Why Philosophy?

Why major in Philosophy? The best answer is that it fascinates you to think deeply and critically about fundamental questions. Unfortunately, most students arriving at college don't know what they are missing, because they have had no exposure to philosophy. Most students don't know either what philosophy is all about or what doors a philosophy degree can open.

A good way to find out what philosophy is all about is by taking Philosophy 100, Introduction to Problems of Philosophy, offered every semester at WVU. In this and other philosophy courses at WVU you will discover that philosophy is a thriving contemporary discipline concerned with such issues as:

• the nature of legal systems
• how governments should be designed
• how science works
• the nature and claims of religion
• the nature of human nature (e.g. do we have free will?)
• ethical decision-making--basic principles and practical applications
• the basic structure of the world and our ways of describing it

Critical and creative thinking are essential ingredients of all philosophy courses. The single most frequent words of praise we receive from our graduates are words of praise for the critical thinking skills we impart. Upper level philosophy courses typically also focus on clear writing. Philosophy majors learn the habit of thinking reflectively about things that really matter and they find that this skill transfers to a wide variety of disciplines and careers.