How should we live? What gives our lives meaning and purpose? What should we believe, and how can we be confident that our beliefs are true? These are the questions that have occupied philosophers for centuries, and that occupy us as we live our lives. Philosophy seeks to give rigorous, well thought out answers to these questions, or, at least, to help us frame the right approaches in the search for truth. At Marquette, we pursue these and other perennial issues primarily through the study of Western philosophical traditions from their Greek origins to contemporary thought.
The Philosophy Department has 27 regular full-time faculty, with a wide range of teaching and research interests. The department has a long tradition of research strengths in Medieval Philosophy and Continental Philosophy. During the past fifteen years, the department has greatly expanded teaching and research strength in ethics, social, and applied philosophy.
For undergraduates, the department offers a major with three specialization tracks: History of Philosophy; Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy; and Ethics and Values. For graduate students, we offer a Ph.D. that allows for specialization in all areas of the history of philosophy as well as many systematic areas. We also offer an M.A with specializations in the History of Philosophy and Social and Applied Philosophy.
The Philosophy Department will sponsor the fourth annual undergraduate philosophy conference, A Life Examined IV on Saturday April 14, 2012. Six undergraduate students will present papers beginning at 10:00 A.M. All sessions will take place in CU 001. For more information, contact Dr. Melissa Shew. A complete conference program can be found here.
Three outstanding seniors will be honored for their achievements in their study of philosophy
Christopher Frenier – The Francis X. Boden Award for outstanding achievement in the study of Social, Political and Legal Philosophy. This award is presented annually to an undergraduate major in Philosophy who is in the graduating class with a concentration in Social, Political and Legal Philosophy, and has been selected by the Philosophy faculty on the basis of excellence in academic achievement in philosophy. The award honors Mr. Francis X. Boden who graduated from Marquette College in 1895 and practiced law in Milwaukee until his death in 1935. Throughout his life, Mr. Boden had a deep interest in philosophy.
Machessa Samz – The James Robb Award for outstanding achievement in the study of the History of Philosophy. This annual award is presented annually to an undergraduate philosophy major who is in the graduating class with a concentration in the History of Philosophy and has been selected by the philosophy faculty on the basis of academic achievement in the history of philosophy. The award honors the much-beloved Dr. James H. Robb, Professor of Philosophy from 1956-1993
Paul Nona – The Rev. John Naus Award for outstanding achievement in the study of Ethics and Values. This annual award is presented annually to an undergraduate philosophy major who is in the graduating class with a concentration in Ethics and Values and has been selected by the philosophy faculty on the basis of academic achievement in the area of Ethics and Values. The award honors the legendary Rev. John Naus, who taught in the Philosophy Department from 1971-2009 and continues to serve the University as Chaplain to the Alumni Memorial Union.
Congratulations to Mr. Matthew Nowachek for being awarded the 2011-2012 Thomas C. Anderson Graduate Student Teaching Award!
Congratulations to Dr. Theresa Tobin! Her promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure has been approved by Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., Marquette University President. Her promotion will be effective August 20, 2012. Well done Dr. Tobin!
Tolle Lege: Essays on Augustine and on Medieval Philosophy in Honor of Roland J. Teske, S.J. is available through the Marquette University Press. A reception to honor Fr. Teske was held on Friday September 9, 2011.
