The study of ethics, which resides in this department, is increasingly recognized as an important component of an education in fields as diverse as business, medicine, law, and scientific research. Ethical questions and how to address them frequently form the core of our public policy debates. The skills of logic taught in this department are fundamental to computer science, mathematics, and other quantitative and engineering fields. Living in an increasingly diverse society, understanding differing approaches to the human religious impulse and response to the mysterious is essential. Indeed, even the one who is a committed believer in a particular religious path needs to be able to engage in dialogue with other religions and with science and scientific philosophy, as well as gaining a better understanding the role of religion in law, economics, politics, society, language, and culture. Foremost, a major in this department will become clearer about his or her own answers to these fundamental questions, and develop the intellectual and academic skills needed to identify and explore the assumptions and experiences that underlie these answers. These skills will help the student succeed in the university, and in life beyond the university. Not only will the study of philosophy and religion be conducive to success in studies and career, but it will make life richer, provide resources for giving professional and personal relationships more flexibility and depth, and increase interior freedom to make good choices and carry them out.

We hope you will study with us. We cannot promise an easy time, but things of great worth and lasting value are rarely easy and you will find your efforts will serve you for the rest of your life.