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.