Philosophy

“I cannot overstate the importance of the Philosophy Department’s positive effect on my personal and professional development. The classes I took in philosophy allowed me to hone my writing, logical analysis, and critical thinking skills in ways that were extraordinarily beneficial for both the LSAT and written interviews. The Department also gave me many opportunities to expand my oral and written argumentation, key skills for my upcoming vocation in practicing law. Perhaps most importantly, however, was the mentorship I received from the faculty. Throughout my time at Rhodes, every faculty member in the Philosophy Department has always had their door open for me - whether this was for help with Senior Seminar, writing a recommendation letter, advice about law school, or advice about life. I truly can’t thank them enough for their guidance, and I would have not been able to accomplish the things I have without them.”

– Declan Delaney, 24’, Duke University School of Law

"As a pre-medicine student, being a philosophy major has helped me to look at and analyze the medical field and the choices I make within it from an ethical perspective and to learn how to make informed choices that have the potential to change lives. Philosophy has opened doors for me to get a much more well-rounded and comprehensive education, and I feel my philosophy education will be an invaluable part of my career going forward."

- Maya Underwood, Philosophy Major, Class of 2026

"I didn't intend to double major in philosophy, but I couldn't seem to stay away from it throughout my time at Rhodes. Not only were the classes some of the most engaging, but the professors in the department are some of the best at Rhodes. They truly care about their students and utilizing college as a time to challenge your beliefs and perceptions of the world. Even better, they want to learn with you and grow in knowledge with their students together. In addition, the philosophy classes I took always found a way to connect with my other major, environmental science, which was unexpected but increased my learning immensely. I certainly do not regret majoring in philosophy and believe the impacts the department has had on me will stay with me both in my career and personal life.” 

- Audrey Griffith, Environmental Sciences and Philosophy double major, class of 2026

"I am so glad I decided to major in philosophy. My philosophy professors have continuously pushed me to open my mind, to take nothing for granted, and even to become comfortable with what I do not know. Their passion for the discipline is palpable and makes every class one that I look forward to. I think above all, my philosophy major has taught me to question everything! To ask what is meaningful and why? In this way, I feel like my philosophy major has made me a more analytical thinker, a more charitable opponent, a more thoughtful citizen, a kinder friend, a better student, and a more compassionate human being, and I owe much of this to my professors and peers in the philosophy department.”

 -Laurel Phillips, Philosophy and English double major, class of 2026

"I chose to major in philosophy after an introductory ethics course challenged my reasoning skills more than any class I’d taken before. Since then, the major has shaped how I approach opposing views by pushing me to examine the foundations on which positions are built. It has been invaluable in developing clarity of thought and writing—skills that extend into every area of life. Beyond the coursework, the faculty has consistently been supportive, offering thoughtful feedback and guidance that will continue to prove valuable beyond my time at Rhodes.” 

-Kate Keith, Philosophy and English double major, class of 2026