Guilford College

Philosophers seek to understand the fundamental nature of ourselves and the world around us. We pursue questions concerning ethics, social policies and norms, the nature and limits of knowledge and the character of the mind. Our work often begins with reflection on every day experience, and involves close interpretation and analysis of philosophical texts, primarily from the western tradition. We consider the entire range of human inquiry and cultural expression, including the natural and social sciences, arts, business and policy studies, and the humanities. Because philosophy intersects with so many disciplines and intellectual pursuits, it lends itself well to double-majoring and enriches interdisciplinary study.

Philosophical inquiry requires, and enables students to develop, a wide range of skills: reasoning, listening and reading both charitably and critically, writing and speaking clearly, engaging multiple perspectives, and analyzing complex problems. These skills, along with the enhanced awareness and understanding that philosophical inquiry enables students to develop, are foundational to many forms of intellectual endeavor and to practical and moral decision-making. Thus Philosophy majors find that their study of philosophy lays a groundwork for almost any field of work or path in life they choose.