Philosophy may sound dauntingly remote from daily concerns, but its basic questions – What can I know? What may I hope? What must I do? – actually pose themselves throughout any thinking person’s journey. And the skills it teaches – close reading, careful thinking, and the critique of ideas – apply to most areas of human endeavor. A background in philosophy is thus excellent training for many careers, and matchless preparation for life itself.
Larry Udell’s videoconference with Professors Elizabeth Anderson (philosophy) and Frank Thompson (economics) of the University of Michigan, and Professor Geoffrey Harcourt (economics) of Cambridge University
Samantha Noll Graduating Senior
Larry Tamaccio Graduating Senior
“It took me a long time to find my way to the philosophy department at WCU. As a wide eyed first year student, I could not decide upon a path of study so I set out upon an exploratory expedition of sorts—taking classes from many different disciplines. Gradually, I found myself drawn to the philosophy department and it was there that I finally found what I was looking for: a discipline that actually encourages you to question and explore." Click here to see the whole essay.
Student Speaker for December 2008 Commencement:
"Ralph Waldo Emerson has said 'Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.'
"These words speak to the explorer within each of us. That noble spirit within every human heart which directs us towards greatness even in the face of overwhelming odds. . . ." Click here to see the whole speech.
