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Home » Academics » Majors and Minors

Philosophy

Get acquainted with historical thinkers who have shaped our modern view of the world as you practice philosophical scholarship. 

OverviewAfter PrincipiaFaculty

In the spirit of Mary Baker Eddy's comment, “The time for thinkers has come” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. vii), our program is designed to inspire and cultivate deep, critical, and open-minded thought. You'll receive training in formal and informal logic, communication, and ethical theory and applications. You'll also practice philosophical scholarship and hone your ability to clearly articulate complex ideas. In an effort to develop flexible thinkers who can adapt to a rapidly changing world, we encourage philosophy majors to enrich their perspective through a second major and study abroad.

Major and Minor Offered

  • Philosophy (BA major, minor)

Why Study Philosophy at Principia College?

  • Our students develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication.
  • Our faculty help students become broad-minded, critical, and compassionate thinkers who care about the world and their place in it.
  • Our 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows invaluable access to faculty, and we mentor students beyond graduation.
  • Our students participate in undergraduate conferences. 
  • We prepare students to continue their education at top graduate schools.

Abroads

Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. The India and Nepal Abroad, which focuses on Eastern religious philosophy, and the Greece and Italy Abroad, which emphasizes ancient Greek philosophy, are especially popular with our students. Beginning in 2021, we will also be contributing to the Ecuador and the Galapagos Abroad program.

Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.

coming soon

Our program prepares students for graduate and law school, as well as providing them with analytical and communication skills beneficial in a wide range of careers—from business and sales to web design.

From Our Alumni

“My experience as a philosophy major was incredibly valuable in terms of giving me the cognitive flexibility to confront problems out in the "real" world in ways that don't occur to many of my post-undergraduate peers. I've become a much more precise communicator in my daily life, which is incredibly useful in a world where clear and direct business emails seem to be fast dying out.”

–A 2016 graduate 

“Principia’s Philosophy Department taught me how to be a thinker and a teacher. Studying philosophy gave me a skills- and character-based education that not only prepared me for graduate school but also taught me to look at the world critically, strive to understand other perspectives, and challenge myself to communicate, think, and live better.”

–A 2007 graduate who recently completed her doctorate at Texas A&M University

Dr. Crystal Allen-Gunasekera
Associate Professor of Philosophy
618.374.5459
Faculty Profile
Christopher B. Young
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Chair of the Religious Studies and Philosophy Department
618.374.5225
Faculty Profile
Overview | After Principia | Faculty

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