Philosophy

Degree Options: Major, Minor
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
Visit the Philosophy Department

Ask fundamental questions about the nature of reality—and learn to think.

Faculty member in front of white board - LGPhilosophy holds a special role in Fordham's liberal arts tradition. With a long and distinguished history going back more than 150 years, the philosophy major combines intense academic rigor with profound reflection on the nature of reality and human existence. We train you in the depth of thought you need to pursue an enlightened life of responsible leadership and service.

We acquaint you with the intellectual and moral traditions of civilization to help you think clearly and carefully for yourself. Our course of study is pluralistic and broad-minded, and taught by faculty internationally recognized for their scholarship. You’ll explore a wide variety of schools of thought, including contemporary philosophy (American, analytic, continental, environmental, feminist, Thomistic) as well as epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion.

You will question assumptions and critique principles. You’ll see logic as a practice, analyze abstract conceptual relationships, and interpret difficult texts. And you’ll develop the analytical, critical, and argumentative skills that employers and graduate schools in many fields seek in their future leaders. Example: a philosophy degree is one of the best preparations for law school.

But you’ll learn more than philosophy here. You’ll also study literature, theology, history, mathematics, languages, sciences, and the performing arts through Fordham’s common core curriculum, the centerpiece of our liberal arts education.

We want you to excel in your field—and as a human being.

  • As a philosophy major, you take 10 classes covering a range of eras, traditions, and topics, including:

    • Ancient philosophy
    • Medieval philosophy
    • Classical modern 19th-century philosophy
    • Contemporary 20th-century philosophy
    • Metaphysics
    • Knowledge and method
    • Human nature
    • Moral, political, and social philosophy

    Our five-year early admission MA program allows philosophy majors to attain both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in philosophy in five years.

    Fordham’s Career Services offers CareerLink, database of thousands of job and internship opportunities exclusively for Fordham students.

    Clubs, Events, Networks

    Our faculty serve as officers of philosophical organizations and as editors of philosophical journals and book series. The department is home to three significant philosophical societies:

    • Society for Medieval Logic and Metaphysics
    • Nietzsche Society
    • Society for the Study of Process Philosophies

    Undergraduate students publish their own journal, Sapientia et Doctrina.

    We sponsor an annual lecture series that brings distinguished philosophers from around the world to campus.

    We have a chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the national honor society in philosophy.

    Workshops and Reading Groups

    Intellectual exchange and collaboration are at the heart of philosophical inquiry. That’s why we host or participate in a range of workshops and reading groups where scholars and students delve into different philosophical traditions:

    • Early Modern Workshop
    • Fordham Epistemology and Ethics Workshops
    • Francophone Philosophy Reading Group
    • German Philosophy Group
    • Metaphysics and Mind Group
    • NYC Early Career Ethics Workshop
    • New York Pragmatist Forum
    • John C. and Jeanette D. Walton Workshops in Science, Philosophy and Religion
    • Women in Philosophy Reading Group
    • Latin Reading Group

    Study Abroad

    Study abroad enriches you academically, culturally, and personally. There is a globe of possibilities available through Fordham’s International and Study Abroad Program.

  • Philosophical Ethics
    What Are We: Philosophy of Human Nature
    Art, Morality and Politics
    Symbolic Logic
    Problem of Evil
    Philosophy of Pleasure
    Enlightenment and Its Critics
    Human Rights and Global Justice br />Kant and Hegel
    African-American Philosophy
    Native-American Philosophies
    Existentialist Feminism
    Issues of Life and Death
    War and Peace: Just War Theory

  • The major in philosophy is an excellent preparation for graduate schools and careers that call for superior critical thinking, writing, and research skills, including:

    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Education
    • Ministry
    • Journalism
    • Publishing
    • Politics and public policy
    • Public relations
    • Fundraising and nonprofit work
    • Business and management
    • Art and architecture

    Get a job, right? Yes, but you want more: a career. Our career services tap Fordham’s ties with more than 3,500 companies. We offer:

    • Post-graduation career search
    • Resume development, Interviewing practice
    • Networking skill development
    • Hands-on case-study sessions with industry executives
    • Field-specific advising/coaching

    You also get access to our powerful (and Fordham-loyal) alumni network, who want to see you succeed as they have.

Learn More About the Philosophy Degree

Visit the Philosophy Department