What Is Philosophy?
Explore this UC major to see if it's for you
The concept of philosophy is different for each person.
To some, studying philosophy means attempting to answer difficult philosophical questions or topics. To others, it is recognized as studying the works of famous philosophers like Aristotle.
But the philosophy degree offered through UC’s College of Arts and Science is designed to allow students to discover the tools of philosophy.
Lucas Dunlap, director of undergraduate studies, UC department of philosophy. Photo/Provided
“My preferred conception of philosophy is as a set of tools that you can learn to skillfully use, and which can be productively applied to any topic you may be interested in understanding better,” said Lucas Dunlap, director of undergraduate studies for the philosophy department in UC's College of Arts and Sciences.
With these tools, students learn how to think about complex issues. Tyler Fields, a third-year student, can attest to this.
“Philosophy has greatly improved my critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and ability to recognize and analyze complex arguments,” Fields said.
Real-world experience
The philosophy program gives students the opportunity to explore their own interests through debate and research.
“Having gone through these different experiences, my outlook on how I look at these complex problems and form logical conclusions has become more refined,” Fields said.
Additionally, the department hosts a two-day colloquium each year, which brings in experts in the world of philosophy to campus for students to delve further into the world of philosophy. This past year marked the 60th anniversary of the colloquium and was held in honor of retired philosophy professor Larry Jost. Jost taught at UC for over 50 years, starting in 1970.
Each colloquium has a different theme every year, allowing students to interact with a plethora of topics within philosophy.
Notable classes
Philosophy students at UC have the opportunity to choose which classes they take, allowing them to have the ability to pick curriculum that fits their future careers.
“That freedom allows students to pursue their own topic-related interests through the philosophy curriculum,” Dunlap said. “If you’re interested in political philosophy, you chart a course through the major that emphasizes that topic. If you’re interested in metaphysics, you could do the same for that topic.”
Notable classes within the philosophy major include:
- Intro to Philosophy of Mind and Will
- How Science Works
- Sex and Death
- Intro to Ethics
The philosophy department has also begun offering a Taylor Swift-themed course and will continue it in fall of 2025, called Philosophy (Taylor’s Version). The class introduces students to the ideas of philosophy through a lens on the work and life of the singer.
Career opportunities
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this program, philosophy students have the opportunity to work in several types of industries.
“Philosophy is great at teaching us that things—across virtually all domains of human knowledge—are much more complicated than we may have thought,” Dunlap said.
This allows students to enter whatever industries they desire as students learn transferable skills, such as analytical and critical thinking. Popular industries graduates pursue include non-profits, government, social work and academia.
Other popular careers philosophy graduates pursue include:
- Education
- Research
- Library Science
- Medical Sales
- Screenwriting
- Health care
Tyler Fields, third-year philosophy major at UC. Photo/Provided
Many philosophy graduates also choose to continue their studies in several ways. Some choose to get their master's or doctorate in philosophy, while others continue to law or medical school.
Fields plans to use his education in philosophy to achieve his goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney.
“Philosophy has grown my passion for studying law and justice,” Fields said. “It has been pivotal in developing my mindset to stand up for others and question what's right in the world. I look forward to seeing how my background in philosophy impacts and shapes my future studies and experiences.”
Take it from a graduate
When deciding what to study at UC, Sarah Tessler, a 2024 graduate, knew she wanted to major in something that challenged her.
“I have always been deeply curious, and I wanted to do something I knew was going to challenge me intellectually and encourage me to think abstractly,” Tessler said. “After looking into what kinds of courses were being offered, I knew philosophy was the right fit for me.”
Sarah Tessler, a 2024 graduate of UC's philosophy program. Photo/Provided
“Philosophy at UC encouraged me to think deeply and critically, which are essential skills for my current career path,” she said. “Studying philosophy helped me further develop my reading and writing skills which are pivotal.”
Tessler encourages everyone, no matter their major, to take a philosophy class at UC.
“I absolutely loved my experience at UC in general, but the highlight was certainly my time spent in the philosophy program,” Tessler said. “If you get the opportunity to take a course in the philosophy department you absolutely should!”
Featured image at top: Busts of philosophers. Credit/morhamedufmg from Pixabay.
By Gracie Reed
Student Journalist, Department of Marketing and Communication, A&S College of Arts and Sciences
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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