Future Students

Philosophers study a wide range of questions, including, for example:

  1. Under what conditions is a war just?
  2. Does God exist?
  3. What form of government is best?
  4. What can I take on authority, and what do I have to figure out for myself?
  5. What are our duties to the poor?
  6. What is good reasoning?
  7. Does morality depend on culture? On our opinions?
  8. What can be known? What cannot be known?

What unifies philosophy as a discipline is:

  • the fact that it asks foundational questions--attempting to answer philosophical questions requires that we examine basic assumptions that usually go unexamined, and
  • the way in which philosophers work to answer those questions.

Thus, what unifies philosophy partly has to do with the problems that philosophers study, but also has to do with how they approach those problems.

Wondering whether a philosophy degree is right for you? Take a look at our Philosophy Degree FAQ. You may also want to look at the requirements for a philosophy major and a philosophy minor.

Learn more about other opportunities for philosophy majors.

Learn more about assessment outcomes in the philosophy department.