Department of Philosophy

Silberstein (Chair), Matteo, G. Ricci

For more information, please visit the Department’s website or check your course syllabi, which are available through the course instructor or at the High Library.

Courses in the Department of Philosophy are designed to explore fundamental issues of knowledge, value and meaning. The program promotes critical inquiry into basic questions in epistemology, ethics, science, religion, aesthetics and metaphysics. The members of the Department are dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to philosophical questions that transcend the confines of narrowly drawn disciplinary boundaries.

Our goal is to produce a comprehensive familiarity with the historical answers that have been proposed to these questions as a basis for students to develop their own critical perspectives. The study of philosophy challenges students to nurture the capacity for critical analysis through forceful, logical argumentation in clear and consistent forms of oral and written expression. Historically, philosophy has been central to an education in a liberal arts institution. Therefore, the program at Elizabethtown is designed to give students maximum opportunity to combine the study of philosophy with other theoretical and practical disciplines in order to create a truly well-rounded undergraduate educational experience.

Our primary goal is to educate students who will not only go on to successful professional careers, but who also will cultivate the intellectual and moral fiber to live life well. A major in Philosophy is an excellent preparation for those going on to graduate school and for those planning professional vocations such as law. It will prove valuable in any occupation which demands clear thinking, effective communication and the ability to understand and harmonize divergent points of view. The Department of Philosophy stresses interdisciplinary study and students have flexibility in determining their own particular programs.

Majors Offered

The Department offers a major in Philosophy , with three possible tracks.

Minor Offered

The Department offers a Philosophy minor . The Department also participates in the interdisciplinary Cognitive Science Minor .

Honors in the Discipline

The Department of Philosophy participates in the College Honors in the Discipline Program. For guidelines, students should consult the Department Chair.