At a glance: Philosophy

Did you know? Much of what is learned in philosophy can be applied in virtually any endeavor. This is both because philosophy touches on so many subjects and, especially, because many of its methods are usable in any field.

Philosophy addresses universal human concerns and diverse world views in an intellectually exciting and personally nurturing environment. Students benefit from special topics courses, and all majors write a senior essay under the one-on-one guidance of a faculty member. The department is non-secular and reflects a serious commitment to the academic study of philosophy and religion within the liberal arts tradition. Philosophy and Religion are traditional disciplines which continue to be of interest in a university because they address essential and universal human concerns. The study of both philosophy and religion contributes to that examination without which life is not worth living. Visit the department's web site.

Degrees offered

Philosophy majors earn a bachelor of arts degree. A minor in philosophy is also available.

Distinctive features

The department sponsors its own lecture series and is often a co-sponsor in other ONU events and activities.
The flexible currriculum allows special topics courses such as "Socrates and Nietzsche", "Job and Its Interpreters", "German Idealism", and "Animal Ethics".
Small class size is common, and conversation is encouraged and nurtured.
Since 2005 the department has been a participant in ONU's Summer Honors Institute

Facilities

The Wesley Center Complex consists of the Walter and Marian English Chapel and the Burgett Pavilion. The philosophy and religion department is located in the Burgett Wing of the Wesley Center. The English Chapel, which seats 375 people, contains a prayer room, two multi-purpose rooms, the office of the University chaplain and the headquarters for the student religious council. The Burgett Pavilion contains three classrooms, a conference room, a student lounge and faculty offices.

The classrooms are equipped with the latest educational technologies: computers with direct Internet access, projectors and DVD players. There is wireless access to the ONU computer system and the Internet throughout the building.

Student organizations

Philosophy students have often been active in organizations like Amnesty International and Ohio Northern Environmentalists (O.N.E.).

Philosophy Program Outcomes

Knowledge of traditional philosophical views
Knowledge of contemporary philosophical views
Knowledge of the historical development of philosophical ideas
The ability to recognize, evaluate and construct arguments
The ability to respectfully engage with competing views in a manner that sustains discourse and communities
The ability to discern and assess the value bases involved in social issues
The ability to discern and assess the presuppositions and value commitments of other disciplines
The ability to clarify and develop one's own philosophical views

Professional Placement

Although graduates in philosophy and religion are well prepared for a variety of professional career choices and graduate programs, many philosophy and religion majors pursue careers in law, ministry, medicine or religious education/seminary.

Graduate schools

Recent philosophy majors have gone on to attend law school at The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.