Mission Statement
Philosophy as a discipline reflects on fundamental questions about the world and human life (questions about values, knowledge, reality, truth, reasonableness, beauty, human nature, and more), seeking to produce insights about these matters through methods that balance precision with creativity, and criticism with empathy.
In the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy offers courses that satisfy the (HP) and (CC) distribution requirements, and offers a major, a general minor, specialized minors in Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Law, and a concentration in Applied Ethics. In all of its courses and programs, the department aims to help students to "gain an understanding of how people have attempted throughout history to render the breadth of human experience intelligible," to develop critical thinking skills, communication skills, and intellectual flexibility, and to prepare themselves for a lifetime of learning--all in conformity with the mission of HCLAS.1
In particular, the Department of Philosophy aims at: (1) teaching students about major philosophical figures, movements, and ideas, both of the past and of the present; (2) helping students develop the skills of reading difficult material with understanding, writing and speaking effectively, and arguing carefully and creatively; and finally, (3) helping students develop the abilities to reflect productively about novel issues, and to reflect critically on their own commitments.
Students who develop the skills and abilities discussed above are prepared for a wide range of careers, for thoughtful citizenship, and for living reflectively.
1See the Mission Statement of the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.