Among the many questions philosophers ask — What can I know? Who am I? Does God exist? What is the nature of time? — one of the most pervasive may be What is philosophy?

It’s been defined as the love of wisdom; the search for truth through reasoning; and a discipline that comprises metaphysics, logic, ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics. The Philosophy Department at Lewis & Clark believes such definitions have their purpose—but that the only way to truly understand philosophy is to engage in the study and practice of philosophical inquiry.

In philosophy courses, you'll investigate the questions above, and many others as well. Professors cover the ideas of ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, modern philosophers like Descartes and Kant, 20^th century greats such as Wittgenstein and Foucault, and contemporary theorists like Rorty and Feyerabend. Topics include ancient philosophy, 19th century philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and the philosophies of religion, science, and law.

Outside the classroom, students are active in the Philosophy Club, and regularly attend our series of colloquia where visiting philosophers, philosophy faculty, and fellow students present papers and posit questions about the fundamental natures of society, life, and knowledge. Recent talks have included “The Composition of the Jury and the Trial of Socrates”, and “Hume on the Morality of Justice”; all are followed by active, lively discussion, giving students a great chance to engage the ideas they’re exploring in classes.