Philosophy University of Kansas

Overview

The Philosophy programme at the University of Kansas provides a rigorous intellectual foundation designed to challenge students' perspectives on fundamental human questions. By engaging with this curriculum, students at the University of Kansas learn to develop their own thoughts in a precise, logical manner while mastering the art of critical analysis.

Studying this subject involves more than just reading historical texts; it requires the active application of reasoning to clarify abstract and vague concepts. You will learn to identify underlying assumptions in complex arguments, a versatile skill that generalizes to virtually every professional area of life. The department encourages early engagement with the discipline to build a strong analytical base.

Why Philosophy at the University of Kansas?

The department emphasises the development of transferable skills that are highly valued in the modern workforce. Students benefit from a teaching approach that prioritises precise reasoning, enabling them to clarify difficult questions and develop well-supported answers. The faculty provides expert guidance across diverse philosophical traditions and contemporary debates.

Facilities and resources at the institution support a deep dive into logic and formal reasoning. The programme is designed to help students communicate key aspects of philosophical thought effectively in both written and oral forms. This distinctive focus on argumentative discourse prepares graduates to evaluate the cogency of various positions across different branches of the discipline.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30177 per year
• National fee: USD 30177 per year
• Local fee: USD 11298 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Ancient Philosophy
• Modern Philosophy from Descartes to Kant
• Symbolic Logic
• Metalogic
• Aesthetics
• Rational Choice Theory
• Political Philosophy
• Ethical Theory
• Feminist Theories in Ethics
• Medical Ethics: Life and Death Issues
• Philosophy of Natural Science
• Philosophy of Social Science
• Philosophy of Mathematics
• Philosophy of Language
• Theory of Knowledge
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of Mind
• Chinese Thought
• Kant
• Seventeenth Century Philosophy
• Eighteenth Century Philosophy
• Nineteenth Century Philosophy
• Nietzsche
• Existentialism
• Phenomenology
• Contemporary Continental Philosophy
• Philosophy of Plato
• Philosophy of Aristotle
• Hellenistic Philosophy
• Senior Essay
• Philosophy Capstone Seminar

Careers with Philosophy

Graduates of this programme develop high-level critical thinking and communication skills that are applicable to a wide range of industries. The ability to recognise and assess normative standards of social relations and institutions prepares students for roles requiring complex value judgements. These analytical capabilities are sought after in law, public policy, and business sectors.

The training in logical analysis and persuasive argumentation allows graduates to excel in fields that demand clear evaluation of evidence. Many students use the degree as a foundation for advanced professional study or careers in education and social services. The programme ensures that individuals can express complex reasons clearly to a variety of professional audiences.