Philosophy

Robert Card, Chair
211 Campus Center
315-312-2249
www.oswego.edu/philosophy

Professor: Charles Echelbarger

Associate Professors: Robert Card, Jean Chambers, Craig DeLancey, Brad Wray

Philosophy is an excellent subject as a major for students with many different sorts of career plans.

The study of philosophy develops our ability to make sense of our lives, our surroundings and ourselves by immersing us in the most basic and exciting questions that human beings confront: What things are really important? What sort of society should we have? What is the difference between right and wrong? What is the difference between sound judgments and foolish opinions? What is the purpose of human life? What things are most real?

A major in philosophy is an excellent selection for students interested in many sorts of careers including law, religion, politics and counseling. Some of our recent graduates in philosophy are now successful lawyers. Others are enrolled in Law schools and Divinity schools. Many kinds of graduate degree programs are highly receptive to applicants with undergraduate degrees in philosophy. Examples of such graduate programs are: business, economics psychology, social work, counseling, journalism, and public administration.

Specific courses in philosophy will also strengthen the education of those majoring in natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, history, literature, art and computer science. If a student takes a number of philosophy courses to satisfy General Education requirements, taking only a few more philosophy courses will result in one’s having achieved a major in philosophy. This means that philosophy makes an ideal second major, and a readily achievable minor.

A major in philosophy, or a strong background in philosophy, can help develop character and personal skills that are extremely important in most job situations. To be able to speak and write clearly, present logical arguments, spot confusion and nonsense, imagine diverse possibilities, defend your views, and appreciate alternative points of view – all of these are capacities of direct importance to a person’s employability, job security, advancement and to a satisfying life.

Philosophy-Psychology (BA) 
Linguistics (BA) 

The Department of Philosophy cosponsors  these programs.