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Department of Philosophy & Religion
News
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS of 2008!
Faisal Akhter, Emily Barranco, Keith Carmy, Brant Hillman, Christopher Ko, Alida Liberman, Jessica Noll, William Rope, Arnold Starr, Daniel Stroik, Joshua Wright
CUMMINGS PRIZE AWARDED
Congratulations as well to Emily Barranco and Daniel Stroik, joint winners of the 2008 Cummings Prize for the best philosophical essay.
Philosophy explores such matters as the nature of reality, the nature and source of knowledge, the nature and basis of ethics, and the relationship between mind and body. The study of philosophy makes a valuable contribution to one’s personal development and is a keystone of a liberal education. The philosophy major combines a thorough study of philosophies that have shaped Western civilization with rigorous training in the analysis of argument and in the development of a systematic set of reasoned philosophical views of one ’s own.
The design of the philosophy major itself, as well as each course taught, strives to imbue students with those ways of identifying, thinking about and analyzing problems and constructing and assessing theories and counterexamples that can be found within the best that philosophy has to offer. The courses expressly ask students to demonstrate the ability to identify philosophical issues as problems or puzzles with respect to which there exist opposing solutions each of which requires investigation, understanding and assessment. They also emphasize the importance of the student’s making a genuine contribution to the discussion that is presented by the assigned and recommended materials for the course in addition to demonstrating mastery of those materials. These courses also place emphasis on the process by which a good piece of philosophy is finally produced. Learn more »
The Religion Minor and Interdisciplinary Concentration in Religious Studies allow a sustained and probing study of religious matters. They provide a valuable background for various religious vocations, as well as a number of other careers including social work and counseling.
Learn about the liberal learning concentration in religious studies, the religion minor, TCNJ faculty with interests in religious studies, the future learning community titled “Religion, Culture, and Identity,” Religion (REL) courses, and campus ministries. Learn more »
Award for Departmental Excellence
In 2005, our department became the first recipient of the Mildred Dahne Award for departmental excellence.
