Opportunities to engage with great philosophical ideas

Academics

Cornell's philosophy department is home to a distinguished tradition of philosophical research and teaching. Students at every level and in every area of intellectual endeavor find opportunity to engage with great philosophical ideas and problems and develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for advancing our understanding of them.

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Undergraduate Program Graduate Program Faculty Profiles Course Listings

Academic Pursuits

Undergraduate Program

The study of philosophy provides students with an opportunity to become familiar with some of the ideas and texts in the history of thought while developing analytical skills that are valuable in practical as well as academic affairs. It affords the excitement and satisfaction that come from understanding and working toward solutions of intellectual problems.

Graduate Program

The Sage School's graduate program leads to the Ph.D. in philosophy. Its distinguishing characteristics are small classes and a collegial atmosphere in which vibrant philosophical exchange among graduate students, faculty and visiting philosophers is the norm. Graduate students receive individual attention to their work from faculty members. And the intellectual community among graduate students is stimulating and supportive.

Philosophy News

Two people sit at a desk on the set of a late night TV chat show

Satire under siege: Cornell humor expert on ‘Kimmel’ comeback

“Political leaders – of all stripes – hate two things: unfettered speech and being mocked. With Jimmy Kimmel, the administration got a chance to squelch both."

Person standing behind a table covered with artifacts

Olin Library to hold reopening celebration Aug. 27

The celebration also features a welcome speech at 12:15 p.m. by Elaine L. Westbrooks, Carl A. Kroch University Librarian, and open houses for the new Anthropology Collaboratory and Library Map Collection.

2025 Nexus Scholars talk about academic growth, transformation

Ten students who participated in this summer's Nexus Scholars Program share their stories..

Politics and punchlines: Cornell humor expert on ‘Colbert’ cancellation

Political satire—long a staple of late-night TV—plays a critical role in democracy, cutting through partisanship and exposing hypocrisies that traditional news often can’t, says philosophy professor David Shoemaker.

Philosophy Ph.D. candidate wins Newcombe Fellowship

Migdalia Arcila-Valenzuela is one of 20 recipients of Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships for 2025-26, selected from nearly 600 applicants.

Student Spotlight: Migdalia Arcila-Valenzuela

Migdalia Arcila-Valenzuela is a doctoral candidate in philosophy from Medellín, Colombia. She earned her B.A. in philosophy and literature from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia, and M.A., magna cum laude, in philosophy from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia and now...