Philosophy Program

The study of philosophy examines certain unavoidable questions for human existence: "What does it mean to be a human being?" "What is the best kind of life to live?" "What is the difference between right and wrong?" "Is life meaningful or meaningless?" "What is truth?" Foundational to this quest is an understanding of the world we live in and the forces immanent and transcendent that give rise to our experiences and allow us to formulate our purpose. Being a good philosopher does not mean having ready-made answers to these questions but having the ability to ask and answer them self-consciously, self-critically, and with clarity and consistency.

The philosophical traditions we study span from ancient civilizations to modern ones, and from one end of the globe to the other. Drawing on critical methods and sources, each tradition’s understanding of the human condition.

In the tradition of the Liberal Arts, our programs focus on critical thinking skills and the skills of persuasion, written and oral. We also engage in frequent self-reflection on our own path of learning as we sift through the centuries of human attempts to answer these fundamental questions. And so we consider their insight for ourselves as we seek to make our own way in the world and live out a purpose that brings us meaning.

The skills essential for being a good philosopher are not unique to philosophy and so are useful in every aspect of life. In particular, the Philosophy program at Roanoke College teaches the core skills of analytic reading, thinking, and writing, which involve breaking down ideas, discovering their interrelation, and evaluating their worth in such a way that they may be clearly communicated to others.