Department of Philosophy

Welcome to the Department of Philosophy! Wichita State University has a vibrant, challenging philosophy program with faculty who teach and research a wide range of philosophical concerns.

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About Philosophy

A bachelor's degree in Philosophy equips you with a versatile skill set that is highly sought after in today's job market. Develop critical reasoning, analytical prowess, effective communication and ethical awareness – qualities that are invaluable in any career path.

What is Philosophy anyway?

Concentrations

Choose from four concentrations to customize your studies to your intellectual interests and goals.

Analytic Reasoning

Improve your critical thinking, logical reasoning, textual analysis, analytical writing, communication and research skills.

Ethics

Notice and prevent ethical problems in the real world, as well as mitigate and manage existing issues. You'll develop your skills in situational awareness, conceptual analysis, ethical evaluation and problem solving.

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Pre-Law

Gain a rich theoretical context for understanding the aims and methods of law, normative systems, and action guidance, as well as written and verbal practice developing argumentation and advocacy skills.

World Philosophy

Understand the foundations of various cultures and worldviews found in our increasingly integrated global society. You'll develop your cultural awareness, conceptual sophistication, and evaluative and problem-solving skills.

Philosophy Scholarships

Current WSU students interested in any Fairmount College scholarship, including philosophy, can submit an application through ScholarshipUniverse.

Apply for Philosophy scholarships

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Spotlight on World Philosophy

Dive into the rich tapestry of human thought with a curated selection of courses that explore the metaphysics, epistemology and ethical systems developed around the world.

Some of our courses like PHIL 228 Introduction to Japanese Philosophy, PHIL 365 Survey of Asian Philosophy, and PHIL 304 LatinX and Latin American Thought (all offered in Fall 2025) focus on philosophy from a particular part of the world or from a particular culture. Many of our other courses include cross-cultural or global content. Ask us about your interests!

Explore philosophy courses

Student Testimonials

The benefits of philosophy are inexhaustive, which include greater analytical thinking, critical thinking and writing, as well as gaining the ability to take on and have a better appreciation of difficult questions regarding politics, economics, ethics and religion. For myself, philosophy has proven to be beneficial in furthering my education, as it has formulated a foundation for obtaining an MBA. I will forever be indebted to the gifts and values that come from this field, as it is not just a major but a skill that one acquires.

Matthew C. Rose
Philosophy Alumni, Class of 2018

See what Philosophy alumni are saying

Philosophy News

All department news

Environment and Sustainability

Dr. Colby Clark joins our faculty

Dr. Colby Clark joins WSU this Fall as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy. He specializes in environmental philosophy and environmental ethics. Click for more about Dr. Clark.

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Metrology

Four new works from Dr. Sterrett

With topics ranging from Wittgenstein and Mach, metrology and analogy, to the role of the fabulous in the history of science, click here to read a bit more about her latest work.

Dr. Lu Receives Barrier Award for Excellence in Teaching

The John R. Barrier Distinguished Teaching Award is given each year to a full-time faculty member in the humanities or social sciences divisions of Fairmount College. This peer recognition award acknowledges a professor whose teaching is outstanding, who has had an impact on the lives and career choices of students and who has the ability to enliven teaching and enrich the understanding of students. Congratulations, Dr. Lu!

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philosophy news

Dr. Hepburn Retires, Spring 2025

After a decade in the WSU Department of Philosophy, Dr. Brian Hepburn is retiring at the end of the Spring 2025 semester. While at WSU Dr. Hepburn's teaching and research focused on engineering ethics and the history and philosophy of the physical sciences. He has been the department Undergraduate Coordinator since 2020, received the Barrier Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024, and served as interim department chair in the absolute worst semester, Spring 2020. Please join us in wishing Dr. Hepburn all the best in his next adventure.

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graduation

Pizza and Congrats to our Grads

A good time was had by all at the Philosophy Department pizza party and graduation celebration! Special congratulations to VC and CP, who have great plans in store after graduation.

Philosophy

Dr. Bondy featured in The Sunflower

Philosophers are people, too! Read about Dr. Bondy's musical side.

Dr. Hill, peering around a door with a big grin

metaphysics

Dr. Hill's paper on Determinism is now available

Interested in free will, moral agency, and determinism? Check out Dr. Hill's paper "Strawsonian Hard Determinism" in the Journal of Philosophy.

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Moral Philosophy

Dr. Castro gives philosophy of medicine talk at Newman University

As part of Newman University's Emerging Technology: Promises and Perils conference April 11-12, Dr. Castro will be speaking about "Medical Integrity, Algorithmic Intimacy, and Organoid AI". Register by April 4! This is a free event, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

More about Philosophy

Philosophy Events Faculty and Staff Logic Tutoring Clinic Philosophy Library Guide APA Guide to Graduate Programs in Philosophy

Historic Fiske Hall

Dedicated in 1906, Fiske Hall is the oldest surviving building on Wichita State's campus and is home to the Department of Philosophy. Today, Fiske has been updated to include modern amenities to accommodate students, faculty and staff.

Learn more about our facilities

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Start your journey now.

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