Philosophy

Philosophy: Major, Minor

Philosophy, a word that means "love of wisdom," is the most general form of inquiry, investigating all other fields and subject matters, as well as fundamental questions unasked by any other discipline. 

Studying philosophy at Holy Cross offers exceptional preparation for citizens of a globally interconnected world. At its core, philosophy is the ability to think reflectively and critically about questions that are at the very foundation of human existence and human practices. In trying to find answers, students learn to approach problems imaginatively, to explore what might appear to be self-evident, to write clearly and precisely, and to appreciate the ethical implications of decisions and actions.

The nature of reality. The foundations of science, ethics and art. The scope of human knowledge. Philosophy students develop highly valued and transferable skills. It is an excellent stand-alone major, and an ideal second major or minor for students interested in examining the foundations of another discipline. Holy Cross philosophy students have done well in many fields; in academia, media, communications, business, teaching; and philosophy is also known to be rigorous preparation for law school.

Program Highlights

Known for one of the largest undergraduate philosophy departments among liberal arts colleges, philosophy at Holy Cross is also uniquely pluralistic. Instead of the sometimes typical but narrow undergraduate focus on one tradition, the Holy Cross department represents all major traditions within Western philosophy as well as some Eastern traditions. Faculty also have genuine interdisciplinary interests, including scholarship in the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts.

  • Courses span the entire tradition, from the pre-Socratics to the philosophers of our time.
  • The departmental honors program is designed to provide outstanding majors the opportunity to devote their senior year to independent research, culminating in a thesis and oral presentation.
  • Departmental colloquia series, with campus lectures by and conversations with renowned philosophers from around the country and around the world.
  • Opportunities for all students to participate in the Philosophy Club’s lively exchanges and informal activities, including book discussions and movies.
  • The department is a member of Phi Sigma Tau, the National Honor Society in Philosophy.
Image
Philosophy Colloquia

Prominent philosophers from around the world deliver about six lectures per academic year.

Image
Philosophy Club

Members discuss philosophical themes in literature, movies and their daily lives.

Image
Department Honors Program

The honors program is designed to provide exceptional majors the opportunity for independent research.

Philosophy News

Image
How Do Holy Cross Students Get into Medical School?
Just about everyone who applies to medical school has top grades and test scores. So who gets in and who doesn’t? Often it comes down to “miles traveled” — experiences outside the classroom that show an applicant’s abilities beyond technical …
Image
Students Bring Basketball, Mentorship to Juvenile Detention Center
The “John Carroll Ballers” is an innovative social justice project started at John Carroll University, a Jesuit university in a suburb of Cleveland. Last spring, Riley Benner ’20, a political science major and philosophy minor from Rochester, N.Y., brought the …
Image
Holy Cross Student Entrepreneur Works with Local Refugees to Create Ties, Opportunity
Finding work as a refugee in a new country can be daunting. After an impactful Montserrat class, Riley Benner ’20, a political science and philosophy double major, rekindled a company he started as a 15-year-old in Rochester,  Phoenix Haberdashery, and …