Philosophy, B.A.
Searching for truth behind the noise, the reality behind the fog? Then philosophy at Clark is right for you. The philosophy major at Clark explores the fundamental questions of life, knowledge, and right and wrong. Think beyond the easy assumptions and hidden biases. Reveal truth. Investigate and logically evaluate arguments, and understand the basis for morality.
As our experienced faculty guide your learning, you’ll develop superior writing and speaking skills while you engage in deep, conceptual analysis — whether by investigating the morality of art, debating environmental ethics, or examining the relationship between science and theology. We invite you to join our thinking community in our pursuit of knowledge and truth.
Why study philosophy at Clark?
- At Clark, you’ll be taught, advised, and mentored by philosophers with international reputations in fields ranging from Ancient Greek philosophy to biomedical ethics.
- You’ll join a community of philosophy majors headed for careers in law, medicine, environmental policy, innovation, public health, finance, and research — many of whom are double-majoring in fields as diverse as physics, theatre arts, biology, psychology, mathematics, and political science.
- Share a dedicated intellectual home — Beck House — with fellow philosophy students and faculty members.
Study abroad
Clark’s Study Abroad and Away Program offers opportunities for philosophy majors to gain world and workplace experience to complement your on-campus work. You can choose from year-long, semester, and summer opportunities, and earn credit through academic coursework, internships, community-based learning, or research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a major in philosophy?
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
A major in philosophy will prepare you for almost any professional pursuit you may choose, including careers in business, law, science, health care, education, the media, and nonprofit organizations.
What skills will I learn?
- Close reading of texts — the scholarly interpretation of classic texts of civilization
- Careful analysis of arguments — the formal study of symbolic logic and informal study of the principles of good evidence and persuasive arguments
- Clear and focusing writing — ensuring that we communicate difficult ideas in accessible ways
- Clarity and precision in thought — the cornerstone of philosophical methodology
- Integrating ideas — in addition to traditional philosophical subjects, philosophy engages in a wide spectrum of special topics, such as the philosophy of history, science, and art
Can I earn an academic achievement award in philosophy?
Excellence in Philosophical Studies
This award is presented to two philosophy majors who have achieved excellence in philosophical studies.
David N. Saltman ’83 Undergraduate Prize for Excellence in Philosophy
Logic Prize in Philosophy
This prize is awarded annually by the Philosophy Department faculty to a Clark undergraduate student who has demonstrated exemplary work in the area of symbolic logic.
Is there a philosophy honors program?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the philosophy honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors theses topics are:
- Kant and Bell: Form in Modern Art
- North-South Biomedical Research: Moral Problems of Justice & Consent
- Soren Kierkegaard on Being Human
- Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Positive Individuals: Biological and Ethical Considerations
