Skip to content

Why Major in Philosophy at Allegheny College

Philosophy inquires into structures that form the basis of all that exists, the ways we can justify our claims to knowledge, and the values and goals that guide individuals and societies.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Philosophy with:

Division

  • Values and Society

Program Type

  • Major
  • Minor

Number of Credits

42 for major24 for minor

Where Philosophy Alumni Work Today

Contemporary Craft Arts

Cheteyan Scholar ’23

Editorial Director

Teach for America

Teacher ‘22

Common Roots

Americorps VISTA ‘21

University of Pittsburgh

Academic Administrator ‘20

Global Policy Institute

Equal Rights Amendment Project ‘20

Columbia Law School

Equal Rights Amendment Project ‘19

Your Four-Year Journey

Philosophy Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Majors begin with an introduction to classic texts, analysis of argument, the study of knowledge, or ethics and social criticism.

Year 2: New Approaches

200-level focus courses may be selected by entering students: Knowledge and understanding – The Theory of Knowledge, Scientific understanding – Science in its Cultural Setting, and Mind and Brain, Social philosophy – Oppression and Liberation, and Business and Professional Ethics

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Advanced studies are arranged as seminar discussions. Courses include: Global Justice, Freedom, Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, Medical Ethics. The Philosophy Seminar is completed in the junior or senior year of study, a topical analysis for all majors that features our most advanced work.

Year 4: The Comp

The Senior Comp is a tutorial arrangement, an individualized course of study that develops a student’s original thesis with the research guidance of a faculty member over two semesters. Individualized programs of study may be approached in consultation with a faculty member.

Research and Internships

Allegheny Philosophy Students Learn By Doing

Philosophy students research, engage with live forums, and study away to broaden their concept of human intellect as they foster rational thought and approach questions concerning the world’s mysteries.

Bill Bywater Fund for Social Justice Programming

Supports programming from conferences to a scholar in residence, bringing diverse, contemporary scholars on campus to provoke thought. Often the scholar in residence visits or teaches classes, participates in discussions, and delivers evening lectures.

The James F. Sheridan, Jr. Memorial Fund

Established in honor of Philosophy Professor James F. Sheridan, the fund encourages participation in conferences and professional meetings and offers support for course-enrichment experiences and Senior Project research.

Recent Senior Comps

The Senior Comp is the culmination of four years of experience, imagination, and study. It is the moment when you demonstrate what you’ve learned by teaching us something new.

  • Seeking a Good Life: Eudaimonia Examined as a First Generation Immigrant Family
  • Nothing About Us Without Us: A Refugee-centered Epistemology of Citizen Journalism
  • Reproductive and Therapeutic Cloning: An Analysis of How They Work and Their Ethical Evaluation
  • Interracial to Intraracial: Philosophical Inquiry of the Relations of Dominance in Skin Color Discrimination
  • The Essayist on What She Knows: Standpoint Epistemology & the Epistemology of Writing
  • The Necessity of Superheroes in Contemporary Culture

 

Study Away Opportunities

Study away from campus during your junior year and earn transfer credits that apply to your degree.

Faculty and Staff

Irem Kurtsal Steen

Assistant Professor

Ph.D., Philosophy, Syracuse University

Steven Farrelly-Jackson

Visiting Associate Professor

D.Phil., Oxford University; B.A. Hons, University of Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions About the Philosophy Program

What type of degree is an Philosophy major?

Students who major in Philosophy at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Philosophy students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Philosophy program, such as The Philosophy Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Eric Palmer

Professor of Philosophy

Email(814) 332-3312