Why study philosophy?

With a bachelor of arts in philosophy from VCU, you'll hone your reasoning skills and be able to apply them as you explore carefully reasoned answers to deep questions about the human condition.

You'll also have many opportunities to sharpen your writing skills, increase your openness to rational criticism and learn to disagree about some of life's most important questions in a civil way. Finally, philosophy can equip you for any career that requires careful thinking and the ability to clearly express ideas.

Learn more about the value of a degree in philosophy.

News

New courses this year explore the ethics and philosophy of AI, in which students will explore questions raised as AI’s influence expands. (Getty Images)

Sept. 18, 2024

New VCU humanities courses consider nontechnical aspects of artificial intelligence

The offerings include ethics and philosophy classes that make up a new microcredential digital badge.

Ty Phillips, an aspiring doctor majoring in biology and philosophy, says he "loves all sciences, all sorts of knowledge." (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

April 26, 2024

Class of 2024: Ty Phillips brings a philosophical approach to his VCU years, medical hopes and life in general

As a double-major student, EMT and aspiring doctor, he embraces his natural curiosity and commitment to community.

National Endowment for the Humanities grants will help to establish a health humanities minor and support a professor’s book project. (Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

April 18, 2024

National Endowment for the Humanities awards two grants to VCU projects

One will establish a health humanities minor, while the other supports a professor’s book project on visual images of African Americans in leisure contexts from slavery through the Jim Crow era.

Philosophy Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

A flyer for the 2024 Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture, hosted by Richard Chappell

2024 Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture

Date: Thursday, Nov 14, 2024

What can engaged moral agents and policy-makers learn from academic moral philosophy? What can moral philosophers learn from those who are actively trying to make the world a better place? Professor Chappell's lecture will take up these questions, exploring—from both directions—the prospects for unifying ethical theory and practice.