Philosophy at Bates

Philosophy is the careful, in-depth study of humanity’s most basic ideas, presuppositions, and beliefs.

With the goal of first understanding who we are, how the world is, and how we conceive the world, philosophy seeks to then challenge those conceptions and why we hold them. Courses within this major welcome and celebrate a diversity of opinions, with students encouraged to examine why they hold certain views and learn to think critically about these views. Students leave the major with a new lens through which to view our world and the people in it.

Contact Us

Jeanne Beliveau – Academic Administrative Assistant
7 Andrews Road
Hedge Hall
Phone: 207-786-8204 jbelive2@bates.edu

What You Will Learn

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To develop a sense of the intrinsic value of philosophical reflection and contemplation

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How to use reason to analyze, reconstruct, and evaluate claims and arguments

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How to read and respond critically to philosophical arguments, including situating written material in the appropriate context

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How to develop an individual voice in both writing and speech

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How to craft well-reasoned, creative arguments that can be articulated clearly and defended soundly

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To be able to connect philosophical knowledge to other fields and to non-philosophical topics

Life After Bates

Philosophy majors at Bates have gone on to successful careers that require finely tuned critical thinking skills and the ability to craft complex arguments. These fields vary from science to government to economics. In addition, graduates have continued their education at medical school, law school, or other graduate schools, where their strong foundation in philosophy gives them a much-needed perspective on our world.

94%

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.

Selected Places of Employment/Service

Barclays Investment Bank
Wells Fargo
Sullivan & Cromwell
McLean Hospital
Toyota Financial Services
Peace Corps
Synopsys Inc.
Milken Institute
Institute for Justice
Darling Consulting Group

Selected Graduate Schools

Harvard Medical School
University of Oxford
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Georgetown University
King’s College London
Columbia University
New England College of Optometry
University of Utah College of Law
CUNY Graduate Center

Why study Philosophy at Bates?

The Philosophy department at Bates cultivates an atmosphere that is inclusive and makes room for historically underrepresented perspectives. Courses emphasize both the history of philosophical thought and the striking innovations, insights, and relevance of contemporary philosophy. The curriculum goes beyond the historical lineage of philosophy, which can be traced back through Europe and Ancient Greece, to highlight marginalized voices and approaches that help us understand humans across all identities. Many courses focus on non-Western approaches to philosophy, taking into account how oppression has influenced and determined the nature of philosophical questions.

Featured Courses

Meet the Faculty

Faculty members in the Philosophy department at Bates have published articles in renowned journals and overseen ethics departments at major hospitals. They are active philosophers and scholars who work tirelessly to explore and contribute to their areas of interest, whether that’s philosophy of film, metaphysics, or biomedical ethics.