Philosophy     View the online catalog

The study of philosophy is the study of ideas - how they are formed and how they evolve. Since you’re reading this, chances are you are something of a philosopher already. And although philosophy is often thought of as an abstract, non-“real world” exercise, philosophy is actually the foundation of thought behind law, journalism, medicine, science, theology and business.

We recognize that the study of philosophy is more than reading Plato or Kant; it is also about seeing the effects of their ideas in the real world.

A philosophy major’s study is not limited to the classroom, but continues throughout her or his St. Andrews experience. In fact, you will just as often find yourself playing volleyball before dinner with a visiting philosopher, or meeting in your residence hall lounge to hear fellow students’ papers. We see classrooms as places where people should have fun learning, and residence halls where (at least occasionally) vibrant discourse is heard.

St. Andrews also encourages double majors, so that you are free to investigate the connections between philosophy and politics, philosophy and business, or philosophy and science, for example.