teacher sitting at table talking with students.
Professor of Philosophy Katherine Thomson-Jones teaches students in the popular Philosophy in the Schools community-based learning course. Photo credit: Michael Hartman
Program Overview

Philosophy

Program Type: Major, Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: Philosophy

Study in philosophy is an essential component of a liberal arts education, as this interdisciplinary program develops skills essential to all intellectual pursuits. The course of study for the philosophy major encourages students to ask the “big questions” and helps them become critical and careful thinkers with the ability to analyze and address the hard questions.

Chair

Martin Thomson-Jones Professor of Philosophy

Contact

Joan Kaatz 440-775-8390

Why Study Philosophy at Oberlin?

20
Variety of Courses
6
Associated Faculty
9
Study Away Programs

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, History and Philosophy of Science Society, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Sample Courses

  • PHIL 121 - Philosophy & Morality 4 credits
  • PHIL 225 - Environmental Ethics 4 credits
  • PHIL 234 - Topics in Applied Ethics 4 credits
  • PHIL 375 - Realism and Representation in Art 4 credits
Curriculum and requirements

Philosophy Faculty

Faculty interests and research includes metaethics and philosophy of sex, love, and friendship; the philosophy of perception; the history of philosophy and the history of music theory; aesthetics and ethical art criticism; and the philosophy of science and metaphysics.

Explore Faculty within Philosophy

Philosophy Faculty

Philosophy News

A girl wearing glasses sitting in an audience.

The Perfect Career Sweet Spot

November 20, 2020
When she was a student at Oberlin, Rosemary Boeglin ’14 thought a career in journalism was in her future. Today, instead of writing the news Boeglin helps to create it in her role as a rapid response spokesperson for President-elect Joe Biden.
View all Philosophy news