Philosophy – It’s not what you think!!
Philosophy has always critically examined our most basic beliefs about the world and our place in it. Inquiry in philosophy grapples with such basic questions as:
“How do we distinguish between right and wrong?”
“What are the grounds for correct judgments?”
“What is a person?”
“Is there a God?”
You probably think that’s all philosophers spend their time on.
Philosophy today, and especially Philosophy here at Michigan State University, is much more than that. Philosophers at MSU work with scientists and agricultural experts, advise doctors and hospitals, engage in contemporary legal and political issues, work with international agencies on global justice, testify in court about evolutionary theory, and more. We incorporate traditions from around the world. We have published on philosophy in agriculture, in sports, in biology, in law, and many other cutting-edge topics. We ask all the traditional question like those above but also questions such as:
“What do I owe future generations?”
“Does free but hateful speech have any value?”
“What responsibilities do scientists have to their research subjects?”
“Is there a human right to immigrate?”
“Will AI ever be conscious?”
“Should I avoid asking picky-eating friends over for dinner?”
We call our program “Philosophy Engaged”
Philosophy – it is what you think!!
No matter what the topic, philosophers practice critical reasoning methods that insist upon clarity, depth, precision, comprehensiveness, fairness, persuasiveness, search for common ground and agreement, and respect for truth. These methods are vitally needed in today’s world of misinformation, manipulation, artificial intelligence, and shallow thinking. So actually, Philosophy IS what you think.
What kind of Philosophy is for you?
We offer three majors and three corresponding minors.
Philosophy: the traditional comprehensive approach to all philosophical issues, balancing theoretical and practical topics, historical and contemporary figures, and drawing from multiple philosophical approaches from around the globe.
Philosophy and Law: NEW as of Fall 2026! A focus on legal, ethical, political, and social issues that you would face in a career in law or related fields, with a strong emphasis on critical reasoning skills needed for the LSAT and law school.
Philosophy and the Sciences: NEW as of Fall 2026! A focus on the methods, ethical issues, social implications, controversies, key theoretical claims, and practical demands of the natural, biological, agricultural, social, medical, and environmental sciences.
The Value of Philosophy
Philosophy critically examines our most basic beliefs about the world and our place in it. Inquiry in philosophy grapples with such basic questions as: “Can we be sure of our beliefs?” “What are the grounds for correct judgments?” “How do we distinguish between right and wrong?” “What is a person?” “Are we free or causally determined?” “Is there a God?”
Philosophy strives to develop the ability to reason clearly, to distinguish between good and bad arguments, to navigate through a complicated maze of questions, to clarify puzzling concepts, and to use intelligence and logic in situations ruled all too often by prejudices. It helps one understand points of view in a variety of controversies. Philosophy can help expand a student’s horizons by enabling one to see beyond the social, political, and economic world as it presently exists and develop a controlled but imaginative awareness of alternatives. Philosophy makes available to the student a significant portion of the world’s great literature and makes one aware of the extent to which scientists, artists, poets, educators, and theologians have depended upon philosophical thought and argument in the course of their own development.
The foregoing suggests the multiplicity of links between philosophy and other disciplines and professions such as the sciences, the arts, medicine, and law. Philosophy serves to place the study of such disciplines within a broader intellectual perspective and provides logical and analytical tools for understanding them. Since philosophy can enter into so many different programs, philosophical studies may be pursued as an intrinsic component of any liberal or professional education.