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

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

Spinoza on mind-body identity: Hübner wins best article prize

3/07/2023

Hübner's winning article from the Journal of the History of Philosophy gives a new reading of Spinoza’s claim that minds and bodies are “one and the same thing.”

Support Arts & Sciences on Giving Day March 16

3/02/2023

On Thursday, March 16, join the Cornell community to make a difference for students on Cornell Giving Day.

Philosopher John Doris: ‘Moral psychologists have plenty to do’

2/27/2023

John M. Doris reflected on his book "Character Trouble: Undisciplined Essays on Moral Agency and Personality" during a recent book talk.

Beauty and Weirdness in the History of Philosophy

2/24/2023

Qiu Lin, a Postdoctoral Associate in the Sage School of Philosophy, sees the History of Philosophy as an area that contains questions which are inherently interesting, whether you have a background in philosophy or not.

Philosophy: A Communal Enterprise for Everyone

2/24/2023

When Alex “Arc” Kocurek, Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Sage School of Philosophy isn’t hiking or playing with his adorable cat Naomi, he’s working at the intersection of linguistic, logical, and metaphysical philosophy.

Juniors selected for Caplan travel fellowships

2/13/2023

Kim Montpelier ‘24, Austin Manning ‘24 and Shanzai Ikhlas ‘24 won fellowships through the classics department.

I, Judge and Jury

2/13/2023

How do you decide if a person in a difficult situation has acted criminally or not? John Doris reveals patterns in our moral judgments.

December graduation celebrates unique paths to Cornell education

12/23/2022

Philosophy major Ariane Bowers '23 was one of more than 700 students awarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the university’s 20th recognition ceremony for December graduates on Dec. 18.

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