More than any other of the disciplines of the liberal arts, philosophy and religion deal with questions about the meaning of human life. Philosophy and religion may evaluate the purpose and meaning of other academic disciplines, even as they consider broader and deeper meanings--indeed even the ultimate meaning--of human life. As such, philosophy and religion might claim to be the most liberating of all the liberal arts ("liberal" here meaning advancing liberty!).

Religion can be understood as the human attempt to discern overall or ultimate meaning in life. Given the expansiveness of the religious quest, it is fitting that the academic discipline of religious studies claims no one method of its own but rather utilizes diverse disciplines such as literary studies, history, psychology, sociology, and philosophy.

As for philosophy, any belief, practice, or institution making value claims is fair game for its scrutiny. Philosophy analyzes and questions concepts of truth, beauty, and goodness--including ultimate value, as it draws on great thinkers who have pondered these issues over the millenia. This entails discerning and examining the worldviews of different cultures at different times, which like the air we breathe normally remain unnoticed.

The philosophy and religion major is not only for those planning to go on to graduate study in these areas, nor is a religion major just for those contemplating a religious vocation. Employers of college graduates today say that the primary asset they seek is the ability to write and speak clearly. A philosophy and religion major is ideal for those interested in pursuing careers in business, management in the non-profit or public sectors, or law.

For more information, contact the Department of Philosophy & Religion at 910.775.4283.