Almost 2500 years ago, Plato grounded Western philosophy in the study of ?the good, the true, and the beautiful.? While ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics have remained fundamental to the field for millennia, philosophy today encompasses subjects the ancient Greeks scarcely dreamed of.

Thus, while the department?s programs are firmly grounded in philosophy?s past, offering courses in the traditional disciplines, there is an equally strong commitment to studies vital to the present day, including environmental, biomedical, and business ethics, feminist theory, conflict resolution, the interface of religion and science, and numerous other topics of contemporary concern.

And though philosophy and religious studies differ somewhat in their methods and aims, they share a common quest for uncommon knowledge. Consequently, the department, with a faculty well-qualified in each field, offers concentrations in both areas.

The Department of Philosophy offers two concentrations leading to the bachelor of arts degree.

• The Philosophy concentration surveys the history of philosophy, explores its major disciplines, and focuses on selected topics of perennial interest. The purpose of the program is to develop the organizational, analytic, and expressive skills required for law school, graduate work in philosophy, and a wide range of careers in government, business, and industry.