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Philosophy

Purdue University in West Lafayette

Philosophy provides the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical issues from a diverse array of philosophical traditions, methodologies, and perspectives. Courses develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, clear writing, and sustained reflection on important philosophical problems, both contemporary and perennial, concerned with ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, language, logic, the natural and social sciences, politics, aesthetics, and religion. Philosophy engages important portions of students’ intellectual heritage through the writings of influential philosophers of the past and present, and acquire a sense of the influence of these figures on the broader society and culture. 

Philosophy majors learn, equally importantly, to challenge these writings, to look for hidden assumptions and presuppositions, including those they themselves hold, and they learn how to critically scrutinize and evaluate competing positions, arguments, and perspectives.  Thus, students acquire both disciplinary knowledge and philosophical skills needed to understand and address the global challenges facing humanity, now and in the future. Philosophy students are encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities, research experiences, and student organizations in and outside of the major.

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to managerial success:  communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.

Degree in 3

Motivated, driven students can complete this major in three years. Degree in 3 allows students to enter the work force or graduate school a year earlier while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost-savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.

CLA New Faculty Spotlight

CLA new faculty photo

The philosophy department is excited to welcome five new faculty members (from left to right):
• Maria Waggoner, Assistant Professor who specializes in ethics, moral psychology, and epistemology
• Eric Sampson, Assistant Professor who specializes in ethics and epistemology
• Corey Maley, Associate Professor who specializes in philosophy of science, philosophies of neuroscience, cognitive science, and computation
• Brett Karlan, Assistant Professor who specializes in epistemology, ethics, philosophy of science, and philosophy of technology
• Sarah Robins, Associate Professor who specializes in philosophy of mind, specifically memory

After hiring six assistant and associate professors (Jamin Asay, Javier Gomez-Lavin, JP Messina, Sebastian Murgueitio Ramirez, Lea Aurelia Schroeder, and Evan Westra) in the 22-23 academic year, the addition of these faculty members brings the growth of our department up to 11 total new faculty members. Each of these faculty members brings a unique and valuable skill set that will allow our department to expand our course offerings, especially courses with a focus on the philosophy and ethics of artificial intelligence, as well as a variety of philosophy of mind courses.

Plan of Study

Philosophy Webpage

Transfer to Philosophy

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Undergraduate Student Recruitment Office
(765) 494-6291
newstudent@purdue.edu

College of Liberal Arts
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Careers in Philosophy

  •   Attorney
  •   Teacher
  •   Bioethicist
  •   Writer
  •   Entrepreneur
  •   Sales Management
  •   Human Resources
  •   Clergy
  •   Training and Development

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