Ask the Big Questions and Make a Difference

With us, the "why" questions are always welcome. Respectful, vibrant conversations are the norm. Making a positive difference is the goal. Our thought-provoking classes and other activities stretch the imagination and challenge the intellect. Our faculty work to support students to succeed at Webster and to flourish throughout their lives.

About the Philosophy Department

The Philosophy Department offers students numerous opportunities for high-impact experiences, including study abroad, undergraduate research, collaborative projects, common learning experiences, and more. We collaborate closely with partners in Student Affairs, Emerson Library, and the Career Planning and Development Center to help prepare students for active lives doing things they love, do well, and that make positive difference in the world.

Philosophy Department Mission: We cultivate habits of thinking critically and communicating effectively about significant matters to help people live more attentive, responsive, creative, and meaningful lives.

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Annual Philosophy Conference

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For more than 15 years, philosophy students have planned and executed the annual Philosophy Conference. In addition to having a guest speaker, the conference provides students from Webster and other colleges to present their philosophical work to an interested audience of faculty and students.

Undergraduate Major and Minor

Students with a major in philosophy select: art and creativity; ethics and social justice; or an individualized emphasis. Students who choose philosophy as their second major may satisfy a significant number of requirements through completion of GCP (Global Citizenship Program) courses.

We offer a minor in philosophy (which may be completed fully online). Students who minor in philosophy may satisfy a significant number of requirements through completion of GCP (Global Citizenship Program) courses.

Elspeth Furey
The Pauline and Francis Lonsway Endowed Scholarship Recipient

“My time at Webster has broadened my mind and inflamed my passion to make the world a better and kinder place for all the beings who call it home.”

Elspeth Furey
Elspeth Furey

BA in Philosophy with an Emphasis in Ecofeminism, ‘22

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Center for Ethics

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Our Center for Ethics' mission is to stimulate dialogue, encourage awareness, and promote critical thinking about ethical issues. We aim to inspire reflection about ethical dilemmas and help bring together people generally separated by disciplinary boundaries.

We serve as a collaboration resource within the University and throughout the broader community, urging participants to identify their responsibilities as global citizens.

Pearson House

Pearson House

Pearson House

The Pearson House, home to the Philosophy Department, is located off of Big Bend Boulevard at the northeast corner of the Webster Groves campus. In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, it houses a lending library, a small computer lab, and lounge spaces for students.

8260 Big Bend Blvd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119

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News and Events

Philosophy Department News