What is Philosophy?

“The Philosophy Department at Saint Peter’s University offers a good mixture of Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Logical, and Moral Philosophy courses. The Philosophy professors and courses have helped me to grow intellectually, even beyond what I thought was possible.”– John H.

Philosophy means “the love of wisdom.”

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, reason, values, mind, and language. It is one of the oldest and most important academic disciplines, and it has had a large impact on all areas of human thought and culture.

As a Philosophy scholar, you seek to answer questions such as: 

• How should we balance competing morals?
• What is the right thing to do?
• What is justice and how should it be achieved in society?
• What is the nature of meaning?

Studying philosophy teaches you how to think critically about the challenges of modern life and how to adapt to change.  It’s a valuable part of education for anyone looking to understand the world better.

Major areas of philosophical concern include logic, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and the history of philosophy. From the classical (Plato’s Republic) to the contemporary (Humanoids, Morals and Machines), courses in this oldest field of study are relevant and applicable to nearly every professional field.

The philosophy department offers courses leading to the Bachelor Arts degree with a major and minor in Philosophy.

What makes philosophy at Saint Peter’s University different?

At Saint Peter’s University, Peacocks are immersed in a transformative educational experience, where passionate and expert professors guide you toward a deeper understanding of the world. 

Our curriculum, grounded in the liberal arts tradition, ensures a well-rounded foundation that extends beyond the confines of philosophy to embrace a broad spectrum of knowledge. 

This rich academic journey is designed not just to educate but to enlighten, fostering critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving the greater good. 

In this community, education is more than acquiring knowledge; it’s about forming conscientious citizens who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society and to their own personal growth

Peacocks can take many engaging courses, such as:

• Introduction to Philosophy
• Introduction to Ethics
• Logic
• Justice and Human Rights
• Philosophy of Science

What can I do with a philosophy degree  from Saint Peter’s University?

A Philosophy degree from Saint Peter’s University can open a wide range of career possibilities to you.

Peacocks with a Philosophy degree are highly skilled in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication. They can see complex issues from multiple perspectives and develop creative solutions to them. After graduating with a Philosophy degree, you can explore career options such as:

• Lawyer
• Policy Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Journalist/Writer
• Nonprofit Worker
• Teacher/Educator
• Government Worker/ Politician 

A Philosophy degree from Saint Peter’s University will be an asset in your career. With your critical thinking and communication skills, you will be well-prepared to succeed in a variety of fields.