Department of Philosophy

Philosophy is a quest for truth, for ultimate values. The objective of our program, then, is to develop in the student a philosophic habit of mind by which he or she seeks to discover these values. We feel that the quest and the values are interdependent; the mind feeds on value, but values do not submit themselves except through critical evaluation of one's experience. Although there is no one prescribed methodology by which this critical attitude is developed, the emphasis in our program is placed on a blend of the thematic and the historical. Only in the light of their evolution and cultural context can values be thoroughly understood.

Philosophy is delimited and defined today by three major schools: analytic philosophy, existentialism and phenomenology, and speculative or traditional philosophy. Each tradition is represented in Fairfield University's philosophy program. This variety of perspectives gives a broad outlook to the student. The rigor of the program develops confidence and skill within the student.

To further these aims, the Department publishes the Fairfield Philosophy Journal, each issue of which consists of student papers selected by a committee of the Department's faculty. In honor of the late Rev. J. Dennis Crowley, S.J., an award is presented annually for the best student essay. In recognition of the highest scholastic average in Philosophy attained by a Philosophy major, the department award the Carl J. Levantino Memorial Prize. Also, the Department annually sponsors a series of lectures and regularly hosts both national and international philosophy society conferences.

• Full-Time Philosophy Faculty
• Departmental Announcements & Socrates Cafe