Why Major in Philosophy?
The study of philosophy includes rich discussions regarding ethics, justice, art, literature, culture, and theology. Students go on to pursue a wide variety of career paths including law, education, business, science, and government.
“I love the philosophy department because it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something. As we discuss and read (and read and re-read), I know I’m asking questions that matter and learning things that will go far beyond just my college education. I feel like I’m infused with knowledge anytime the Philosophy teachers speak. Most importantly, they care deeply about the students, and explain the material in ways that make us excited to learn more.”
Overview of the Major in Philosophy
- The philosophy major at Eastern University has a backbone of studies in the history of philosophy, with a sequence of courses in Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Continental philosophy, as well as a course in Epistemology and Metaphysics that focuses on recent Anglo-American philosophy.
- Another cluster of courses clusters around inquiry into the good and the beautiful: Faith and Philosophy, Christian Sexual Ethics, Ethics and Justice, and Philosophy and Literature.
- All philosophy majors are required to take one course in logic, which is a fundamental tool in all inquiry.
- Finally, the philosophy major culminates in the writing of a Senior Thesis in conjunction with one of the senior seminars, either The Christian Mind or Truth and Meaning: Hermeneutics.
- Browse our curriculum to learn more.
Why Choose Eastern's Program?
- Seminar-style classes: The philosophy department offers seminar-style classes based on primary-text readings by great philosophers of the past and present.
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Classes focus on reading, writing, and discussion rather than on retaining information for tests. Our expert, caring faculty facilitate engaging, thought-provoking conversations.
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Faith integration: Students learn how critical thinking can strengthen Christian faith, as well as deepen one’s appreciation of what is good and beautiful in the world.
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Training for life: Philosophy at Eastern University is training for life as well as for thinking; part of "the good life" is learning to ask good questions about what the good life really is.
Graduate in 3 Years!
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Featured Faculty Member
Phillip Cary, Ph.D
Dr. Cary is Professor of Philosophy, as well as Scholar-in-Residence at the Templeton Honors College. Dr. Cary is known for his many taped lecture series published by The Great Courses, including courses on Augustine, on Luther and on the history of Christian theology. He has also authored three books on Augustine published by Oxford University Press, a commentary on the book of Jonah (Brazos Press) and a book on popular spirituality, Good News for Anxious Christians: Ten Practical Things You Don't Have to Do (also Brazos Press). His latest book is "The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine and the Gospel that Gives Us Christ" (Baker Academic).
