Philosophy

Did you know that the “Ph” in Ph.D. stands for “philosophy?” Philosophy literally means “love of wisdom.” Philosophers aren’t afraid to ask big questions and to push all of us to seek answers.

Ask the big questions

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies encompasses two disciplines that share a commitment to pursuing the fundamental questions of human existence and to examining the various ways in which the traditions of philosophy and religion have answered these questions.

Let’s get philosophical

The Philosophy program encourages students to think creatively and critically, analyze important texts and issues in the history of philosophy, and bring challenges and contemporary perspectives to that tradition.

The term “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom,” and courses in philosophy range from considerations of how we should live to the nature of human knowing. The study of philosophy often inspires students to develop a practice of living that informs their lives regardless of career choice.

  • <blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “My best memories of Monmouth are of being in the classroom. No matter the class, I fell in love with being a student, and I know I’ll always carry that with me moving forward.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Isaac Willis ’18, Philosophy and English double major</footer></blockquote>

Our faculty are active scholars in their fields and provide opportunities for students to pursue scholarly projects in their areas of interest and to engage in the scholarly world beyond the classroom.

Philosophy News

  • Episode No. 6: Sept. 20, 2024

    Philosophy and religious studies professor Anne Mamary previews an upcoming lecture, “Water Snakes, Bears and Wild Pecans: How the Delaware Indians Packed Their Stories and Took Them With Them Every Time They Moved”; theatre professor Todd Quick previews the upcoming production of the stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

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  • Joshua Hinkle '24 and juror April Jackson flank Hinkle's award-winning American Veteran.

    Student Show Shines with ‘Darker Art’

    Top work in Juried Student Art Exhibition calls attention to ‘society’s indifference’ toward military veterans.

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  • Thompson Lecture

    This year’s talk, featuring University of Florida professor Bron Taylor, to explore connections between religion and nature.
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  • Summer Opportunities for Intellectual Activity (SOFIA)

    SOFIAUNDERGRAD RESEARCH.

  • Athletics

    FIGHT ALONGSIDE THEFIGHTING SCOTS.