Philosophy

135 Park Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4150

716-645-2444
https://www.buffalo.edu/cas/philosophy.html

Neil E. Williams, Ph.D.
Chair

Ryan Muldoon, Ph.D.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Philosophy Overview

Philosophy asks the big questions: what is real? What is justice? What is beauty? How does language work? What is it to be you instead of someone else? How can we come to know? The Department of Philosophy offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Philosophy and Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The department provides students opportunities to study ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of law, philosophy of science, and a bevy of other subjects. Regardless of the subject, philosophy interrogates our foundational assumptions, engages with our reasons, and demands that we develop stronger arguments. Philosophy sharpens one’s skills as a reader and helps you become a clearer and more careful writer and speaker.

The BA in Philosophy allows students to learn the fundamental theories, concepts and methods of inquiry that have framed our intellectual heritage. Most importantly, philosophers develop tools to critically investigate the values, beliefs, and institutions that shape our lives today. Philosophy inspires students to ask big questions, and provides uniquely good analytic training to help address any question, big or small. Philosophy provides excellent training for a variety of careers, and enhances one’s capacities as a citizen.

The BA program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) provides students with a set of interdisciplinary tools to think rigorously about complex social problems. Students learn about the relationship between markets and morality, the role institutions play in shaping our politics and economics, and how social norms can shape our behavior. Societies are rife with deep disagreements about what constitutes justice. Students who study PPE will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of our political life, and tools for promoting positive social change. After receiving training in the core methods of PPE, students choose to focus on one of three thematic domains, each relating to a particular level of governance: Local, National and Global. This allows students to gain a detailed understanding of the challenges unique to their chosen level. Students will complete their degree with practical tools to solve important problems.

Academic Advising

Students obtain academic advice and guidance from the academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement & Services office (275 Park Hall) and from faculty in their program of study. The CAS Student Advisement and Services Office assists undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to plan their academic trajectory, develop goals and successfully complete their college careers.

Academic Advising Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisement & Services
275 Park Hall, North Campus
North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-4140
Phone: 716-645-6883
Email: cas-advisor@buffalo.edu

Programs

Majors

Combined

Philosophy BA/Law JD

Minors