CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT: Professor Schiffer
DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: Professor Richardson

Philosophy poses general questions about reality, knowledge, reasoning, language, and conduct. The four main branches are metaphysics (What is the ultimate nature of reality? What really exists and what is mere appearance?); epistemology (What, if anything, can be known and how?); logic (What are the principles of correct reasoning?); and ethics (What is moral value? And what moral values should we adopt?). Other, more specific, branches of philosophy address questions concerning the nature of art, law, medicine, politics, religion, and the sciences.

Everyone tends to have or assume answers to these questions. The aim of the department is to enable students to identify, clarify, and assess these answers, both ancient and modern. Philosophy prepares students for a more reflective life, for advanced studies in the subject, as well as for professions that emphasize analytic thinking and argumentation, such as law, business, and programming.

Faculty

Professors Emeriti:
Abelson, Kamm

Silver Professor; Professor of Philosophy:
Field

Silver Professor; Professor of Philosophy and Mathematics:
Fine

Silver Professor; Professor of Philosophy and Psychology:
Block

University Professor:
Nagel

Professors:
Boghossian, Foley, Garrett, Horwich, Longuenesse, Richardson, Ruddick, Schiffer, Unger, Velleman

Associate Professors:
Pryor, Strevens

Assistant Professors:
Evans, Street, White

Visiting Professors:
Parfit, Wright

Associated Faculty:
Dworkin, Jamieson, Murphy

Affiliated Faculty:
Mitsis