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Department of Philosophy

Student Life

Welcome! The Philosophy Department is exceptionally proud of our students' academic and personal accomplishments.

Student Organization

  • The ISU Philosophical Society (Philosophy Club)

    Philosophy Society meets to explore, discuss, and promote issues of philosophical relevance.  We focus on all areas of philosophy and welcome both majors and non-majors.  Some of our past favorite topics have been "What is a shadow?", "What makes a hero?", and "The ethics of standardized testing".  We also provide opportunities for members to present their philosophical works.  The Illinois State University Philosophical Society is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) of the University. We promote philosophical inquiry as a part of everyday life and promote critical analysis of all information.

    Advisor: Todd Stewart

  • Minorities And Philosophy Chapter

     

    It is the mission of Minorities And Philosophy (MAP): Illinois State University Chapter to address structural injustices throughout academic fields of study with a focus on philosophy. As well as aiding to remove barriers that impede participation and inclusion for members of marginalized groups in all fields of study. 

    The Illinois State University Philosophical Society is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) of the University. We promote philosophical inquiry as a part of everyday life and promote critical analysis of all information.

    Advisor: Cassie Herbert and Eric Godoy

  • Phi Sigma Tau

    Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. Founded in 1930 and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1955, the Society now has a network of over 230 chapters throughout the United States, at both public and private institutions of higher learning. The purpose of Phi Sigma Tau is to encourage interest and activity among students and to promote ties between philosophy departments in accredited institutions. Phi Sigma Tau publishes a journal,  Dialogue , for student contributions in all areas of contemporary philosophical research.  For questions about academic requirements and membership eligibility, please contact the chapter advisor, Dr. Christopher Horvath

    Advisor: Christopher Horvath

 

Call for Papers

 

 

What can I do with a Philosophy degree?

A degree in Philosophy does not teach you what to think, but how to think. Philosophy teaches you how to analyze difficult problems and think of creative solutions. It teaches you how to evaluate arguments that people present in support or against a position, and how to reason and communicate in an effective and clear way.

These are skills are of universal value. Good critical-thinking and communication skills will be of benefit to you whether your chosen career is in business, law, medicine, non-profits, teaching, or public service. Employers value creative thinkers – those who come up with new ideas and innovative solutions – and critical thinkers – those who can communicate complex ideas in a clear way.

Employment Opportunities

Our alumni have chosen a variety of different careers. Some have gone to graduate school in philosophy while others have become lawyers, doctors and other healthcare professionals. We also have alumni who have chosen careers in business, journalism, financial services, publishing, and management.

A philosophy degree is a highly valuable degree if you are thinking about business school, law school, or medical school. Philosophy majors are ranked first among majors on the GRE and medical school acceptance rates, and second among majors on the LSAT and GMAT. And philosophy majors rank first among humanities majors in midcareer salary.

Philosophy does not lead to one career – it leads to all sorts of careers.