The Philosophy Department at Amherst College promotes the following:

• familiarity with the central figures and texts in the history of philosophy, both ancient and modern;
• familiarity with, and thoughtful reflection upon, contemporary philosophical topics and practices;
• the ability to read, analyze, and articulate arguments in primary philosophical texts and in classroom discussion, and to provide a fair and balanced evaluation of them;
• the ability to communicate clearly, precisely, and cogently in speech and writing;
• the ability to offer original arguments in support of philosophical positions; and
• the ability to anticipate and even welcome objections to one’s views, and to respond to these objections reasonably, imaginatively, and respectfully.