Philosophy

Timothy McGrew, Chair
Fritz Allhoff
Marc Alspector-Kelly
Kent Baldner
John Dilworth
Michael Pritchard
Quentin Smith

Students majoring in philosophy may go into teaching, law, medicine, journalism, government, computer programming, business or any number of other careers. Philosophy is attractive to those who are prepared to search for understanding for its own sake, who do not expect ready-made answers or easy solutions, and who are willing to subject their assumptions to critical scrutiny. Prospective philosophy teachers, whether at the university, junior college, or even high school level, should anticipate continuing for an advanced degree.

The Philosophy Department offices are located on the third floor of Moore Hall. Students are invited to visit the department office and the offices of faculty at any time.

Robert Friedmann Philosophy Prize

A prize named in honor of Dr. Friedmann, the first person to teach philosophy at Western, is awarded annually to an outstanding senior philosophy student.

Honors Program

Applications to the departmental honors program are invited from qualified students. A student wishing to enter the program must submit a proposal for independent research to a faculty committee. Normally, the honors candidate works in close association with a professor of his/her choice and submits a paper (or other project of philosophic merit) to the department. To achieve honors in philosophy the candidate’s academic record must be of high quality and the project must be outstanding.

Interdisciplinary work involving faculty from other departments is welcome.

Normally, but not necessarily, the honors student is a senior major; in exceptional cases non-seniors or non-majors may be considered.