Department of Philosophy

Studying philosophy prepares students to navigate a world shaped by complex ethical, legal, and technological challenges. Philosophy students learn to:

• evaluate complex problems
• identify the assumptions behind arguments
• weigh issues from multiple perspectives
• write and speak with clarity and precision

These are skills that travel.

Philosophy graduates today apply their philosophical training in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and technology to business, public policy, education, and beyond. Additionally, they have long been among the strongest applicants to law school and graduate programs. In a world where the ability to reason carefully, communicate clearly, and make sound judgments is more important than ever, philosophy provides a foundation for lifelong learning and leadership.

The Department of Philosophy offers a bachelor's degree, along with several minors and immersions designed to complement other programs at RIT. Students can choose to major in philosophy or bring philosophical thinking directly into their primary fields of study through double majors, minors, or immersions. At RIT, philosophy students are uniquely positioned to explore the ethical challenges created by emerging technologies and to help shape how those technologies are developed and used.

Students take coursework that provides:

• A solid foundation in core areas of philosophy.
• Four-course specialization for focuses on an area of interest within philosophy, such as applied ethics or the philosophy of art and aesthetics, among others.
• In-demand skill building through the required study of a professional or technical discipline outside of philosophy. This can be fulfilled by completing a minor, double major, or other coherent set of courses that fit a particular interest. Options for 4+1 BS/MS with science, technology and public policy, or 4+1 MBA through Saunders College of Business are also available.

Here you will find additional resources for the Department of Philosophy, such as information for applying to graduate programs, useful links, awards, etc. 

See Resources for the Department of Philosophy  

The Philosophy Department at RIT is home to a diverse group of active scholars and award-winning teachers committed to excellent teaching. In addition to our introductory-level classes, we offer courses in ethics, logic, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, aesthetics, and the philosophy of science and technology, as well as seminars in distinctive historical periods, including ancient, early modern, and contemporary philosophy.

Review the List of Philosophy Emeriti Faculty