Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

Philosophy draws on and cultivates wonder by stepping back from everyday experience to reflect on fundamental questions of truth, meaning and value. Socrates’ conviction that “the unexamined life is not worth living” invites students into the ongoing reflective and critical conversation about these fundamental questions, from their ancient roots to their contemporary manifestations.

In philosophy classes, students learn how to articulate ideas clearly in both speech and in writing, to approach new and difficult ideas with a spirit of openness, and to resist the urge to settle for easy answers. The department fosters the formation of classroom communities built on attentive listening and respect for oneself and others, so that students can construct responsible and meaningful visions of the common good. At the same time, it seeks to rouse them from intellectual complacency and to encourage deeper understanding of themselves, of the conditions that make knowledge possible, and of the values and presuppositions of the communities to which they belong.

In this way, the study of philosophy at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University exemplifies a liberal arts curriculum which raises questions important to the human condition, demands clear thinking and communicating, and calls forth new knowledge for the good of humankind.

All courses except Capstone are open to majors and non-majors. In addition to preparing philosophy majors for graduate school, the study of philosophy serves as an excellent background for people entering other professions.