About Philosophy

Philosophy: an ancient practice and foundational academic discipline that seeks clarity about virtually every aspect of reality by subjecting it to rigorous questioning our common assumptions and most deeply held beliefs. The Philosophy program at SOU draws from and continues this intellectually rich tradition by encouraging students’ curiosity about the world and themselves. We teach creative and critical thinking and help students navigate the most profound and enduring questions regarding right and wrong, the meaning of life and death, how we ought to live, the nature of reality, personal and social values, and the nature of knowledge and truth.

Whether you’re taking a Philosophy class for your general education requirements (gen ed), or minoring in the program, our courses are designed to be interesting and accessible for all students. Through introductory courses on logic and ethics, to courses on topics such as the Philosophy of Art, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy and Sexuality, Philosophy of Sport, Science and Religion, Existentialism, and Feminist Philosophy, we offer a wide range of ways to delve into questioning what we know and how we know it. A philosophy minor complements virtually every major and can be a tremendous aid for students who wish to continue on to graduate and/or law school. The ability to analyze, critique, and consider new ways of looking at and engaging with the world is an invaluable skill for everyone to develop.

The Philosophy program sponsors an energetic undergraduate Philosophy Club with the goal of cultivating a genuine appreciation and facility for philosophical reflection and dialogue outside of the classroom setting.

The Friends of Philosophy is a community outreach effort, organized and moderated by faculty in the Philosophy Program, started in 2009 as a way to involve and engage SOU’s larger community in dialogues about issues that concern us all from a philosophical point of view. The group, consisting of community members as well as SOU faculty, students, and staff, meets once-a-month on campus and engages dialogue in a Socratic fashion.