The intention of the philosophy program is to use its collective expertise and experience in the various philosophical disciplines to

provide courses that foster ethical understanding, analytical reading, logical thinking, and clear expression in our students;

illuminate the assumptions, methods and foundations of other disciplines for students who also major or minor in philosophy;

acquaint students with paradigms and perspectives from past philosophies that provide recurring thought patterns whose strengths and weaknesses an autonomous individual should know;

prepare students to deal with problems for which there are neither simple nor obvious solutions;

equip students for graduate and professional study in fields such as law, government service, management, medicine, the ministry, and philosophy so that our students will become effective, self-critical leaders able to empower others, to solve problems in diverse social and professional settings, and experience satisfactions that can only come from living the examined life.