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Philosophy, says Aristotle, begins in wonder. What a philosopher wonders about depends upon one's situation and interests. For this reason it can be misleading to offer a simple list of the matters concerning a philosopher.
Even so, it is helpful to look at prominent objects of wonder in the tradition of philosophy. One such object is the question of ethics. What is a good life? What does it mean to be a good friend, parent, citizen, or leader? More specific to the twentieth century are these ethical questions: Does a woman have the right to an abortion? Does a white man have a first amendment right to express racial pride by burning a cross on the lawn of a black neighbor? Can a couple be good parents if both work 12-hour days? Are those citizens with healthy bodies, broad educations or paying jobs responsible for those without them? How might Plato answer such questions? Aristotle? Descartes? Nietzsche? Irigaray? Are there absolutely correct or incorrect answers to these and other questions? How can we know?
A philosopher who offers a theory of ethics often also offers a theory of knowledge - such a theory (an epistemology) is another prominent object of wonder for philosophers. In order to indicate what is right action, one has to indicate the criteria for knowing what is right action, that is, criteria for knowledge whatsover. How does one have knowledge? Is truth divinely revealed? A recent topic of debate has been, "Is it ever right for the President to lie?" An epistemologist would first need to ask, "What is a lie?" To know what is untruth presupposes that one knows a truth. Do we really have knowledge about some of the most mundane and assumed facts of our lives (that you are in fact a human reading this web page and not a computer hardwired to believe it's a human? Or that the sky really is blue sometimes and not just appearing as if blue)? Do we have knowledge about these, let alone about the more profound questions of life's meaning? If we think we do or do not, on what grounds do we think so?
Such questions are just a few of those that the philosophy student may encounter in his or her philosophical studies at Millsaps. Here students are encouraged to indulge their sense of wonder, and much more. They are trained to acquire refined skills as critical evaluators, logical thinkers, persuasive orators and imaginative creators - all this while reflecting on and growing to understand the value, beauty, suffering and joy in one's particular and unique life and in the world around one.
What Can You Do with a Philosophy Major?
When Philosophy majors graduate from Millsaps they are prepared to:
With a degree in Philosophy, MANY doors open.
Graduate Schools After Millsaps?
Our majors have attended: Harvard University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, University of Mississippi School of Law, Tulane University (including the Law School); University of Virginia, Washington University, Emory University, University of Wisconsin and many other prestigious institutions.
What is special about the Philosophy Program at Millsaps?
As a philosophy student, you can participate in the Honors Program. This is one of the most exciting and meaningful educational opportunities at Millsaps. Ambitious and creative students find this program most challenging and enjoyable! It gives you a chance to work independently on a project (conceived by you)!
You can participate in the European Studies program which holds a semester in three European countries.
The philosophy department presents a prestigious lecture and reception annually: The Dunbar Lecture. It is offered by a nationally known philosopher.
You can present a paper at the Mid-South Philosophy Conference or the Associated Colleges of the South Women's Studies Conference. You can also enter the annual Mississippi Philosophical Association Student Essay Contest. First and Second Prize winners present papers at the Mississippi Philosophical Association Conference.
You can compete for a Ford Fellowship. If you are interested in college teaching you can be apprenticed in the art of teaching under the guidance and direction of a professor of your choice. You usually work closely with your advisor on research, teaching, and other matters of your concern.
You can be active in the Millsaps Philosophical Society - a friendly, intellectually inclined group, informal, yet devoted to the discussion of important questions.
"Wise I may not call them; for that is a great name which belongs to God alone - lovers of wisdom or philosophers is their modest and befitting title."
Plato, Phaedrus, trans. B. Jowett
