Overview

As part of the process of study every student will be introduced to the history of philosophy and to a set of methods for analysis and reflection. They will acquire critical skills that allow them to analyze complex materials and arguments with precision and clarity.  Each student will have the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty. The focus at Vanderbilt is on the student and on imparting those skills that will prepare him or her for a successful life and career.

The Vanderbilt Philosophy Department has a long and distinguished history of excellence and innovation in Philosophy. Faculty research spans the major areas of philosophical inquiry and reflects an uncommonly broad spectrum of methodological commitments, encompassing analytic, continental, pragmatist, and historical approaches. Departmental research strengths include Epistemology, Ethics, Feminist Philosophy, History of Philosophy (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, 19th and 20th Century), Metaphysics, Phenomenology, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Race, and Social and Political Philosophy.

The Department’s disciplinary breadth is well represented in its course offerings at the undergraduate and graduate level, and is reflected in its ongoing series of academic events, including the Philosophy Colloquium, the Social and Political Thought Workshop, and the annual Berry Lectures, all of which bring distinguished philosophers from around the world to Vanderbilt. In addition, the Department regularly hosts regional, national and international conferences; recent topics have ranged from the epistemic regress problem to pacifism and Latina feminism. Informal study groups and research workshops are organized by graduate students and often involve participation from students and faculty alike.