Overview

Why study philosophy, religion or Greek?

Individuals often think they know what they think, until they take a course in philosophy. They often think they know what they believe until they examine the values of others as expressed through their religion. In fact, most of the students who ultimately study one of the department's disciplines do not come to Susquehanna saying, "I'm going to major in philosophy or religion, or minor in Greek."

Often, an initial religion course or philosophy class sparks interest and curiosity that leads to additional coursework and, ultimately, a major or a minor. Many students find that a major in one of our areas complements a major or minor in another department.

The Study of Philosophy

Philosophy studies the nature of reality and the ways people come to understand that reality, as well as the moral stance people adopt within it. Philosophy includes ethics, metaphysics (the nature of existence) and epistemology (the nature of knowledge), as well as logic and aesthetics.
At Susquehanna, the study of philosophy serves two purposes. First, it teaches students to think critically by acquainting them with the techniques of philosophical analysis and argumentation and by introducing them to the history of philosophical thought. Second, the study of philosophy helps students to live an "examined life" by encouraging them to develop their own individual philosophy. In this way, courses in philosophy provide students with the intellectual discipline and moral resources crucial for living a full and flourishing life.

The Study of Religion

The study of religion helps students to understand the nature and function of religious texts, beliefs, practices, lifestyles and institutions. Courses reflect the humanizing and liberalizing importance of religion. At Susquehanna, religious studies focus on the Judeo-Christian tradition because of its influences upon the contemporary world and because of the university's church relationship. The department also encourages students to take courses examining other religions.