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Philosophy

Philosophy at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ teaches you to think critically, question assumptions, and understand how ideas shape the world. You’ll study ethics, logic, and global philosophical traditions while learning to communicate with clarity and purpose.

Earn Your Philosophy Degree From Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

In the Occidental philosophy undergraduate program, you’ll discover how arguments work, understand why beliefs matter, and see how ideas influence culture, policy, and everyday life. You’ll explore topics like ethics, logic, mind, science, race, and global traditions, all while developing your writing and reasoning skills to tackle even the most complex questions.

Our dedicated faculty will walk with you through close reading, lively debates, and engaging research that will enhance your ability to analyze claims, evaluate evidence, and express your own ideas confidently. You’ll pick up skills that are highly valued in many areas like law, public policy, medicine, technology, business, and education. Many students pursue studying abroad, engaging in funded research, or completing independent projects with the support of our vibrant mentorship community.

 

What You’ll Learn as a Philosophy Major at Occidental

Occidental (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) students sitting at rouund table in discussion

Reasoning with purpose

A philosophy major at Occidental teaches you to think carefully and responsibly. You’ll explore ideas, evaluate evidence, and build arguments that help you face ethical questions, social issues, and the broader world with purpose and confidence.

You’ll have many chances to do faculty-mentored research through the Undergraduate Research Center, where students take part in the Summer Research Program, develop independent projects, and gain experience presenting their work.

Our department offers innovative opportunities for students to engage philosophy in both thought and practice. Through our Ethics Bowl course, students work in teams to analyze contemporary ethical dilemmas and represent the department in intercollegiate tournaments. We also offer Philosophy Through Baking, a hands-on course that explores philosophical questions through food—especially sourdough bread—by pairing reflection with student-led baking projects. These courses are just a few examples of our broader curriculum, which emphasizes creative, experiential approaches to philosophical inquiry.

Apply for Richter grants and other campus funding that support community-based research, international fieldwork, and independent inquiry. These programs help you turn philosophical questions into hands-on projects with real impact.

Philosophy nicely complements fields like politics, cognitive science, economics, religious studies, and Critical Theory & Social Justice. Many students enjoy exploring these connections through interdisciplinary work, which can really help prepare them for careers in law, policy, research, and ethics. It’s a wonderful way to expand your understanding and open more doors for your future.

Gabrielle Cohen headshot long brown hair

Philosophy as a discipline is the only one that asks the types of questions that no other discipline would, so to have individuals who are incredibly educated on such complex topics all in one department is incredible.

Gabriella Cohen
Philosophy major; Geneva, Switzerland
a modern statue titled "The Sphinx," located in the central courtyard of The Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles

Learning Philosophy in LA

Studying philosophy at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ places you in a city shaped by global cultures, new ideas, and active public debate. You’ll connect classroom learning to internships, community partnerships, and research opportunities across Los Angeles, gaining experience that strengthens both academic and professional goals.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Customer Solutions Specialist, McMaster-Carr

Chris Kuran
2023

Actor, Choreographer

Kai Morfin
2022

General Surgery Resident, UC San Diego Health

Bradley Kawano
2017

Associate, Jenner & Block LLP

Laura K. M. Koeller
2016

Director of Partnership Development, Study Smart Tutors

Casey Weld
2016

Data Manager, Humana

Cristina Checa
2016

Festival Producer, Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Brendan Donahue
2015

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Monash University

Kelsey Perrykkad
2014

Illustrator and Graphic Designer

Elle Powell
2014

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

You’ll explore a wide range of philosophical traditions, work closely with faculty mentors, and develop strong reasoning and communication skills that translate across fields and support your growth on the Occidental campus and beyond.

The Lauter Prize is awarded each year by the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Philosophy Department to the senior who writes the top comprehensive paper. It honors Professor Herman A. Lauter and recognizes outstanding research, clear argumentation, and original thought.

Absolutely. Many philosophy majors study abroad through semester programs or Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ-led courses in a variety of countries, gaining a broader philosophical and cultural context that strengthens their work on the Occidental campus.

No. The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Philosophy Department welcomes students with many backgrounds, and our introductory courses ensure you have the grounding to move forward with confidence.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ philosophy graduates work in law, medicine, education, journalism, business, public policy, and government, and many pursue advanced degrees in philosophy and related fields.

Contact Philosophy
Swan Hall 201