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

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...

A&S honors 13 faculty with endowed professorships

The professorships are made possible because of gifts from alumni, parents and friends.

From posters to precedent, humanities scholars showcase their research

Projects spanned topics from Confederate cemeteries to Korean textiles.

'My path is not predetermined and I am always in flux'

Hanako Yamasaki is majoring in comparative literature and philosophy.

'I now think intersubjectivity is the most important part of the human condition'

S. Gottfried is a Robert S. Harrison College Scholar who is also majoring in philosophy & English.

Sina Toussi ’91: Honoring professors and transforming lives

Sina Toussi ’91 established a new undergraduate scholarship in honor of Professors David B. Lyons and Allen W. Wood. The gift contributes to Cornell’s Undergraduate Affordability Initiative, and it is focused on supporting first-generation college students from the Bronx, New York.