Department of Philosophy : University of Rochester

Addressing theoretical and practical issues

Undergraduate Program

Asking questions, seeking answers

About Us

A group of philosophy students who participated in the 2019 Ethics Bowl.

Applying philosophy to contemporary issues

Majors & Minors

Philosophical issues addressed include both traditional and contemporary topics.

Learn More

Graduate Studies

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

Learn More

PHL for Pre-Law

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

Learn More

Department of Philosophy Presented:

Evidentialism: Themes in the Work of Earl Conee and Richard Feldman

Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2022

A two-day conference celebrating the works of Earl Conee and Richard Feldman.

Event highlight

11th Biennial Graduate Epistemology Conference

PHILOSOPHY Newsletter

See the 2022 Newsletter here:

Look for archived newsletters under the News and Events tab above

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.

Two blue- and yellow-colored robots work at a laptop to illustrate the concept of ai chatbots like chatgpt affecting higher education.

Feature Story

How will AI chatbots like ChatGPT affect higher education?

University administrators and faculty weigh in on the pros and cons of the newest online learning tool.

Exterior of Attica Correctional Facility, where prison education courses take place.

Feature Story

Rochester’s college-in-prison program becomes western New York’s prison education hub

The Mellon Foundation has renewed its support for the Rochester Education Justice Initiative with an additional three-year, $1 million grant.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More