Philosophy

Summer study tour in Greece, led by a professor of philosophy.

The Greek word, philosophos, means "lover of wisdom." Philosophy majors come to grips with the rationally developed ideas and doctrines of the past 2500 years and learn to think clearly, carefully, and systematically about the fundamental problems of existence. Philosophers also ponder the fundamental problems of existence as an activity that does not replace scientific investigation, but one that complements it with careful thinking and systematic analysis.

Students often pursue philosophy as one of two majors, or as a minor. Areas of particular relevance to philosophy include anthropology; Asian studies; environmental studies; history; and women, gender, and sexuality studies.

St. Mary's Project (SMP)

Projects in philosophy often combine elements of the major with ideas inspired from the study of other disciplines such as religious studies, anthropology, and psychology. Examples include:

Media and culture of the Weimar Republic
Philosophy applied to children's literature
Well-equipped cowboys and super moms: The gendered, sexed, and sexualized subject in advertising

Travel Abroad

Philosophy majors participate in the study programs around the globe. A special opportunity for interdisciplinary study occurs when professors for the philosophy and history departments team up to lead a study-tour to ancient Greece every other year.

"While the combination of academics and travel was intense at times, the experience of being completely immersed in Greek literature, culture, and art and architecture was nothing short of incredible. The profound nature of many of the sites we were able to visit, as well as the archaeologists, historians, and other researchers we had the opportunity to meet helped me to cultivate what had already been a strong interest in art history and archaeological research, which I hope to continue to pursue in the future."

-- Maggie Dimock, ï¿½06