Philosophy

Return to: Programs of Study

Professor Scott-Kakures
Associate Professor Weinberg
Assistant Professor Avnur
Lecturer Castagnetto

Scripps College offers cooperative programs in philosophy with The Claremont Graduate University, Harvey Mudd College, and Claremont McKenna College.

The American philosopher William James writes that philosophy is “nothing but an unusually obstinate effort to think clearly.” Indeed, philosophy can be understood as the exercise of one’s intellect in a rigorous way by raising questions that have occupied thinkers from antiquity to the present. Students of philosophy consider such questions as: What is the basis of our moral judgments? Is justice merely the rule of the stronger? Are human actions free? What is the nature of beauty? Are thoughts just events in the brain? Can a human being really know anything? As these questions indicate, philosophical concerns are central in the liberal arts.

Its emphasis on clear reasoning and its attention to language and logic makes philosophy a particularly good major for students who are thinking about careers in law, business, publishing, and teaching. The Philosophy Department also encourages interdisciplinary majors, for example, psychology and philosophy, philosophy and law, philosophy and the arts, history and philosophy.

BA/MA Program 

A BA/MA program in philosophy with The Claremont Graduate University is available for Scripps philosophy majors.

Programs

• Courses in Philosophy
• Philosophy Major
• Philosophy Minor

Return to: Programs of Study