Degree Level:
Undergraduate
school:
Division of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Learning Mode:
On Campus
Degree:
Major, Minor

Minor in Philosophy

Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? What is identity?

Philosophy is the study of life. With an emphasis on moral and ethical thought, it is a place to ponder, discuss, and expand one’s knowledge of life and the universe. Come ask (and hopefully answer!) some of life’s biggest questions with us.

Why study Philosophy?

Here's what makes the Mount's Philosophy minor unique:

St. Thomas Aquinas

  • Philosophy conference: The Mount is passionate about philosophy...so much so, that we host a leading conference on Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy each year at the college. People come from around the world to attend the conference each summer.
  • Dominican heritage: As a Dominican school, we were founded upon principles of the search for truth and deep thinking that are so important to philosophical study.
  • Disputatio: The Mount is founded upon the Dominican value of “disputatio,” or respectful dialogue. In our Philosophy classes, students are encouraged to find “veritas,” or truth, in a free, open, and respectful environment. In other words: questions encouraged.

What to expect as a Philosophy minor

18 credits

Learn about Philosophy minor academic requirements and courses here.

As a Philosophy minor, you’ll first take courses that will introduce you to the skills of philosophical thought as well as the theories of major Western and Eastern philosophers. Your upper level courses will allow you to take those skills and apply them to specific concepts and questions related to morality, medicine, technology, and more. You may also choose to participate in an independent study with a professor on a topic of your choice.

Man at podium
Associate Professor of Philosophy Charles Zola.

Be prepared for your future

A minor in Philosophy gives you the foundation for further philosophical studies at the graduate school level. The critical thinking and deductive skills of this discipline are vital for any career, and the courses should also give students a broader worldview and way of looking at the world. 

John Hofbauer

Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Division of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Contact
Email Address
John.Hofbauer@msmc.edu
Office
845-569-3339
Location
Whittaker 001
Office Hours
M-Th
1-2pm

Ed Teall

Professor of Philosophy
Contact
Email Address
Ed.Teall@msmc.edu
Office
845-569-3165
Location
Whittaker 207
Office Hours
MW
12:15-1:15pm
T
11am-12pm

Charles Zola

Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Catholic and Dominican Institute, and Assistant to the President for Mission Integration
Contact
Email Address
Charles.Zola@msmc.edu
Office
845-569-3160
Location
Whittaker 005
Office Hours
W
1-2pm

Meet the Division of Philosophy and Religious Faculty

Get to know the rest of our incredible Philosophy and Religious Studies professors! 

Division of Philosophy and Religious Faculty

What now?

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