific needs? Together, we will examine economic inequality, gender and sex diversity, religious disagreement, and racial and ethnic plurality. We will focus on contemporary philosophers (many of whom are still alive!), with an emphasis on John Rawls, the most important political philosopher of the last fifty years.
What is Philosophy?
Department Mission
Both philosophy and ethics are concerned with fundamental human questions, as well as the traditions to which they are attached. The Department of Philosophy and Ethics is committed to creating an environment of dialogical inquiry both in and outside the disciplinary context. Areas of investigation include but are not limited to questions regarding the meaning of life, the ability to live ethically, and the human quest for the sacred. These concerns form the core of liberal arts education. The department maintains a major (with two concentrations in either Philosophy or Pre-Law) and two minors (Philosophy and Ethics), but also offers a wide range of courses in the disciplines of philosophy and ethics accessible to students of many interests.