Philosophy (BA)

Welcome to the Philosophy Department at McKendree University!

By browsing through the items on our pages, you will get a comprehensive overview of what we can offer to you. You will find that we are unique in many ways and can benefit your future plans, whether they be studying philosophy, applying to law or graduate school, and more. For more information about the Philosophy program, feel free to contact Kevin Zanelotti, Ph.D. directly.

Philosophy investigates some of the most enduring and challenging problems that face human beings. Some philosophical questions:

What do we know and how do we know it? Does God exist? Are science and religion incompatible? Are our moral and social values mere social constructions or can we determine if the views we inherit from past generations are good or bad views? Do we invent mathematical truths or discover them? Are we responsible for what we do, or are we helpless victims of genetics and the environment in which we matured? How can we defend our evaluations regarding the value of novels, paintings, poems, films, and symphonies? Are we complex animals or made in the image of some deity? Are we minds or molecules? What are goodness, truth, and beauty?

Many students study philosophy together with another subject, such as religion, mathematics, literature, political science, or biology. Philosophy, as a recent article in Business Week notes, is the ultimate transferable skill that can be applied to any situation or job. Every employer wants workers who can think critically. Thinking critically is the heart of philosophy.

With a major or minor in Philosophy, you’ll be able to:

• Explore the relation of the individual to society and community
• Investigate the ultimate questions regarding who we are and the nature of reality
• Make your thoughts more clear, precise, and rigorous
• Develop a life-long commitment to self-improvement
• Become more sensitive to moral, social, and aesthetic issues

Why a B.A. Degree in Philosophy?

With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, you’ll gain insight into the complex world of human nature and get a better understanding of yourself, your opinions, and the world around you. The philosophy degree teaches you to develop innovative analytical skills that all employers are seeking and is easily coupled with other fields of study for further specialization.