Dear Prospective Student or Major:

We are very happy to hear of your interest in the Philosophy Department at Sewanee. As a student who already has an interest in philosophy, you might be interested in getting to know us.

In terms of general orientation, we organize our courses and major program around the following two commitments: a) our students must become acquainted with the fundamental ideas and arguments of philosophers who have importantly shaped and challenged western and non-western civilizations: b) our courses should help students think critically for themselves, to defend their own beliefs, and to appreciate the value of alternative beliefs.

The most recent innovation for the department is our new website. Finishing this website was a key priority that emerged from our recent departmental review by outside evaluators. The evaluators were highly impressed with the levels of commitment and achievement they found in our students. They recommended, however, that we take advantage of the possibilities open to us by the Internet. The website includes, among other things, philosophical autobiographies of the faculty and our nationally known undergraduate philosophical journal, The Interlocutor, edited by the senior class. We invite you to visit http://www.sewanee.edu/Philosophy/

You might be interested in seeing what you could study during your first two years here. Introduction to Philosophy is normally the first course a student takes in the department. This course provides students with an introduction to critical thinking and the principle themes of philosophy. Each section emphasizes different themes: Classical Theories and Contemporary Issues; God, Death, and the Meaning of Life; The Meaning of Life; Philosophy through Film.

Our two-hundred level courses offer freshmen and others a chance to investigate more specific issues: Ethics; Medical Ethics; Environmental Ethics; Business Ethics; Ancient Philosophy from Thales through Augustine; Modern Philosophy from Descartes to Kant; Chinese Philosophy; Philosophical Issues in Daoism; Philosophical Issues in Christianity; and Faith in Philosophy and Literature. Detailed descriptions of these courses can be found on our website.

What about special study opportunities for Philosophy majors? The Philosophy Department is centrally involved in Asian Studies, Environmental Studies, and a medical ethics student internship program at Chattanooga’s Erlanger Hospital. These programs provide students opportunities to study philosophy in the context of a range of other courses, to study abroad, and to participate in service-learning internships.

In order to provide opportunities for discussion outside of the classroom, the Philosophy Department sponsors a student-run Philosophy Club. The club, among other things, sponsors a very successful, ongoing film series, where students and faculty come together to watch recent films and discuss, often heatedly, their themes and import. Recent films include Magnolia; Fight Club; Slingblade; American History X; Pi; and Donnie Darko.

Despite their interest in philosophical issues, some students wonder what they can do with such a study. The short answer is many things. A recent article in the New York Times characterizes job prospects for philosophy graduates in the following way: “For all the jokes about them, philosophy majors appear to do remarkably well.” We agree. Recent graduates have pursued various paths:

Law School (An attractive option of many of our students because the analytical skills they learn in philosophy allow them to do quite well on the LSAT, and their study of philosophy gives them an interest in the ethical and political dimensions of the law. Several recent graduates have made law review.)

Medical School (Premeds can major in anything, and some students have been very happy to study philosophy before going medical school. Our offerings in medical ethics have, in addition, helped them prepare for the ethical challenges in medicine.)

Journalism (A recent graduate went on to journalism school and is now a reporter for the Nashville Tennessean.)

Investment Research (Two recent graduates went to work for a bank and an investment research firm. One was given responsibilities equal to MBA’s hired by the bank. Both attributed their success in to their analytical and writing skills learned in philosophy. Both have gone on to MBA programs.)

Youth Ministry (Another graduate has taken his interest in philosophy in the direction of religious vocation and is engaged in youth ministry prior to going to graduate school in theology.)

Watson Fellowship (A graduate from last year won a prestigious Watson Fellowship, which allows him to study monastic life around the world. He will attend the Episcopal seminary at Yale upon his return to the United States.)

Congressional Aid (Interested in political philosophy, a recent graduate turned an internship at a Congressional office into a full-time job. She anticipates getting a masters degree in public policy.)

Graduate school in Philosophy (A small number of or graduates go on to do graduate work in philosophy. Most receive a fellowship or some other financial award to do graduate work in very good programs around the country. They report that Sewanee has prepared them quite well for graduate work.)

Teaching (After participating in Teach For America, one of our graduates teaches high school in a charter school in North Carolina and is involved in educational policy development in that state.)

It’s an exciting time to be studying in the Philosophy Department. If you have questions, please feel free to call me at 931 598-1482 or e-mail me at jpeterma@sewanee.edu. If you visit campus, please feel free to make an appointment to see me.

Jim Peterman

Chair