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Philosophy

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AN UNDERSTANDING IN WISDOM

Pursue timeless questions of truth, knowledge, life’s meaning, reality and more majoring or minoring in Philosophy. Through small class sizes and individualized attention, you’ll connect with a dynamic group of faculty, read some of the greatest thinkers in the world and have the opportunity to engage in independent study or Honors level work. You’ll develop sharp analytical skills and a broad perspective that gives you the ability to seriously engage these big questions and prepare for a fulfilling life.

Philosophy News

Student SpotlightGianluca LoPorto '25

Major: philosophy 
minor: History 

"My path of study was set after taking “Intro to Philosophy” with Associate Professor of Philosophy Gref Frost-Arnold. Throughout my education never have I found a subject so interesting nor a group of professors as passionate. PHIL 330 - “Foundation of Ethics” has been my favorite course not only for its fascinating subject material, but the quality of conversation between both the students and Professor of Philosophy Eric Barnes. I actively seek out more books on the subject matter outside the classroom and I hope I can continue my studies well into the future.”

 

 

Honors
research

And Research

 

Philosophy students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Past examples of Honors projects include:

  • Jackson Carter Mischler '24: Property Rights and Eminent Domain: Can Combating Global Climate Change Justify Invoking the Necessity Exception to the Fifth Amendment's Taking Clause?
    Scott Brophy, Adviser
  • Maya Ratner '24: An Interdisciplinary Approach: Social Epistomological and Ethical Dimensions of Anthropology
    Karen Frost-Arnold, Adviser 
  • Juniper Moon Asaro-Nierderlitz '22: Metaphysical Mendings: Returning to Western Puzzles with a Buddhist Perspective
    Carol Oberbrunner, Adviser
  • Justine Elise Pearson '22: A Philosophical Examination of United States’ Drug Policy
    R. Eric Barnes, Adviser
More on Undergraduate Research

 

Experiential EducationConnecting Knowledge and Practice

Become a member of our world-class debate team or attend thought-provoking lectures hosted by the Fisher Center for the Study of Gender and Justice.

At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers Learn More About HWS Debate

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Study internet ethics in the Netherlands or the morality of refugee crises in South Korea.

Wherever you go, our nationally-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Study Abroad Options

 

abroad

 

Belonging, Diversity and Equity

The Philosophy Department offers courses that focus on feminist philosophy, the philosophical study of race and racism, theories of social justice and environmental ethics. Recent honors work includes using non-Western thinkers to address classic Western philosophical questions. Many Philosophy courses at HWS integrate non-western philosophical perspectives and courses are integrated into numerous interdisciplinary programs including Africana studies, women’s studies, social justice studies, law & society, environmental studies, public policy and others.

 

 

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Gain an understanding of the discipline and learn to apply a philosophical lens in all areas of life.

PHIL 154 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Explore the ethical and philosophical issues that arise when we consider the relation between humans and the natural environment.

PHIL 345 POWER, PRIVILEGE, & KNOWLEDGE

Discover the historical beginnings of social epistemology in the work of Marx, Foucault and Goldman.

PHIL 350 THEORIES OF REALITY

Focus on questions such as: What is real? Is the material world the only reality? Are properties, like being round, or being rational, as real as things?

PHIL 236 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW

Study the relationship and questions between law and philosophy.

PHIL 310 COOPERATION, COMPETITION AND JUSTICE

Examine different ideas in utilitarianism and social contract theory from political, economic and philosophical backgrounds.

PHIL 151 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Explore the relationship between moral responsibility and criminal responsibility.

PHIL 156 BIOMEDICAL ETHICS

Examine ethical issues that arise in the practice of medicine, in the delivery of health care, and in biomedical research.

PHIL 152 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: PHILOSOPHY AND FEMINISM

Learn the ways in which philosophical concepts and methodologies have influenced contemporary thinking about gender and the ways in which feminist viewpoints have challenged many traditional philosophical ideas.

Philosophy Courses and CurriculumPhilosophy Faculty Directory

Alum ImpactA Holistic Experience

Matt Nusom ’23
Risk and Financial Advisory Analyst at Deloitte

A well-rounded liberal arts experience, including creating a podcast, networking with graduates and participating in the Todd Feldman ‘89 and Family Pitch Contest, were all important in Matt landing a position at Deloitte. 

Read Matt's StoryMeet More Recent Grads

BUSINESSES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
  • City of Geneva
  • Columbia County Attorney’s Office
  • Criterion Ventures
  • CybelAngel
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Dickinson College
  • Education First
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Foley Hoag LLP
  • Fox Run Vineyards
  • IBM
  • ICAP Securities, LLC
  • National Cancer Institute
  • Nyingma Institute/Tibetan Aid Project
  • United States Marine Corps

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • Albany Law School 
  • American University—Washington College of Law
  • Cornell Law School
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Royal School of Library and Information Science
  • University of Houston
  • University of San Francisco