The study of philosophy bears directly upon this enterprise. For this reason, all students engaged in liberal education are encouraged to take one or more basic courses in philosophy and even to consider a major or minor in philosophy. Philosophy, in its broadest sense, is the sustained and thoughtful inquiry into the nature of the universe and the role of human beings within it. To this end, philosophy aims to develop students' capacity for independent, critical thinking and to acquaint them with humankind's efforts to carry out this investigation. The courses offered by the department emphasize both the mastery of the material and the development of skills, such as patient, careful reading, recognition, analysis, and evaluation of arguments, and the clear presentation and justification of one's own beliefs.
Students thus become more capable of thinking independently.
The winner's name will be added to the department's plaque. The course introduces the student to major problems discussed by key figures in the history of Western philosophy. Basic skills of careful reading, critical analysis, and argumentative writing and discussion are stressed. This course introduces the student to methods of ethical thinking by applying them to specific issues such as abortion, human sexuality, nuclear weaponry, and preservation of the environment, among others. The course also examines the nature of morality itself and the central role that moral character plays in making moral decisions.