Philosophy is the enterprise of examining and interrogating the foundational concepts that structure human existence—concepts such as happiness, the good life, human community, freedom, and the self. It entails the cultivation of critical thinking skills, careful questioning, and an appreciation of the rich history of human thought on these and other key issues, as reflected in the texts of great philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to Hegel, Nietzsche, and beyond.
DePaul University’s philosophy department features an internationally recognized faculty that makes it one of the premier philosophy programs in the U.S. working in the European tradition. The department features baccalaureate, master’s, and PhD programs, an active research agenda, and prominent visiting scholars and conferences that serve to enrich and promote the engaged intellectual life of students at all levels.
Welcome to the New Academic Year 2026-27!
Dear Philosophy Students,
Welcome to the new academic year!
Our Graduate Student Orientation and Reception will take place on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00 p.m. in Levan 100. We will hold a reception in the Department of Philosophy immediately following the orientation.
We have an exciting year of speakers and events planned, and we encourage you to attend. Our first guest speaker, Prof. Makoto Sekimura from Hiroshima University, will be on campus Friday, September 18 in Levan 100 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. All are warmly welcome to attend the talk and discussion. Other highlights of the autumn quarter include a Zoom talk on Friday, October 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. by Tobias Keiling (University of Warwick). On Friday, November 6, we will host a book discussion of Talia Mae Bettcher's recent work, Beyond Personhood: An Essay in Trans Philosophy. Prof. Bettcher (California State University, Los Angeles) will be joined by Yannik Thiem (Columbia University, Department of Religion) and our own Mary LeBlanc.
The first meeting of the Philosophy Circle, our annual orientation meeting, will take place on Wednesday, September 23, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. While select events will provide Zoom links, we expect most events—including our Philosophy Circle meetings—to take place in person.
If you have questions regarding the undergraduate program, please contact our acting Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Avery Goldman (AGOLDMAN@depaul.edu). For questions regarding the graduate program, please contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Kevin Thompson (KTHOMP12@depaul.edu). For general questions about department operations during the academic year, please contact our Administrative Assistant, Regina Robinson (rrobin40@depaul.edu).
As we embark on a new year of shared contemplation and good company, I wish everyone joy and success!
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Why Study Philosophy?
A degree in Philosophy expands your perspective and prepares you with the skills necessary for any career path you choose.
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