Philosophy Department

The Philosophy Department is a vibrant, intellectually diverse group focused on undergraduate education and public engagement in philosophy. We have strengths in ethics, political philosophy, environmental philosophy, philosophy of religion and Asian philosophy.

Our department embraces pluralism in our approach to all philosophical disciplines, and we pride ourselves on developing a strong sense of community with our students, faculty and staff.

We invite you to stop by the Philosophy House for more information about our programs or a friendly chat.

Our Academic Programs

Our students are trained to develop their ability to think critically and to examine fundamental questions about the nature of the self and the world, and thus to establish a foundation for intelligent action in the world. Students are exposed to a variety of philosophical perspectives and asked to philosophize.

Learn more about the programs offered by our department:

Meet Wesley – Philosophy Major

Discover the depth of thinking and the open classroom environment Wesley loves about the philosophy major.

The value of philosophical thinking for me resides in the possibility to see things for what they are, to understand them and to imagine new possibilities for how they could or should be.

Dr. Cristina Cammarano Philosophy Department Faculty

Alumni Testimonial

Rebecca Lederman - Class of 2018

Masters at Wake Forest University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
Mental Health Counselor

Studying philosophy at SU was immensely helpful for furthering my career as a clinical mental health counselor. It prepared me for rigorous graduate-level thinking/writing, encouraged me to ask meaningful questions about the systems around me (and the populations I work with), and provided me with an invaluable groundwork for studying ethics and advocacy. Departmental interests are eclectic and provide tons of opportunities for students to embark on enriching careers or further paths within academia. I look back fondly on my time competing in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, reading philosophy with our local prison, and assisting with SU's first-ever philosophy camp!

Student Information and Resources

Internship Opportunities
Study Abroad
The Philosophy Department and the Fulton School of Liberal Arts strongly encourages all of its majors and minors to become global learners in order to better prepare themselves for life, work and citizenship in the global 21st century. Here are two ways to do that:
- Area Studies Minors. Each of these programs focuses on a region of the world—Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America or South Asia – via course work from multiple disciplines and perspectives. They also feature a study abroad requirement that may be fulfilled, in most cases, via a Salisbury Abroad Semester Program (highly recommended; see below) or an appropriate SU winter or summer study abroad program (non-SU study abroad programs may be used to fulfill this requirement as well, with prior approval). They also have a modest – 102-level – foreign language requirement. For detailed information on these exciting minors and related study abroad opportunities, please visit the Area Studies Minors website.
- Salisbury Abroad Semester Programs. These programs allow SU students to spend a semester of study abroad at one of the University's many foreign partner institutions (in, for example, China, Ecuador, England, Estonia, Ghana, India, Scotland and Spain) for about the same cost as studying on campus at SU. The course work taken on these programs may apply to one's major, an Area Studies Minor, or both. To search for Salisbury Abroad programs around the world that will enhance your SU experience, as well as your life and work thereafter, please visit SU’s Education Abroad Office website.
Here are some recent Philosophy programs:
- Salisbury Abroad: India- Philosophy and the Environment: Students earn four academic credits taken from one of the two courses offered on the program. In addition to studying offered courses, all students are enrolled in a basic survival Hindi language class.
- ENVR 495: Environmental Field Studies: India
- PHIL 399: International Studies in Philosophy Buddhist Philosophy in India
For more information on how you may incorporate one or more of the international opportunities mentioned above into your Fulton major, please talk to your advisor or department chair or contact the Center for International Education.
Philosophical Society
The Philosophical Society meets weekly in the Philosophy House during the regular semester.

The Philosophical Society is a student-run organization on SU’s campus that, for over 25 years, has encouraged reflection, debate, critical thinking and public engagement with philosophy. We sponsor events on campus every semester, all of which are free and open to the public including debates, symposia, film nights and social events. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our club and our coming events!

Links
Philosophical Society

5 major community outreach initiatives
10 Law Schools Where Graduates Have Studied
^$500^k Assistantships/Scholarships Awarded

Support Philosophy at SU

Your gift, no matter the size, combined with others, will help the Philosophy Department provide a unique learning experience to our students.

Give Now