DePauw's philosophy faculty?teach about all of these and more, and include specialists in philosophy of religion, continental philosophy, professional ethics, environmental ethics, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy. The full list of philosophy courses in the DePauw catalog, and descriptions of this semester's offerings, can be found via the links to the left.

Despite its well-earned reputation for abstractness, the study of philosophy is?surprisingly useful. Moreover, at DePauw there are special opportunities for students like taking part in the?Philosophy Club, collaborating with faculty to write a senior thesis, and participating in the University's highly successful?Ethics Bowl team.

Clear thought is essential for doing philosophy well. Clear writing and clear thinking are inextricably linked; therefore, clear writing is essential for doing philosophy well. Central to good philosophical writing are the capacities to (1) express the views of others accurately and charitably, (2) develop one's own criticisms of others' views, (3) creatively develop one¿s own views, and (4) anticipate and respond to objections to one's own views. Accordingly, our courses are designed to inculcate these abilities in our students. In most upper-level philosophy courses, students are required to complete at least one substantial writing assignment that involves submitting an initial draft, receiving feedback on that draft, and submitting a final draft revised in light of that feedback.

To satisfy the writing in the major requirement for philosophy, a student must achieve a grade of C (not including C-) or higher on the final drafts of three appropriate writing assignments from 300- or higher-level philosophy courses, and submit those final papers to his or her major advisor. Not all three papers may have been assigned by the same professor. Professors for upper-level philosophy courses will identify writing assignments that are suitable for this requirement.