Philosophy

Lindsay Selfridge “Choosing to major in philosophy has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, second only to choosing to attend Coe College. I not only learned about numerous philosophers and the theories they crafted, but I also improved my critical thinking and writing skills. These skills gained in a philosophy class extend far beyond into many different careers, and I have always felt that my professors set me up for success. Students also gain valuable mentorship from the department’s professors throughout their time at Coe and beyond.”

Lindsay Selfridge '22, Philosophy and Environmental Studies

“I recently graduated top of my class from the nation's leading Master of Public Administration program, thanks largely to the skills I honed as a philosophy major at Coe College. The philosophy faculty taught me to dissect complex subjects, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and craft critical responses. In public administration, success depends on presenting logical, evidence-based arguments that persuade and withstand scrutiny—skills I mastered in every philosophy class. The ability to deconstruct and reconstruct arguments has been invaluable professionally and personally. Philosophy courses at Coe challenged me with fundamental questions about life, language, ethics, and human nature, helping me solidify my core values and beliefs. Coe College's Philosophy Department equipped me to analyze critically, reflect deeply, and move through the world with confidence in my convictions. I am profoundly grateful to the faculty for their expert guidance and invaluable mentorship.”

Luke VanderSchaaf ’22, Philosophy and Political Science

Why Philosophy at Coe?

Philosophy is the rational, critical inquiry into fundamental questions of human existence. It involves examining the nature of knowledge, reality, human existence, ethics and social and political structures.

For just about any area of human inquiry, such as mathematics, science, religion, law and art, there is a branch of philosophy devoted to the critical study of the fundamental assumptions of that area of inquiry. For instance, in the philosophy of religion, the philosopher asks what religion is and what is the nature of religious experience. In the philosophy of science, the philosopher might ask what is the nature of science and how does it differ from other areas of intellectual inquiry.

The range of issues considered in philosophy is vast. Among the many questions considered by philosophers are: Is there a God? What is the nature and extent of human knowledge? What is the nature of human freedom and do human beings possess freedom of the will? What is the nature of justice, and what sorts of social and economic structures best serve the ideals of justice?

You might be interested in studying philosophy because you find such questions and the critical examination of their answers to be intrinsically interesting. But, the study of philosophy develops skills and habits of mind that also are of great practical value.

In philosophy, great emphasis is placed on the understanding of theories and their implications and on the critical examination of the arguments for and against competing theories. You will be expected to read and write about different theories and develop positions of your own. You will become a clear thinker and skilled arguer who understands the different views of others but is able to explain and defend your own views — you will exhibit these skills in class discussions and in your writing. Well-developed reading, writing and speaking skills are valued commodities in our society. As such, philosophy helps prepare you for success in life after college.

The philosophy program at Coe offers both a major and a minor. Members of the philosophy faculty all hold the highest degrees in their fields. They are active scholars and committed, caring teachers.

Become a Critical Thinker

Laura Niday '21

“Studying philosophy at Coe taught me how to engage thoughtfully in debate, think critically about the arguments I read, and write novel philosophical arguments clearly and concisely. The Philosophy Department also brought together myself and some of my closest, lifelong friends. The skills I learned from Coe’s philosophy department were instrumental to my success in law school. Because I had already tackled the difficult rhetoric of Kant, Nietzsche, and Descartes, understanding difficult legal arguments came easily. I utilized my skills engaging thoughtfully and respectfully in discourse to compete in moot court competitions across the country and hone my oral advocacy skills. I have always felt that Coe’s Philosophy Department gave me a leg up in law school."

After graduating from Coe in the fall of 2020, Laura attended George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, where she served as a member of multiple legal organizations and as a Research Editor of George Mason Law Review. She received her Juris Doctor with a concentration in antitrust law in May of 2024. I am a licensed attorney in Virginia, and I am currently studying for the Uniform Bar Exam to practice in Washington, D.C. This fall, I will begin practicing as an associate attorney at Steptoe LLP, an international law firm headquartered in D.C.

Engage like a Kohawk

We’d be thrilled to show you more in person…

During your campus visit you can attend a class, meet with a professor and get to know our students. Schedule your visit today!

Learn More

Apply for Admission Visit Campus Explore Cedar Rapids Experience Campus Life See Our Success Stories