Philosophy
Flourish in Philosophy
Central College’s philosophy major equips students to flourish in life.
Philosophy has never been more relevant. Central College philosophy majors learn to construct arguments and think logically. The program focuses on ethics and human flourishing, which involves opening the mind to thoughts on the ways in which everything fits into the bigger picture of a meaningful life. Central philosophy majors explore the core areas in philosophy and its history and also have the opportunity to learn and apply philosophical concepts to politics, medicine, the environment and more.
This focus, combined with the opportunity to develop critical reading and reasoning skills, prepares students for a variety of careers. Central philosophy majors become thoughtful, adaptable and productive citizens in an ever-changing world.
The Central Difference
Collaborative Research Opportunities
At Central College, students have access to a wide variety of research and professional development opportunities to prepare for the future, including unique access to collaborate directly with faculty. Recently completed research and honors projects include:
- Quinn Deahl ’23, “Behind the Work of Art: Freeland and Nochlin’s Account of Gender in Understanding the Poetry of Audre Lorde”
- Malcolm O’Bryan ’21, “The Obligations of Justice and Truth: An Analysis of Plato’s Crito”
- Christian Warner ’20, “Aristotle or Nietzsche? The Question of the Rationality of Ethics”
- Matthew Wells ’18, “The Tyranny of Sameness: Reopening the Strauss-Kojève Debate”
Nothing Else Compares
Central College students naturally become multifaceted when it comes to enjoying all their interests during their time here. Quinn Deahl ’23, student body president for 2022-23, was able to tap into the different sides of her identity through her involvement at Central.
Facilities
Central has one of the most beautiful college campuses one will find. A perfect mix of old and new, the college’s buildings reflect its history and its future. Central’s distinctive library is a spacious and popular haven with more than 230,000 volumes, computer stations, a multimedia collection and an extensive online catalog.
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
Central College graduates have found success in applying philosophy to their diverse career paths.
- Jonathan Alberts ’20, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Headquarters
- Samuel Davis ’16, Creative Specialist, No Barriers USA
- Shane Gansen ’14, Full-Time Traveler
- Collette Schippers ’13, Rehabilitation Counselor, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Thomas Butler ’12, Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy, Des Moines Area Community College
Central College Professor of Philosophy Publishes Book
Central’s Associate Professor of Philosophy Mark Thomas published a book exploring philosopher F.W.J. Schelling and his 1809 treatise on human freedom.
Other Opportunities
- Philosophy Club
- Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy Honor Society)
Internships
Philosophy students can pursue internship opportunities to prepare for future careers. Many Central graduates also completed terms of service with the Peace Corps and Teach for America.
Graduate Placement
Central philosophy students go on to graduate programs in many fields, like philosophy, law, political science, psychiatry and theology at a number of universities, including:
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas
- Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan
- Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
- The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Courses & Faculty
Philosophy courses emphasize ethics and human flourishing from a historical perspective, while applying these concepts to events of the present day. Students can take any 100-level philosophy course as a gateway to the major.
Courses on the history of philosophy provide students with a historical foundation to build upon. Central’s professors teach what students want to learn. As a result, students can customize their philosophical education through a variety of elective courses to round out their requirements.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Anna Christensen, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophy
- Mark Thomas, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy
- Lori Witt, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professorship of the Liberal Arts and Associate Professor of History
Sample Coursework
First Year
- Intro to Philosophy
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Sophomore Year
- Ethics
- Logic
- Major Electives
- Core Courses
Junior Year
- Classical Thought
- Existentialism
- Modern Thought
- Major Elective
- Core Courses
Senior Year
- Philosophy of the Mind
- Readings in Contemporary
- Philosophy
- Readings on Plato
- Philosophy of the Science
- Core Courses
Learn More
Want to find out more about Philosophy at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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