About Philosophy
What is philosophy? Why Study Philosophy? Here are just a few of the many reasons.
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The Department of Philosophy at Amherst welcomes all students, from those who would like to sample a course or two, to those who would like to major in the discipline and perhaps even study the subject in graduate school.
Department Highlights
About the Major
An Amherst philosophy education conveys a sense of wonder about ourselves and our world, through exploration of philosophical texts and personal engagement with philosophical issues.
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Lecture in Philosophy
Every year, the Amherst Lecture in Philosophy brings a distinguished philosopher to campus for a public lecture.
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Our History
The teaching of philosophy has a rich history at Amherst College.
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Alumni
Meet our alumni, including those teaching philosophy at colleges and universities around the world.
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Current Courses
PHIL 223
Human Health
Description
U.S. citizens are currently faced with many important decisions about health care policy. Who should have access to health care and to which services? Should abortion remain legal? We will examine the many issues that these basic questions raise.
PHIL 412
Marxist Theories on Racism
Description
This course focuses on understanding the relationship between economic exploitation and racial oppression, the nature and functions of racial ideology, and the mechanisms by which racial inequality is reproduced.
PHIL 467
Philosophy of Music
Description
Music is sometimes described as a language, but what, if anything, does Charlie Parker’s “Ah-Leu-Cha” say to us? What exactly is a musical work anyway? And what makes for a performance of one or the other (or of no work at all)?