Philosophy
Philosophy critically examines our most basic beliefs about the world and the place of people in it. Students majoring in Philosophy learn how to think, write, analyze, debate, and adapt to the changes facing society and the world. These types of skills are valuable across many professions and career pathways.
In the Philosophy major, students will receive rigorous training that will develop their ability to reason clearly, to distinguish between good and bad arguments, to navigate difficult questions, to clarify and effectively communicate complex ideas, and to use logic to analyze current events.
Why study Philosophy at MSU?
Philosophy students build valuable habits of thought like openness, humility, and curiosity, while studying a wide range of perspectives, beliefs, and philosophical approaches. Philosophy students develop strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities and learn to distinguish true claims and strong arguments from merely well-phrased ones.
These types of human skills cannot be automated and are now more valuable than ever, both professionally and in the many areas of life in which clear thinking and communication matter.
Students will grapple with questions like: Will AI ever become conscious or deserve rights? What does it mean to be a good person and live a good life? What makes scientific claims scientific? What is the best form of government? Does God exist? Does language determine the way we experience the world?
In addition to the Philosophy major, there are two other Philosophy-related majors for students to choose from. The Philosophy and Law major is focused on investigating ethical, social, and political issues and may be of interest to pre-law students. The Philosophy and the Sciences major focuses on methods, results, ethical issues, and broader context of the specific sciences and may be of interest to students also pursuing STEM interests.
What will you learn in the Philosophy program?
Philosophy students will learn traditional areas of philosophy like ethical theory, metaphysics, logic, and history of different philosophers and approaches. They will also be able to tailor Philosophy courses to areas like global philosophy, applied issues, social controversies, and the nature of the sciences.
Students will learn:
- Critical thinking using philosophical methods.
- Ethical reasoning and decision making.
- Processes to evaluate claims and information.
- Written and verbal persuasion and communication skills.
What types of careers are available?
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy pursue careers in a range of areas, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Some graduates also pursue law school or further graduate programs.