Explore the most fundamental questions in life with clarity, precision, and logical rigor.
As a philosophy student, you’ll investigate questions concerning the human condition that have been debated since the beginning of civilization, as well as philosophical issues arising in our high-tech, globally interconnected world.
Take courses in traditional branches of philosophy such as ethics, epistemology, the mind, and metaphysics. Learn about more recently developed areas or study philosophy in an interdisciplinary context in classes like Philosophy of Biology and Freedom, Markets and Well-Being.
Philosophic training is an asset to your career and enriches your personal life. You’ll learn to formulate precise and concise arguments; to identify fallacious reasoning; to understand and evaluate your own and others’ views and arguments; and to communicate successfully when you speak and write.
What You’ll Study
- Courses in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, and history of philosophy
- Courses in value theory, such as ethics, political philosophy, or philosophy of law
- A course in logic
- An advanced seminar and electives on specific philosophers and current issues
- Senior literature review and optional thesis
Learning at Pomona
Drey Diggs ’24
One of the things that drew me to philosophy was the collective nature of the work— no one can do good philosophy on their own! I love how working as a philosophy mentor has allowed me to meet new people in the department and philosophize with them.
Sam Hernandez ’24
Sam Hernandez ’24 worked with Professor Ellie Anderson on her podcast Overthink researching such topics as the commodification of art and Nagel's famous brain in a vat thought experiment.
Emily Jiang ’21
Emily Jiang ’21 founded Tabula Rasa, the first 5C philosophy journal.
Pomona Philosophy majors
2024 senior Pomona Philosophy majors
Philosophy pushes you to question your values, your morals, and why you hold the beliefs about the world that you do. It has been challenging but so rewarding to gain a deeper understanding of myself, the world, and the interconnected nature of how our experiences and identities shape our societies.