Philosophy

Develop rigorously critical and creative thinking across a wide range of issues, from the purely theoretical to the specific and practical.

The philosophy major emphasizes problem-solving, methods for resolving conflicting positions, and cultivation of the moral imagination and expansion of human sympathies. It also advances understanding and appreciation of relationships between the various disciplines and fields of study. It accomplishes these goals by means of a combination of historical, analytical, and synthesizing studies. This kind of philosophical work prepares students for a variety of positions that call for clear, rigorous, creative, and humane analysis and judgment.

Available as a major. Students may also choose the minor in Philosophy and Religion.

Internships and Study Abroad Opportunities

A variety of internships allow philosophy students to get career experience during their time as students as they begin to apply the lessons learned in logic, ethics, rhetoric, and more to a professional framework. Here are a few internships held by philosophy students in recent years:

NY State Division of Human Rights, Syracuse, N.Y.
Law Offices of Glenn R. Marshall & Associates, New York, N.Y.
Cornell University - Philosophy Dept., Ithaca, N.Y.
Empire State Pride Agenda, Albany, N.Y.
New York State Office of Court Administration, New York, N.Y.

Check out our off-campus study programs.

Co-Curricular Activities

Explore your understanding of philosophy and learn to apply it with your classmates by becoming involved in campus activities. Below are just a few clubs that might match your interests:

Collegiate (student government)
Community Service and Activism Board
Student Committee on Inclusive and Intercultural Excellence
Model United Nations
Satisfied Mind Club

General Information

Faculty for this Program

Practical Applications

Programs of Study

Course Catalog

"I think one of the things that really drew me to Wells was how important student participation was and how you could be involved in so many different aspects on campus. I help organize events and participate in the discussions, which is awesome because the small size makes everyone's voice heard."

Michelle Lee '16

Women's and Gender Studies Major

Jennifer Johnson and Sustainability Perspectives Series graphic

Sustainability Perspectives Series: "Sustainable Burial? Way to Go!"

11-30-2015

The Wells College Center for Sustainability and the Environment presents a Sustainability Perspectives Series talk featuring Jennifer L. Johnson, co-director and Burial Coordinator for Greensprings...

News: Academics

Wells Earns High Sustainability Ratings

09-16-2016

Last spring, Wells received a silver rating on our first Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) evaluation, created by the...

Program Faculty

Brad Frazier

Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion

Michael Gorr

Visiting Professor of Philosophy

Practical Applications

Philosophy majors gain the advantage of becoming among the most well-rounded, critically-engaged, thoughtful and versatile members of the campus community. The principles of logic, ethics, aesthetics, and other practical ways of thinking and judging are tied to the historic and current studies of epistemology, theology, postmodernism, and other schools of thought—resulting in a mind capable of applying itself to practically anything. Philosophy majors are often involved with campus events such as Activism Symposium or theatre productions; clubs including POWER (Praising Our Work, Ethnicity, and Race) and Campus Greens; or sharing time with other disciplines including Political Science, Economics, and Film and Media Studies. Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion Brad Frazier also acts as the advisor for the Pre-Law program, assisting and guiding students who wish to enter law school after earning their degree at Wells.

Academics