Philosophy
Use logical reasoning, analysis, deductive and inductive arguments to think holistically and critically.
Acquire wisdom through self-reflective metacognition to solve problems creatively. Prepare for careers in medicine, law, business, analysis, and more.
Mark Moller
,Dean of Transfer Students, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Chair of…
Juneda Marhevka
,Academic Administrative Assistant
What you’ll study as a philosophy major
Study fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Read, write, and present ethical arguments on issues that cross cultures and civilizations.
Learn from key thinkers
Ancient and modern philosophers provide frameworks for ethical living, justified action, scientific inquiry, and self-reflection that encourage you to challenge assumptions and strive for better understanding and systems.
Read and think critically
Learn to read carefully and critically, interrogate assumptions, evaluate arguments, and connect issues. Assess the strengths and limitations of presented evidence, and spot potential biases or weaknesses.
Assess your own thought processes
Learn metacognition skills by becoming aware of your thought processes, how you learn, and how you solve problems. Acquire the knowledge and insight to monitor and improve these skills.
Why is philosophy better at Denison?
Sharpen your writing and presentation skills
In addition to written classroom assignments, engage in a required year-long project, researching and writing a paper for a symposium where you’ll present your research to your peers and faculty for evaluation and critique.
Question everything
Be skeptical of your assumptions about the world: artificial intelligence, politics, technology, biomedical science. Justify your views by thinking and reading deeply.
Engage with experts
Denison’s Titus-Hepp Lecture Series, brings experts to campus to discuss how philosophy intersects with topics that range from superstition to gaming, linguistics to reincarnation, legal punishment to the attention economy.
Jobs as a philosophy major
A philosophy degree will prepare you for careers in advertising, investment banking, publishing, and sales. Majors are also well prepared for law, medicine, and business schools. See where our grads have landed.
Career communities
Philosophy majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include Nonprofit, Education & Government, and Financial Services, Consulting & Business.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Denison philosophy majors have interned with members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the national Kidney Foundation, FPT Corporation, and more.
Study Abroad
Study philosophy in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and build your career network. Conduct research on a traditional semester abroad or take a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholar program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.
Spotlights
What's Happening
Lectures & Discussions
Titus-Hepp event with Steven Lukes and Michael Sandel
Lectures & Discussions
Titus-Hepp Lecture Series: Dr. Henry Reichman
Lectures & Discussions