Does God exist? What is the best form of government? Do we have free will? What is love? Philosophers study the most fundamental and enduring questions of human existence, cultivating the essential skills of rational argument, critical thinking, and respect for other points of view.
At Sewanee, you’ll become acquainted with a wide range of philosophical theories and ideas, from the classic works of Plato and Aristotle to cutting-edge research in bioethics and the philosophy of law. You’ll be challenged to develop and defend your own philosophical beliefs using reason and argument, and learn to engage critically and respectfully with the opinions of others.
Sewanee’s broad offerings in the history of philosophy will allow you to enter into conversation with figures like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Confucius, whilst our extensive applied ethics program – environmental ethics, medical ethics, and business ethics – will help you to apply philosophical theory to the most pressing problems of the 21st century.
With their exceptionally rigorous training in critical thinking and problem solving, philosophy majors tend to score highly on the LSAT and other graduate entry exams, and are well-equipped to enter the job market in a variety of different fields.
Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first jobs.
Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and pre-professional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.