Philosophy
BA Major, Minor
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions on the nature of what is and what ought to be: What is a good life? What is the nature of reality? What makes us human?
In Emory’s Department of Philosophy, you’ll gain a broad foundation in areas like ethics, metaphysics, aesthetics, and epistemology that will prepare you to pursue a wide variety of career directions as well as for advanced study.
Outcomes
Students of philosophy develop the critical thinking and communication skills that are valuable no matter where you work. There’s even a trend building among giants like Google and Skype for employing in-house philosophers to help tackle the philosophical, moral, and ethical concerns arising from emerging technological capabilities.
Philosophy majors also score among the highest on the LSAT and GMAT, required tests for entry to law and business graduate schools.
Recent Emory graduates work at CBS News, Oxford University, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., Fostering Change for Children/Children’s Corps, Americans for the Arts, and World 50.
Graduates have also pursued advanced degrees at such institutions as Notre Dame, Loyola, and the University of Oregon.
Examples of Classes
Introduction to Ethics
What’s the best way of life? Is there a relationship between happiness and morality? What is the nature of ethical reasoning? Explore these fundamental questions through the lens of major philosophers.
Love and Friendship
Examine the significant philosophical reflection on the nature of romantic love and non-romantic friendship.
Topics: 19th Century Philosophy
This course provides an overview of Nietzsche’s thinking, including the question of truth, the death of God, the power of interpretation, woman and misogyny, morality and the critique of Christianity, the free spirit, and self-creation and autobiography.
Study Abroad in Philosophy
Emory-Tibet Partnership
Clare Barnes 19C, philosophy and religion double major with a sustainability minor, explored new ways of learning and thinking while vising a Tibetan monastic community in India, a study abroad experience she participated in through the Emory-Tibet Partnership.
John T. Lysaker Professor of Philosophy“Philosophy remains the most radical form of interrogation I've found, but we are, fundamentally, beings of response, only one of which is interrogation, which leaves philosophy haunted by moments for which it cannot fully account.”