Discussing ideas at Daisy's Cafe

Discussing ideas at Daisy's Cafe

Philosophizing at the boathouse

Philosophizing at the boathouse

Pursuing the life of the mind

Pursuing the life of the mind

In Philosophy, students cultivate the art of thinking and explore fundamental questions about the world.

Philosophy

Philosophical study at Sweet Briar takes the form of careful, close reading and in-depth discussion of great works in the Western intellectual tradition, including the writings of philosophers widely acknowledged to be profound, provocative — or both.

Among the oldest of the academic disciplines, philosophy explores fundamental questions about the world, including the nature of reality, knowledge, beauty, truth, justice, consciousness, the self and the good life. With its emphasis on cultivating the art of thinking, philosophy is also among the most useful of contemporary disciplines, teaching the essential skills of critical reflection, analytical reasoning, creative problem solving and articulate expression. By studying philosophy, students both sharpen their minds and deepen their understanding of the world and the wonder it inspires.

In addition to acquiring a strong background in the history of philosophy, students benefit from pursuing the far reach of philosophy into social and political thought, logic, ethics, religion, science, history, ecology and the arts.