Philosophy Department
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Welcome,
As a social philosophy major, you will acquire all the skills that employers say they want from a college graduate—the ability to think critically, to solve problems, articulate ideas and to read and write effectively. You’ll also emerge with a broad cultural awareness, which employers appreciate as well.
If you plan to head to graduate school, you will be well prepared with the broad liberal education that you’ll develop in the social philosophy program. Philosophy majors frequently top all other majors in the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Whatever your passion, a degree in social philosophy has the potential to open doors in many and varied arenas.
At SUNY Cortland, the Philosophy Department emphasizes the application of philosophy to current ethical, social and political issues. Our program will cultivate your capacities and appetite for self-expression and reflection, for debate and exchange of ideas and for reflecting on and puzzling over problems of living, being human and being part of a community.
Mission
The philosophy department at SUNY Cortland offers a crucial component of a liberal arts education, rooted in multiculturalism, critical thinking and praxis. The department has a strong outreach program that includes: regional leadership, prisoners' rights, internships, a Center for Ethics, Peace and Social Justice, a Summer Ethics Institute for faculty, periodic conferences, and publications through Wagadu and a social philosophy series with Rodopi (Amsterdam).
Vision
The philosophy department will strengthen its undergraduate programs in social philosophy and peace studies and establish a masters program in applied philosophy and philosophical practice. The department will develop its regional, national and international scholarly leadership in social philosophy, ethics and gender studies.
Values
The philosophy department's core values are intellectual depth in the pursuit of wisdom and the critical evaluation of society and culture; a collaborative and inclusive approach to education and praxis; a diversity of teaching/learning perspectives including service learning; gender equity and social justice advocacy within and outside SUNY Cortland.