Overview, Department of Philosophy, Washington State University

The department is of moderate size and has a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. Students obtain a great deal of individual help in developing their skills in critical thinking and in dealing with the traditional questions of philosophy.

“The Philosophy department at Washington State University is top of the line. This is evident not only through the course work but also through the people you will encounter on a daily basis. When I was deciding what major to gain my Pre-Law degree from, I spoke with every department on campus that offered pre-law. The Philosophy department hands down was the most knowledgeable with regards to what preparation was needed for entrance to law school and had designed the best course work to ensure the gain of knowledge and in turn success. Even with all of this, my decision was still mainly based on the people. From day one I felt welcomed and knew that I had the support I needed to truly succeed. I had the pleasure of studying philosophy with the most talented faculty at WSU. This is an extremely knowledgeable group of people and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and grow with them. Thank you all for everything!”
—Kasey Gorman (BA Philosophy Pre-Law, Cum Laude, 2003)

"My degree in philosophy will undoubtedly constitute an excellent preparation for law school. The philosophy curriculum not only enhanced my analytical skills, but encouraged me to critically evaluate the legal institutions and social framework of our world."
—Jeff Christensen (BA 2003)

"While the WSU Philosophy Department has a wonderful program--it is amazingly comprehensive for its deceptively small size--the best thing about it is its staff. There is not a person in the bunch that will not take as much time as you require to help you understand a concept. The patience and understanding
simply astounds me. Even if you whole heartedly disagree with them on a subject, they still always review your work with fairness at the forefront. A better or more rewarding academic experience would be hard to find."
—Matthew Hunter (BA 2003)

"The Department of Philosophy at Washington State University is outstanding. As a senior philosophy major, I have had a very positive experience being part of this congregation. The positive attributes within this department are immense. Not only am I graduating with a great education but also I have made friends, which will remain important to me throughout my life.”
—Constance Sprott (Senior)

"My experience in the WSU Philosophy Department was wonderful. There are two things that come to mind when I reflect on why philosophy at WSU is so good. First, being a religious person I was used to being met with intolerance and dank concern from my professors. The philosophy department was wonderfully different. They took questions about God and the meaning of life very seriously. And although we often disagreed, it was always in a thoughtful and mutually edifying way. In short, they questioned my logic and not my character. Second, the professors knew how to have fun. They enjoyed what they did and it showed. They not only had fun in the classroom but outside of it too. I remember several times being invited to a professors home to play poker with other students and professors."
—Imran Currah (BA 1996)

"The two best things about the philosophy department are the people one meets and the opportunities it gives one. The professors here are always willing to help students work things out, whether it be about how to do better on the next paper or what decisions to make about graduate school. As for opportunities, the department is active in giving out scholarships and supporting its students in other ways, such as helping students get to conferences and supervising extra work of special interest to their students."
—Meggan Payne (BA 2002)

"My experience here in the Philosophy Department has been fantastic. The instructors were very approachable and always had time to discuss philosophical ideas, whether we had already talked about them in class or not. I was even able to work very closely with one professor, developing a paper for presentation at conferences and eventual publication.

"All of my classes were very well designed, being challenging without becoming too much of a burden. The instructors were able to make complicated theories easy and understandable and express difficult ideas in a clear way.
The department helped provide some tremendous educational opportunities, such as paper symposiums and conferences. The Inland Northwest Philosophy Conference gives students a great chance to hear, present, and comment on student papers and to witness professional philosophers in action.
The Administrative Assistant was great, she was always extremely helpful, even allowing me to work at her desk sometimes."
—Jason Turner (BA 2002)

"The Philosophy Department at WSU has been one of the most influential factors in my life. They not only directly affected my graduate and career decisions, but they really helped make me who I am today. You hear the stories about law school... lots of work, lots of reading, lots of analysis, and LOTS of stress? Well, I have to say that I'm significantly advantaged, and it's thanks to the folks in Bryan Hall. They press you hard, they get you thinking, they REALLY get you prepped for the world after college, and all while being the greatest group of people one could ask for. You're not just a student in the eyes of these men and women- you're a friend."
—Tim Wilton (BA 2002)

"The faculty and staff of the WSU Philosophy is tops – bar none. The people in this department are professional, courteous, accessible, and – even more important – willing to work with the students. I have spent many afternoons or mornings in the department discussing various topics with professors, and I would have to say that those exchanges will be the highlight of my time at this university. So, I extend my greatest gratitude and appreciation to the staff and faculty in the Philosophy department. Thank you!!! And, as they say in the Navy, I wish you all fair winds and following seas."
—John Stilson (Minor 1999)

"My degree in philosophy has been invaluable. Philosophy helps me, as a writer and a teacher, to understand varied worldviews. It has given me skills that help me to think critically and, more importantly, to act in a meaningful manner. The WSU Philosophy Department does a great job of keeping current and being relevant to the real lives of students at WSU."
—Danica Allen (BA Philosophy Pre-law, BA English Education 2000)

"My memories of the Philosophy Department at WSU are rich with insights gleaned from talks with the faculty. The faculty members there were the sowers of my academic career; they seized my interest and gave me the inspiration to continue my studies well into graduate school. The small size of the department, the friendliness of the instructors, the willingness on their part to help students tackle tough problems all helped to prepare me for the challenging times ahead. Above all, the department there is progressive and looking forward to the new millenium."
—Marshall D. Willman (BA 1996)

"Philosophy is an interesting and engaging topic of study. This is a claim I think most students would readily agree with, though many would balk at the suggestion of pursuing it as a major or minor. Philosophy is indeed interesting and engaging – but the practice of philosophy can provide a student with quite a bit more. When students are asked to critically think about important questions in ethics or metaphysics or epistemology, the skills that they gain enable them to critically think about issues in their own lives, and do so in a rational manner. When students are asked to write about and discuss these same topics, the ability to communicate is nurtured in a way that is the envy of many other disciplines. It is almost unnecessary for me to state that the ability to think critically and communicate effectively are highly sought after in today’s job market. Further, reflection on many questions, for example, how one ought to live, can fundamentally change the everyday practices of an individual in important ways.

"At Washington State University, undergraduate students are provided with an immense number of alternatives when it comes to decisions pertaining to their studies. However, not all academic fields will be able to provide the same high quality liberal arts education that is expected in the Department of Philosophy. The Department of Philosophy at WSU is committed to undergraduate learning – both the approachable demeanor of the faculty members and the variety of classes that are offered attest to this commitment. My experience in the Department of Philosophy at WSU was a positive one, and the philosophical knowledge I acquired at WSU, along with the important life skills that inevitably result from studying philosophy, enabled me to pursue a graduate degree in philosophy at a reputable institution."
—Peter Hanowell, (BA 1997)