Formulate hard questions through critical inquiry and ongoing conversations.

Studying philosophy empowers you to ask such questions surrounding meaning, power, reasoning, knowledge, and existence. You’ll also explore other areas of study through the lens of philosophy with interdisciplinary courses, applying the framework of philosophical reasoning to important questions in other fields.

Tarrell Nedderman talks with colleagues outside of Titletown Tech.

Student Perspective


“I think the biggest thing we can leverage as Lawrence students and Lawrence graduates is the tight connection that we’re able to have with alumni, with professors, and with our peers.” 

Tarrel Nedderman '22 
Philosophy 
Brooklyn, New  York

Academics

Unbagging First-Year Studies

Martyn Smith, director of First-Year Studies, unbags the 10 works being used in First-Year Studies during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Row of books.
Course

Science Fiction and Philosophy

What can alternative science fiction worlds and speculative futures reveal about the nature of reality and our own condition? In answering this question we will engage philosophical puzzles inspired by science fiction in various forms: short stories, novels, television series and movies. Topics may include time travel, robot intelligence and consciousness, scientific knowledge, morality, political power, free will and personal identity.

From epistemology to ethics, philosophy courses cover specialized and interdisciplinary topics.

Explore the philosophy coursework requirements.

Get to know your philosophy faculty.

philosophy professor standing in front of blackboard with student listening in foreground

Not Just Studying the Classics


Courses engage students to bring methods of philosophical analysis to bear on other areas of inquiry, preparing them for careers in academe, business, government, law, and medicine, among others.

Students talk in Strange Commons

Stranger Things


Break out beyond the classroom and enjoy informal philosophical conversations with your peers during Philosophy Strange Thing. Interact and intellectualize in a weekly gathering in Main Hall's Strange Lounge. Engage in casual discussions of philosophical issues of both contemporary and enduring interest. 

Brain model

Plays Well with Others


Interested in discovering scientific knowledge, but also want to investigate what knowledge really is? Are you an artist who wants to inquire about the nature of art? The Philosophy program at Lawrence is designed to pair well with a variety of other majors, offering course reductions for double majors.

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Graduate at Commencement ceremony at Banta Bowl June 2021

Philosophy Outcomes


While there aren’t always answers to the questions that arise while studying philosophy, there are always a variety of career pathways and advanced study opportunities made possible by a degree in philosophy.

Can you picture yourself at Lawrence? Apply for admission.

The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.

Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Briggs Hall, to explore social science learning spaces.

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