UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PHILOSOPHY

A group of Philosophy students engage in discussion.

The Philosophy department offers interesting courses that help students better understand the world and their place in it.

The Philosophy major is particularly appropriate for students who are serious about their intellectual life, interested in the liberal arts, and challenged by questions about the foundations of nature and human experience. The study of philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, argumentation, analysis, deliberation, interpretation, understanding and careful written expression of issues and ideas.

Our faculty engage with many different arguments for the existence of God, the nature of human beings, the relationship between knowledge and truth, the essence of justice and the good as well as the value of beauty in nature and the arts. Above all, the faculty in our department are committed to excellence in the teaching of philosophy and eager to share their passion for philosophical inquiry.

WHY PHILOSOPHY?

Critical reading and writing

Philosophy courses teach students to analyze difficult texts, to write clearly and precisely, to defend their views with cogent arguments and to take pleasure in the struggle with complex ideas and questions.

Interdisciplinary coursework

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy, the department welcomes and encourages double majors. With the permission of the chair, philosophy majors may count up to two related courses from the second major toward fulfillment of the philosophy major requirements.

Flexible and inclusive

The philosophy major allows students to pursue their particular interests, encourages the study of diverse and underrepresented voices, and adapts easily to study abroad programs.

FOLLOW THE PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

WHO WE ARE

CONRAD LAKSO '21 CLAS

"After taking the required Philosophy 1000 course, I was compelled to dive deeper into the major.” says Conrad Lakso ’21 CLAS. “Being a Political Science and Philosophy double major gives me the critical thinking skills to analyze a problem, find its roots and think of solutions—as well as strong interpersonal skills which help me dialogue and work well with others to discuss issues. Above all, I value the ability to interpret large amounts of literature and information to make an informed argument.”

BRIANA BRYANT '18 CLAS

Briana Bryant '18 CLAS is pursuing her JD at Widener Delaware School of Law and was recently selected as a Philadelphia Diversity Law Group (PDLG) Fellow. In summer 2021, she earned a position at Vanguard as a summer associate. “My ability to think ‘beyond’ is something that I am always recognized for, and I have the Philosophy department at Villanova to thank for that skill. My philosophy degree provided me with the tools to think critically, analyze effectively and write efficiently. Whether I am having an intellectual conversation with a friend or looking at the bigger picture of a problem, being a philosopher is something that will never leave me.”

BRENDAN DONOGHUE '22 CLAS

“I was drawn to a Philosophy major because I strongly believe that ideas have consequences, and it is important to understand where the ideas that influence our society come from,” says Brendan Donoghue ’22 CLAS. Brendan plans to attend law school after graduation and hopes to eventually serve in the US Army as a Judge Advocate General, or JAG. “My Philosophy major will be useful as I prepare for the LSATs, work through dense cases and arguments in law school, and effectively serve as a JAG."

ARIANA RAMOS ’21 CLAS

Ariana Ramos ’21 CLAS graduates with a degree in Philosophy and Sociology, as well as a minor in Peace and Justice. After serving as a Resident Assistant and Head Resident Assistant for two years, Ariana plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Higher Education at Villanova University. She was recently hired by Villanova University to be a graduate resident director and will serve Sullivan Hall. With her passion for social justice and her interest in racial justice within higher education, Ariana hopes to help bring about social change to ensure that all students have equitable access to the tools they need to succeed in college. Ariana’s family lives in Waterbury, Connecticut.

JACK SWICK '20 CLAS

“My Philosophy major has developed my writing, reading, rhetorical and analytical skills, which are necessary not only for studying philosophy, but I think for any kind of intellectual work," says Jack Swick '20 CLAS, who is pursuing a five-year fellowship at the University of New Mexico for a PhD in Philosophy. When he was a student at Villanova, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Nepal, while juggling five college courses.