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Philosophy is the oldest academic discipline and is devoted to answering the biggest questions of life. Here are just a few of the questions that philosophers at Eastern Illinois University are currently debating and studying:

What does a truly happy life look like?
What is the difference between a morally right and a morally wrong act?
Is there life after death?
Is there anything I can know with certainty?
How does the mind relate to the brain?
What kind of person do I want to be?   
What is the relation between morality and law?
Why be moral? 
 Can I prove that I am not in the Matrix?
Does time really “flow” or “move”?
What is a just society?   
Does God exist? 

 Philosophy as a discipline has always been devoted to debate and conversation. Plato’s most important philosophical works are dialogues between Socrates and many of the great (and not-so great) men of his day. Philosophy is a big 2,500 year long conversation. If you enjoy respectful and rigorous argument about important questions, then philosophy might just be for you.  

The philosophy faculty here at Eastern Illinois University (which currently includes nine professors representing all of the major branches of both Western and Eastern philosophy) is devoted to continuing this fascinating conversation. We offer a major in Philosophy as well as minors in both Philosophy and Religious Studies. We also participate in several interdisciplinary minors including Pre-Law, Criminology, Medieval Studies, Neuroscience, and Asian Studies. With a faculty  to student ratio of about 1/3, philosophy majors at Eastern receive an uncommon amount of individual attention. The department has a friendly and informal atmosphere with students and faculty regularly debating philosophical issues in the department office (which serves as our central hub), hallways, offices, during Philosophy Club, and during our weekly departmental lunches (friends of philosophy are always welcome). Please feel free to stop by! 

The philosophy faculty at Eastern is excellent.  Many of the philosophy professors have received excellence in teaching awards in recent years. The faculty at Eastern has also published many books (including, Dr. Aylesworth’s English translations of important but previously untranslated  lectures by the philosophical giant Martin Heidegger and Dr. Beakley’s Philosophy of Mind: Classic Problems/Contemporary Issues which is one of the most respected texts on the subject). The philosophy faculty at Eastern has also published in many respected academic journals and prestigious encyclopedias including (among others):

Journal of Philosophical Research

In addition EIU philosophy faculty have additional books under contract at various presses and are continually publishing in scholarly journals. Many of these projects involve collaborative work between philosophy faculty and students.So please feel free to get involved!  

Eastern Illinois University philosophy majors are a small group of exceptionally talented individuals.             Our majors have gone on to pursue many differentlife paths after graduation.  Some have gone on to study Philosophy or Religion at places like:

University  of Wisconsin at Madison
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago
Depaul University
University of Memphis
University of Iowa
Purdue University
 

 Creighton University School of Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Hamline University School of Law
John Marshall Law School
Southern Illinois University School of Law

Still others have received internships, including one 2010 graduate who received a prestigious internship to work in the Illinois Governor's office!   

Every year Dr. Britton organizes an educational trip to Italy (for credit!) called "The Good Life."  This three-week course on Italian culture during May brings together academics and travel in an entertaining and unforgettable experience.  It is designed for all  majors and all years. Student receive senior seminar credit. The course is extremely popular among students and usually fills quickly.  We strongly encourage everyone to consider going at some point during their undergraduate career.  Sound like fun?  Please email Dr. Britton for more information! 

Dr. Britton With students, Italian Riviera, 2010.