College of Arts and Humanities
Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Philosophy, BA
The Philosophy Major is a unique blend of historical and contemporary philosophical studies, which provide students with the intellectual tools and scholarly background necessary for a deep, critical understanding of human experience.
The program covers major philosophers and intellectual traditions in both Western and Eastern philosophy. We also address practical and theoretical problems that thoughtful people face in the world today.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion
At the Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Philosophy and Comparative Religion Website
Courses
Critical Thinking
- PHIL 151 - Arguments about Life and Death
- PHIL 152 - Arguments about Healthcare
- PHIL 153 - Arguments about Social Issues
- PHIL 251 - Introduction to Formal Logic
Thesis Sequence
- PHIL 494 - Undergraduate Thesis Preparation
- PHIL 495 - Undergraduate Thesis
- OR PHIL 497 - Honors Thesis
History of Western Philosophy
- PHIL 352 - Topics in Ancient Philosophy
- PHIL 353 - Topics in Modern Philosophy
Value Theory
- PHIL 302 - Ethical Theory
- PHIL 304 - Business Ethics
- PHIL 306 - Environmental Ethics
- PHIL 308 - Medical Ethics
- PHIL 347 - Philosophy of Law
- PHIL 348 - Social and Political Philosophy
- PHIL 403 - Philosophy of Art
- PHIL 324 - Philosophy and Science Fiction
- PHIL 358 - Existentialism
- PHIL 359 - Contemporary European Philosophy
- PHIL 361 - Theory of Knowledge
- PHIL 364 - Philosophy of Mind
Asian Philosophy
- PHIL 345 - Chinese Philosophy
- RELS 350 - Korean Religion and Philosophy
- RELS 403 - Buddhist Thought and Practice
Noncanonical Philosophy
- PHIL 310 - Sexual and Reproductive Ethics
- PHIL 325 - Women and Philosophy
- PHIL 357 - Philosophy of Race
Department-approved Electives
Environmental Ethics
Explore and critically reflect on the different ways humans have understood and connected with nature throughout history and across cultures.
Philosophy Club
Explore philosophical topics and engage in thoughtful discussions, through regular meetings and events.
Socratic Method
Learn through interactive dialogue-based teaching style that encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding through thoughtful questioning and discussion.
Philosophy and Science Fiction
Explore philosophy through the lens of science fiction. Learn about free will, artificial intelligence, machine ethics, transhumanism, and time travel.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Engagement Learning
Through seminars and other interactive teaching strategies.
Classes
Faculty professors will know your name and provide personalized mentoring as you develop your academic interests.
Awards
Our faculty, celebrated for their research and teaching awards, ensure you benefit from the latest in scholarship and teaching methods.
Why Study Philosophy and Comparative Religion at Central?
- Our Department offers a strong, pluralistic foundation in philosophy and religion
- Strengths include history of philosophy, applied ethics, Asian philosophy and religion, continental philosophy, and philosophy of mind
- Our classes equip you with essential skills like analytic and creative thinking, vital for the changing world of work
Successful Fields
- Law
- Military
- Education
Where Philosophy Can Lead
Discover how CWU alumnus Weston Morrow drew on the critical thinking, reflection, and mentorship he gained in philosophy to develop a poetic voice that earned him a National Poetry Series win and a forthcoming book publication. Learn more about Weston’s acheivements.
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- PHIL 104 Moral Controversies
- PHIL 107 Political Philosophy and Social Democracy
- PHIL 111 Writing and Power: Authority, Oppression, and Resistance
- PHIL 153 Arguments about Social Issues
- PHIL 306 Environmental Ethics
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.