Philosophy

Seek to understand, analyze and solve problems.

While literally meaning “the love of wisdom,” philosophy is the most ancient of academic disciplines. Fundamentally, philosophy is about understanding and analyzing arguments, determining whether a particular claim has relevant evidence provided for it, whether the evidence is logically related to the claim, and thus whether the claim is true, false, indeterminate, or yet unsubstantiated.

Visit

Apply

Why study Philosophy at Millsaps?

In their own words

Candise McDonald, Class of 2025

“Through Millsaps philosophy, I’ve had genuine guidance and support in my development toward clarity. My understanding of my own personal direction has been given a place to flourish as I embrace my identity.”

Featured Courses

Here is a sampling of a few courses that might pique your interest.

PHIL 3000 Philosophy: The Big Ideas

Explore Plato’s idea of forms and human nature, Aristotle’s ethics and epistemology, Stoic self-discipline, Aquinas’ proof of God, Descartes’ concept of self, Kant’s theories of knowledge and ethics, Utilitarian ethics, Nietzsche’s morality and more.

PHIL 3120 Philosophy of Mind

Examine the nature of the mind. Topics include the mental versus physical explanations of minds, perception, optical and cognitive illusions, personal identity, artificial intelligence, and explanations of moral and religious beliefs.

Browse all Philosophy courses

Degree Options

Discover your degrees, minors, concentrations and certification options available for this field of study.

Philosophy, B.A.

Philosophy, B.S.

Minor in Philosophy

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The philosophy major is at its core about sharpening basic skills in critical thinking, problem solving, research, analysis, interpretation and writing.

Tops on the GRE, LSAT, GMAT and MCAT

Philosophy majors have some of the highest scores on graduate-level exams (including the GRE, LSAT, GMAT and MCAT).

Highest % Increase Between Starting and Mid-Career Salary

Philosophy students have the highest percent increase between starting and mid-career salary according to PayScale (2020-2021).

Our distinctive strengths

Philosophy also continuously exposes and evaluates the often-hidden assumptions on which claims are based. While many disciplines claim to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills, philosophy is the one area that literally specializes in such skills. You will learn the basics of philosophy but also can apply the logical and critical skills you develop to conceptual and moral issues in art, science, law, psychology, medicine, religion, language, violence, war, happiness, love, technology, engineering, sexuality, business, culture, literature, sex, race and the environment.

Strong connection with science and empirical research
Strong connections with the University of Mississippi Medical Center
Opportunities for self-designed research projects

Gain hands-on experience

Students have engaged in various internships and practical learning opportunities, including internships with law firms, clinical psychology firms, political groups and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Pathways

Philosophy majors will find a Pathways connection in the Law, Politics & Social Leadership; Health; STEM & Data Science; Business and Exploratory Pathways tracks.

Learn More About Pathways

Study Abroad

All Millsaps students can take advantage of our study-abroad classes. Millsaps College is ranked as one of the best study-abroad programs in the country! Philosophy students have the opportunity to take numerous study-abroad courses in Mexico and in Europe. Check out all the opportunities.

Upcoming Study-Abroad Classes