Philosophy addresses the most general and important questions that arise when we think about the world and ourselves. What is it to know something? What is truth? What makes for a good argument? How are we to understand consciousness? How am I the same as my past and future selves? Are our actions fully determined by prior causes? What makes what we do right? How ought one to live? What things are inherently valuable?
In addressing such questions, UF philosophers engage with the ideas of influential historical and contemporary thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Margaret Cavendish, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Frantz Fanon, Simone de Beauvoir, G.E.M. Anscombe, Leopoldo Zea, Rosalind Hursthouse, and Martha Nussbaum.
The Department of Philosophy is committed to helping students explore these deep and important questions through a wide variety of course offerings, special events, undergraduate clubs, and award and research opportunities. Courses in philosophy contribute to a well-rounded undergraduate education. Whether a student decides to major, minor, or just take a few philosophy courses, they’ll learn highly marketable, highly transferable skills useful in any career that involves thinking, talking, or writing.
But just as getting a job is not the only or best reason to attend university, so the real reason to study philosophy is that it will make your life better by making you a more reflective person.
To learn more about the variety of benefits of studying philosophy, please see our Philosophy Department Brochure.