Philosophy

In the Philosophy program, you'll question life's deepest intricacies.

Students sitting in class

We like students who ask the tough questions

Our aim isn't to memorize facts, but to explore complex problems and competing perspectives through critical analysis and reflection. Our students gain the ability to express their values and thoughts clearly in both speech and writing.

The extensive talents of our Philosophy students can be applied to any field, including law, journalism, business, social work, medicine, education and writing.

The philosophy major requires 40 semester hours (ten courses).

All majors must take

PHIL 122 Real-Life Logic 4
OR
PHIL 123 Symbolic Logic 4
PHIL 130 Ethics 4
PHIL 246 Who Am I? How Do I Know? 4
PHIL 247 The Meaning of Life 4

At least one course in applied philosophy

PHIL 131 Biomedical Ethics 4
PHIL 139 Environmental Ethics 4
PHIL 225 Social Media, Digital Technology, and Ethics 4
Four other courses, at least two of which are at the 200-level or above

And the Capstone Seminar

The Capstone Seminar (PHIL 390) can also be fulfilled with HUM 370, the CRGC Capstone, or the Ifill Seminar, when offered.
PHIL 390 Seminar 4

PHIL 390: may be taken more than once.

A minor in philosophy requires

PHIL 122 Real-Life Logic 4
OR
PHIL 123 Symbolic Logic 4
PHIL 246 Who Am I? How Do I Know? 4
PHIL 247 The Meaning of Life 4
And two electives.

Our students take advantage of internships in Boston and beyond, building their skills and resumes and learning from mentors in their fields. Recent philosophy internships have included sites like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Mobilization, Fairness.com, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Center for New Words and various law firms.

Recent Senior Theses include:

  • Manic Depression through Many Lenses; Parallels Between Ancient and Contemporary Views of Emotion and Mental Disorder
  • Epictetus and Stockdale: A Philosophy of Free Will and Freedom in Practice
  • Between Chatter and Silence: A Comparison of Earlier and Later Heidegger's Conception of Language
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Immigration Policy Post 9/11
  • Transcending the Individual: Determinism and the Interconnected Self
  • Jewish Influences in Levinas' Thought
  • Ambiguity in the Philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

Offered As
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  • Minor
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Alumnae/i Feature

There’s such an importance placed on intersectionality at Simmons. You’re constantly deconstructing race, class, gender—and you see it in every class you take. Simmons cultivates critical thinking and I try to be very critical of that lens when doing stand-up.

Our Faculty

Diane Grossman photo

Diane Grossman

  • Interim Dean, Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities and Director of the Honors Program
Shirong Luo photo

Shirong Luo

  • Associate Professor and Interdisciplinary Program Director