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Department of Philosophy

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Prall House, home of the Philosophy Department

The study of philosophy is central to a liberal arts education. First of all, philosophy is concerned with some of the deepest and most difficult questions we can ask: questions about human nature and the meaning of life, about the nature of reality, about the possibility and extent of knowledge, about the existence of God, and about morality and how we should live. Students of philosophy come to know how some of the greatest thinkers in history have answered such questions and how they are addressed by contemporary philosophers. In addition, understanding the arguments of philosophers in response to these questions requires careful analysis and close study. Students of philosophy acquire the ability to discern the most important features of complex material, learn to assess elaborate arguments, and come to form their own conclusions on difficult and important questions. In general, philosophers develop sophisticated skills of critical analysis and evaluation. Philosophy thus provides knowledge of matters of enduring human concern, as well as reasoning skills of general value, and so provides benefits that extend throughout life.

 

Prall House
Cornell College
600 First Street West
Mt Vernon, IA 52314

(319) 895-4239
philosophy@cornellcollege.edu

Our Cornell Students

Kirsten Egerstrom

Class of 2004

What I'm Studying

Double major in Philosophy and Sociology

Why Cornell?

"The minute I saw Cornell's gorgeous campus, I felt at home. The unique OCCAT program was also attractive in that it allowed for me to get involved in many different types of activities. The faculty, coaches, and directors were very cooperative from the start in working around any difficult schedule."

Other Activities

Co-News Editor for The Cornellian, cross-country, track, band, Student Athletic Advisory Committee representative, Major Mentors

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