Department of Philosophy
Why study philosophy?
In philosophy we ask big, important questions. While asking such questions is easy, answering them is difficult. Because these questions are often abstract and vague, it is necessary to use precise reasoning and analysis to clarify what exactly it is we are asking. Only then can we attempt to develop answers. For example:
- What is the morally right thing to do?
- What is the nature of the mind?
- When can we know something, rather than merely believing it?
- Do the sciences exhaust what can be known about the natural world?
- What is justice?
- What assumptions do we make when we try to answer questions like these?
- Plus many, many others...
In studying philosophy, you will learn what others have thought about life's big questions. You will also learn to challenge those views, and to develop your own thoughts in a precise, logical manner. Philosophy will help you develop critical thinking skills, enabling you to analyze the underlying logic and assumptions in arguments about a variety of topics. This is a skill that generalizes to virtually every area of life.
Undergraduate Programs
The department offers a range of courses in philosophy, both in the main systematic divisions of the subject and in its major historical periods. Philosophy courses are often suitable not only for majors but also for students whose main interests lie in other areas. Many philosophy courses satisfy requirements in other degree programs in the College and professional schools.
Interdisciplinary Course Work
The department offers courses in applied ethics, ethics, feminism, logic, and the philosophy of science to fit the needs and interests of nonmajors. Many of these may be taken without prerequisites. The nonmajor may wish to supplement work in other fields or schools with a series of related courses in philosophy. Some suggested programs to be supplemented with this type of interdisciplinary course work are business, prelaw, premedicine, and engineering; classics, art history, and literature; and natural sciences and mathematics. Lists of philosophy courses relating to these areas are available. Consult the director of undergraduate studies.
Graduate Programs
The department offers graduate programs in philosophy leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. With the School of Law, the department also offers a joint program in law and philosophy leading to a J.D./M.A. Our faculty is dynamic, professionally active, and committed to excellence in scholarship and teaching. Excellent facilities, strong library holdings, and a faculty dedicated to both teaching and research assure students of a challenging and professional graduate preparation.
Departmental Funding
The department does its best to provide funding in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) appointments to all incoming graduate students. GTA appointments are awarded for the academic year (9 months) and come with a competitive salary, a 100% tuition waiver, and qualify the student for University-subsidized group health insurance. Appointments are guaranteed, based on funding availability and performance, for up to 3 years for M.A. students and 6 years for students who receive both an M.A. and a Ph.D. at The University of Kansas. GTAs in the department receive thorough training, close mentoring, and the opportunity to teach courses in a variety of fields within philosophy, providing them with a strong base of teaching experience upon entering the job market.
Additional Funding
There are also university fellowships for truly outstanding students. Visit the Graduate Studies website for information about funding opportunities for KU graduate students.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Status
Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate-level coursework in the Department of Philosophy without formal admission to a graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply for graduate non-degree seeking student status. See the department’s webpage for further details.