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Department of Philosophy

Our Mission Statement: At its core, philosophy promotes inquiry aimed at understanding and truth. It raises questions concerning topics such as the nature of morality and justice, persons, God and religious belief, beauty, knowledge, science, reason and reality. It seeks to answer such questions by critically examining arguments from a range of diverse perspectives informed by both historical and contemporary ideas. Inquiry also promotes agency. People familiar with the philosophical practice of giving and asking for reasons are able to recognize and evaluate evidence, to identify assumptions, to appreciate both the scope and limits of their knowledge and to make better decisions. They are thereby better able to engage in the complex task of becoming people for and with others. The philosophy department encourages inquiry and promotes agency in a deliberately diverse and inclusive, student-centered moral and intellectual community.

Explore Our Department

Explore Our Department

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Philosophy Degree Programs

Philosophy Degree Programs

The Department of Philosophy offers both an undergraduate major and minor in philosophy.

James Boettcher Ph.D.

Our Faculty

Our Faculty

Distinguished faculty members work closely with students and emphasize interactive learning, discussion and engagement in the world.

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Philosophy Resources

Philosophy Resources

Discover The Greater Philadelphia Philosophical Consortium, The American Philosophical Association, Philosophers in Jesuit Education and other helpful resources for philosophy students.

Whether I was conducting research, teaching or simply studying for my classes, my time here at Saint Joseph's University gave me the foundational knowledge I hope to carry with me for the rest of my career."

zachery brown
Zachery Brown '17

philosophy and physics double major, Ph.D. Candidate at University of Rochester

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