Philosophy and Comparative Religion
Welcome to the Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion
The Philosophy and Comparative Religion Department offers majors and minors that encourage you to develop the tools and scholarly skills needed to critically engage with the philosophical, ethical, and religious questions of our time.
We deal with “big questions,” the issues that are foundational to just about any other discipline. Our programs will help you enhance your intercultural knowledge and competence as you use ethical reasoning to navigate novel situations and challenges. We will teach you to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems – the transferable skills that all employers want.
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Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion
About our Department
Our department provides students with the broad historical knowledge necessary to understand the world's great philosophical and religious movements.
Student Resources
Breakdown of Suggested Plans Study
Undergraduate Programs
Breakdown of Why Study Philosophy and Religious Studies
Faculty Resources
Breakdown of Faculty Links
About Us
Breakdown of About Us
Faculty and Staff
Meet the Philosophy and Comparative Religion Faculty
Events
See what's going on in the Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion.
Explore our Degrees
Discover a range of programs designed to inspire creativity, build expertise, and prepare you for a successful career in Philosophy and Comparative Religion.
What can we know for sure?
In our classes, you’ll tackle fundamental and contemporary questions across a variety of engaging topics, including:
Philosophy of Mind | Could a robot or AI ever be conscious? What is consciousness, and is it just reducible to physical interactions in the brain?
Religions of China and Japan | What do Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the Buddha teach about handling the anxiety and frenzy of contemporary life?
Environmental Ethics | Do we have moral obligations to animals or the environment itself? Is environmental restoration inherently good?
Philosophy of Art | What’s the difference between something that is not art and something that is bad art? Does art have a purpose, and if so, what is it?
Scholarship Opportunities
The Philosophy and Comparative Religion Department offers two scholarships to support your academic journey.
- The Philosophy and Religious Studies Founding Faculty Scholarship is perfect for students like you who are passionate about exploring the philosophies or religions of India or China and want to deepen their knowledge through focused coursework and research.
- The Chester Z. Keller Scholarship recognizes your dedication to the department, rewarding contributions you’ve made beyond the classroom.
Both scholarships provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your studies and align your academic interests with your future goals.
Commitment to a Sustainable World
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating and 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.
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.