Spiritual reflection

Bachelor of Arts in
Philosophy

Philosophy is the practice of genuinely asking and attempting to answer two related questions about matters of ultimate concern: “Why do we believe and value what we do, and should we believe and value those things?” The Loras philosophy program is designed to engage students in the rational examination of these questions through both traditional and innovative philosophical techniques, engaging them in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and integrating diverse contemporary perspectives.

Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Learning Outcomes

Explore Internships & Careers

Many Internships and study abroad opportunities are available. All philosophy majors participate in college internship programs offered through the Loras College Center for Experiential Learning. More philosophy majors study abroad than any other major on campus. Popular locations include:

  • Ireland
  • Spain
  • England
  • South Africa
  • Rome
  • Asssi
  • Peru

You will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.

  • Law and jurisprudence
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • Ethics and compliance
  • Instructional design
  • Ministry and priesthood
  • Politics and government service
  • Public policy analysis and lobbying
  • Non-profit management
  • Grant writing
  • Media and publishing
  • Copywriting and editing
  • Academic research
  • Counseling
Center for experiential learning

Course Highlights

Human Identity in Community

Philosophic investigation into human identity as a rational and social being, relying upon common experience, culture, and selected findings of the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; attention given to the distinct powers, performances, and place of human beings within the natural order, and insights related to the self and society, including the themes of life, mutual dependence, freedom, unity, knowledge and practical reason, and the afterlife.

Foundations of Ethics

This course will examine the basic questions of morality and the answers that have been developed within the Western philosophical and Christian theological traditions. Important historical and contemporary primary source material will be examined.

Knowledge, Truth & Reality

The study of what and how things exist in the world (metaphysics/philosophy of being), and how we cognitively experience and understand these things (epistemology/philosophy of knowledge); includes notions of being in itself, potency and actuality; causality; the properties of unity, good, and beauty; the nature of evil; intellect and sense perception; truth and falsity; and subjective states of certainty, doubt, ignorance, and error.

School of Humanities & Education

Majors & Minors

Philosophical Salon

A weekly informal gathering during which you are encouraged to come and discuss a variety of philosophical topics with the philosophy faculty. Occasionally there are special speakers or proposed topics; however, you are encouraged to raise your own topics of interest. This is an excellent opportunity for those with an interest in philosophy to engage with other like-minded individuals in a casual but intellectually stimulating setting.

Clubs & Orgs

We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved from the moment you set foot on campus.

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Straight Talk from a Duhawk

I appreciated that I was always challenged to be better and think more critically. I was also empowered by faculty to reach my full potential and that long-term growth was more important than short-term grades. Also, my coursework was always focused on relevant experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.

— Michaela (’18)

Meet Your Professors

Christoffer Lammer-Heindel  PhD

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Contact & Profile

Traci Phillipson  PhD

Assistant Professor of Philosophy

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Heleana Theixos  Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Andrew P. Studdert Chair of Business Ethics & Crisis Leadership

Contact & Profile

Philosophy News

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