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Department of Philosophy

Why Study Philosophy?

  • You like

    Analyzing issues, questioning arguments & investigating solutions

  • You'll learn

    How to assess conflicting evidence, balance opposing viewpoints & make tough decisions

  • You can be

    An attorney, activist, entrepreneur, programmer, journalist & more

Our students & alums

  • Jehovahnie Saint Rose ‘22 in a pink suit
    The Power of Philosophy
    Jehovahnie Saint Rose '22
    Meet Jehovahnie, a philosophy major, Pfizer intern & Northwestern Law School student
  • Parsva Shah, class of 2024, smiling and wearing a graduation robe
    The Power of Philosophy
    Parsva Shah '24
    Meet Parsva, a philosophy/law & society double major, Kings County Supreme Court intern & Tulane School of Law student
  • Ralph-Montas Osias
    Ralph-Montas Osias '27
    Meet Ralph, a political science/philosophy double major, honors student & Watson Fellow
  • Maya Levis '26
    Mya Levis '26
    Meet Mya, a philosophy major who interned with the NYS State Attorney General & Bronx County District Attorney
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Highlights

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For students

  • books arranged in a diagonal pattern
    Academics
    Find a description of the major & requirements
  • Portrait of a young man in a black suit and tie, leaning on a counter
    Tips for Majors & Minors

    Hear from Professor Amie Macdonald about how to succeed in the Philosophy program

    Tips for Majors & Minors
    Find advice from Prof. Amie Macdonald, our major/minor coordinator
  • Students in seminar
    Philosophy Major Resources
    Gen Ed
    Find a list of philosophy classes that meet Gen Ed requirements
  • Two female students work together on a laptop at a long table in a classroom
    Philosophy FAQ

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about the program

    FAQ
    Find answers to questions about the major/minor
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About

  • A group photo of five John Jay Philosophy Department faculty members standing together in front of a white wall.
    Faculty
    Meet our Faculty members
  • Student speaking in classroom
    2005-06 Courses
    Find details on current philosophy classes
  • A Microphone
    Events
    Find info on our speakers, movie nights & more
  • open book with handwriting and pencil on top
    About Us
    About us
    Find a description of the department & contact info
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Four smiling, diverse students pose in front of a bookshelf, each holding a book

What Is Philosophy?

Philosophy prepares you to think critically & creatively about life's big questions. How do we tell right from wrong? What is knowledge? What is justice? 

 

It also develops your ability to reason critically, write thoughtfully & use logic to solve problems. It's a solid foundation for almost any career.

Learn more about the Philosophy major & minor

Contact us