Do you excel in debates? Do you consider yourself a logical reasoner and puzzle solver? Are you concerned about ethics? And finally, do you wonder why the world works the way it does and search for universal truths? If you answered, “yes,” to most of these questions, you may be a good candidate for the Philosophy Program at Buffalo State College.
Computers are substituting for humans in performing “routine” work tasks that require the rote following of rules or directions. At the same time, workers are increasingly being required to complete more complex thinking tasks that computers still cannot perform, such as those that involve interactions with other humans (whether collaborating, persuading, or selling), or that require solving unexpected problems.
Philosophy prepares workers by helping to develop the skills and competencies that are in demand in the 21st-century workplace. By studying philosophy, students learn how to:
After Carly Pershyn, '16, got involved in Women in Philosophy, she said she started to define herself as an intellectual and a scholar.
“When I heard people discussing subjects like philosophy, I remember sitting back and thinking they know so much more than I do, so I’m not going to say anything,” she said.
“Through the different experiences I’ve had on campus, be it receiving awards or professors and students thanking me for my contributions, I’ve come to realize that what I have to say is valid and meaningful. Now I know I have just as much a voice as anyone else.”
To philosophy professor Kimberly Blessing, philosophy isn’t grounded only in the wisdom of ancient sages. She sees its relevance everywhere.
She loves to infuse her classrooms with popular cultural references and often uses novels and television shows in her first-year courses as a foray into the subject.
She’s recently authored or co-authored academic articles on topics such as “Cosmic Justice in Breaking Bad: Can Sociopaths and Antiheroes Live Meaningful Lives?,” “The Meaning of Life and Work in Downton Abbey,” and “What HBO’s Girls Has to Say About Meaning in Life for Millennials.”
Generally, the study of philosophy offers a strong foundation for a liberal arts education. At Buffalo State, our philosophy curriculum focuses on classic texts of the Western canon, emphasizing logic, critical thinking, and practical ethics. We are a small, selective program that offers students personalized attention and expert advising.
Buffalo State's philosophy major complements various fields of study; e.g., computer science, education, English, history, mathematics, psychology, political science, etc. Philosophy majors outperform many other disciplines on graduate entry exams such as the GRE, MCAT, and LSAT. Our program offers students excellent preparation for law school and other graduate programs in the arts and sciences. Following are some of the other reasons why Buffalo State’s philosophy program is an excellent choice:
Buffalo State is proud to offer its philosophy students a program that combines academic learning with hands-on experiences. Opportunities open to philosophy students beyond the classroom include:
Buffalo State's philosophy major offers excellent preparation for law school and other graduate programs in the arts and sciences, including English, psychology, political science, and education.
Students who complete the religious studies minor are well prepared to pursue careers within their own religious traditions as well as advanced degrees in divinity, theology, or religious studies.
Philosophy graduates find careers in a wide range of fields, some requiring only a bachelor’s degree while others require a law degree or other graduate degree. Professional positions for philosophy degree holders include:
