BA/BS in Philosophy

The philosophy major at Washington College is not aimed at a single career. It aims to build clear thinking and strong writing that serve graduates in whatever path they choose. Courses connect philosophical traditions with other disciplines and with current and historical events worldwide. Through reading, discussion and writing, students practice building persuasive arguments and evaluating the reasoning of others. The program has four aims: becoming familiar with enduring philosophical questions and the leading answers to them, exploring links between philosophy and several areas including art, commerce, legal studies, writing, health, the sciences, faith traditions and ecology, strengthening analytical ability, and using reflection to form sound judgments. The department is shared with religion, and a philosophy minor is also offered. Students finish with portable skills in reasoning, reading closely and writing with precision.