Department of Philosophy

The philosophy department offers a major in philosophy and a minor in philosophy. The philosophy major works well as a double major.

The field of philosophy deals with the "big" questions—the ones that seem to elude definitive answers but nevertheless call on us to develop informed, relevant, useful and satisfying opinions. These really big questions include:

• Whether human beings have free will
• Whether the world requires a creator
• What makes for a rationally justified belief
• What is good, or true, or beautiful
• What makes art different from non-art
• If life has meaning
• If only the physical is real
• Whether relativism makes sense

Philosophy courses are meant to provide conceptual tools and philosophical ideas to help students develop an informed opinion about these “big questions.” With an emphasis on critical thinking, these courses can help students develop more sophisticated reasoning, reading and writing skills, and prepare them for dynamic and productive discussions on many of these topics.



Dominican's philosophy department prepares students to inquire deeply into fundamental questions in areas as diverse as art, ethics, human nature, human society and politics, science, and religion.

A philosophy degree provides a strong foundation for further study and for careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, banking, education, law, health and social services, library and information services, and religious ministry.