Philosophy Department : University of Rochester

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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Graduate Epistemology Conference

The 10th Biennial Graduate Epistemology Conference will be held November 9-10, 2018.

Keynote Speaker:
Jennifer Lackey (NW University)

Distinguished Alumni Speaker:
Kevin McCain (U of Alabama-Birmingham)

Call for Papers:
Due August 20, 2018

Philosophy Events for 2018/19

Colloquia

Friday, October 26, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Elisabeth Camp (Rutgers)

Friday, February 15, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Jason Stanley (Yale)

Friday, March 22, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Maya Eddon (University of Massachusetts)

Friday, April 5, 2019 at 3:30 pm
David Braun (University at Buffalo)

ALSO:

Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00 am
David Fleming (University of Massachusetts)

2018 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.

Clatterbuck receiving award from Dean Runner

Feature Story

Philosophy Professor Hayley Clatterbuck Receives Goergen Award

"By the time my students leave my class, I hope they will take whatever they’re passionate about and use philosophy to make them better at it," says Hayley Clatterbuck, an assistant professor of philosophy and one of this year's recipients of the Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Her research focuses on the philosophy of biology by examining probabilistic explanations in evolutionary biology, and she received her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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.