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Philosophy

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Seek knowledge, develop original ideas, and discuss life's biggest questions

Philosophy StudentsMolloy offers a well-rounded approach to philosophy, emphasizing critical thinking, effective argumentation and thorough familiarity with important thinkers and trends. Small classroom settings are specifically geared toward promoting active discussion. The faculty are dedicated, diverse and well-respected. Our esteemed professors become your mentors and teach you to think critically and to express your ideas in a logical and coherent way.

The Philosophy Department offers a B.A. in Philosophy with a multifaceted educational approach to ensure that our students are best prepared for the challenges of the competitive job market. Our undergraduate program is grounded in academic excellence, the ideals of truth and respect for the worth and dignity of every student.  We develop the vital skills that employers seek and provide a broad curriculum of study, so students are open to a diverse range of professional opportunities. We also cultivate the appreciation for and knowledge of the international community, so our students are equipped to succeed in today’s global economy and border-less reach of technology.

Transfer students are welcome into this program. Learn more about transferring to Molloy, including transfer guidelines, articulation agreements and funding opportunities.

Minors Offered

  • Philosophy

    The philosophy minor provides you with the rare opportunity to enhance your educational experience and gain an edge in the job market as you build the essential skills needed for today's in-demand careers. 

  • Applied Ethics

    The applied ethics minor adds an edge to the resume of students interested in law, business, medicine, education, social policy and the environment. With a foundation in the political and philosophical theories that define ethics, the "application" considers cases and real-world dilemmas people face in our evolving society. Few topics today are as relevant as ethics is to nearly every field, every career and every major.

  • Bioethics

    The Bioethics minor covers ethical issues related to medicine and the biological sciences. Students study a range of ethical issues such as:

    • Patients’ rights: informed consent, confidentiality, right to refuse treatment -Bias and inequality in health care such as racial bias and weight bias
    • The patient/provider relationship
    • Reproductive ethics: abortion, surrogacy, in-vitro fertilization
    • Research ethics: informed consent, risk/benefit ratio, scientific validity, societal value
    • Disability: defining disability, accessibility, public policy, disability in education
    • Environmental ethics: sustainability, moral considerability of animals and ecosystems
    • Cloning, ectogenesis, stem cell research
    • Death and dying: euthanasia, advanced directives, hospice, palliative care

Career Ready - Life Ready

Rayaz Khan

Majoring in Philosophy is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a successful career. Recent studies show that the majority of business owners and employers prefer to hire university graduates with the skills developed by the study of philosophy. The Association of American Colleges and Universities reports that employers want their prospective employees to have oral communication, critical thinking, analytic reasoning and ethical judgement; all skills learned by studying the liberal arts. Undergraduate preparation in philosophy is desirable for students wishing to pursue law school or medical school. A degree in philosophy can also lead to careers in business, teaching, publishing, non profit, foreign service, public policy and more.

Beyond readiness to enter today's in demand careers, our philosophy students have the chance to examine some of the profoundest questions of life, to explore the rich tapestry of cultures around the world, to probe moral and political controversies, to develop character traits that will enhance personal as well as professional life, and to build a love of creativity and innovation that will last a lifetime. Philosophy is a transformative experience that will make your college education the perfect gateway into your career and your life. 

What Our Philosophy Students Say

You will quickly feel at home in our department with an environment that supports diverse perspectives and encourages you to look deeper into your own interests. The philosophy curriculum will open you up to some of the seminal ideas of human history and give you an opportunity to explore the ethical, political, cultural, and social issues that define our time.

  • Christopher Martin BA Philosophy 2018

    "When I began as a new philosophy student, I was quickly introduced to various schools of thought and different perspectives. It was exciting to freshly engage with famous thinkers and critically assess thought systems. I really enjoyed applying famous philosophical theories to events in my life."

  • Madison Chamblin Class of 2023

    "New students in the philosophy program should expect to be intellectually challenged. Philosophy is a complex and non-traditional subject, and college is the first time many students will experience a philosophy class. Being able to understand philosophy and develop on the ideas of so many great historical thinkers is a very rewarding experience. The program is great because there is a lot of room for exploration. You can tailor many of your projects to reflect topics and causes that you are passionate about. You can explore many different content areas that may interest you. There is room for everyone in the philosophy program, and it can be a great supplement to any major as a minor or elective! I am hoping to pursue a job in law or politics, in areas of interest that include social justice, women's rights and international affairs."

Center for Social and Ethical Concerns (CSEC)

An interdisciplinary initiative led by the Philosophy Department, the Center for Social and Ethical Concerns is focused on strengthening the connection between curriculum and community involvement. The Center provides a forum and a research resource for students, faculty, and the wider community interested in critical analysis of and dialogue about ethics in all domains of contemporary life. 

The mission of CSEC is:

  • To promote trauma-informed, disability informed ethical leadership.
  • To serve as a platform for current issues and concerns that are ethically complex and of urgent social importance.
  • To model and support work that draws from the framework and principles of Social Justice.
  • To address issues of both a local and global scope as it involves difficult conversations of policymaking as well as of best practices.

Projects and initiatives include speakers, conferences, workshops, podcasts, webinars, and outreach opportunities, with social and ethical concerns specific to public policy and bioethics. The CSEC supports the Bioethics and Applied Ethics minors sponsored by the Philosophy Department. 

 

Contact 516.323.3340 or email csec@molloy.edu for more information.

about/community-outreach/center-for-social-and-ethical-concerns

Philosophy Faculty

Department Chair

Dr. Howard Ponzer

Siena Hall 108
1000 Hempstead Ave
Rockville Centre, New York 11570