Welcome

WE ARE ALL PHILOSOPHERS. We define justice, take positions on moral issues, choose between political platforms. At Ohio Wesleyan the philosophy department's goal is to help you philosophize well. You will be asked to deal with the great questions: How does one reliably distinguish between right and wrong conduct? What is the proper relationship between the individual and government? What is the nature of knowledge? What is the meaning and truth of religious belief?

You will study the answers given by great philosophers through the ages—Plato, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Mill and de Beauvoir—as well as the theories of idealism, materialism, utilitarianism, pragmatism, and existentialism. As these are critically reviewed and argued, you will be encouraged to use such answers to reflect on your own life and world.

From a practical, long-range standpoint, philosophy develops intellectual skills that are basic to identifying problems and solutions in virtually every aspect of life. Our majors prepare for business, law, and medical careers, as well as the ministry and college teaching. Above all, they learn how to learn, a key to success in any future endeavor.