Philosophy Department : University of Rochester

Our summer courses will be online. Fall 2020 programs are being developed to accommodate both on-campus and remote students.

Visit the University's COVID-19 website for important updates and guidance on working, teaching, and learning remotely.

Participants of the 2019 National Ethics Bowl Competition

Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl

Asking questions, seeking answers

About Us

Addressing theoretical and practical issues

Undergraduate Program

Applying philosophy to contemporary concerns

Philosophy Council

Majors & Minors

Philosophical issues addressed include both traditional and contemporary topics.

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Graduate Studies

Our small, close-knit PhD program facilitates close interaction among faculty and students.

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PHL for Pre-Law

Our courses explore philosophical issues that motivate the formulation and application of laws.

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Join the Ethics Bowl Team

Solve tough problems. Debate ethical dilemmas. Expand your philosophy experience. Join the Ethics Bowl Team! For more information email Bex at rstanesl@u.rochester.edu

OPPORTUNITY

Please take note of this potential opportunity for next year for graduating seniors:

Beginning July 1, 2020, the University of Rochester Department of Philosophy is launching a one-year program leading to the Master of Arts in Philosophy. Application deadline is June 15th. For more information see: Graduate Program

Graduation

While we are unable to celebrate in-person with our graduates, you can see what they had to say about their time in the Philosophy Department! For 2020 Graduate Reflections, click here!

Graduation reception program

2020 Newsletter

Did you know?

A major in philosophy is also a valuable asset when combined with a major in political science, economics, or natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and psychology.

The department’s course offerings provide an excellent foundation for graduate work in law and cognitive science, as well as in philosophy itself.

The philosophers in our department have a variety of specialties in philosophy and represent diverse philosophical perspectives.

Feature Story

Where can philosophical thinking help? Everywhere.

Philosopher Zeynep Soysal, who joined Rochester’s faculty this year as an assistant professor of philosophy, works at the place where mathematics and linguistics converge.

Feature Story

‘Filtering the patterns that matter to us’

Epistemologist Jens Kipper has joined the University’s Department of Philosophy, bringing with him a focus on the nature of intelligence that spans the fields of philosophy, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

95percent

Ninety-five percent of University of Rochester applicants are accepted into law school. That’s 19 percent higher than the national average.

Berkeley Prize

The Berkeley prize competition is an essay competition open to all philosophy professionals.

Winners receive a cash prize and a copy of the winning essay will be sent to the George Berkeley Library Study Center.

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Why PHL?

At Rochester, students can combine philosophy with another major. The writing and analytical skills our students learn supplement their interests in law, history, science, and more, while preparing them for graduate studies and careers.

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Student in front of a wall painting of Nelson Mandela and his famous quotes.

Values andEthics

Mind andNature

Garden sculpture in St. Petersburg, Russia.

History andTeaching

Want more information about the Department of Philosophy? Contact us.